This is my letter to what i know about ava cogburn which im her brother.the mom i have now did not still us away from are real mom.and i can remember in my littlest days.when my real mom wasnt feeling good.I can remember when my real mom had lost her temper threw me on the foor and had to grab me away from here and tryed to drown me in the sink.so how would you know vickie you werent there or my little sister kim she was just a baby.plus my other mom is not a misstress she took good care of us.plus the last time i was there in my younger days visiting my mom was living in some cockroach infested place which was wrong and when i was with aunt nancy at bank she would cash her checks take the rest for her booze and so called boy friend.give my mom kathleen mabe 20 dollars to by her some food.which made me so angry.i never seen no one help her when she needed help.but dont get me wrong i do love my real mom no matter what.So dont condemnd my sister ava.she deserves her spot in her contest.since vicky has no clue about are family history. from brette the unknown relation to those members who try to to think they know everything and are better then anyone.plus my dad was the best father i could ever ask for same with my mom that is my mom now.sure glad they took me away from all of that.better place. and a better life.

Dear More Magazine,
I would like to set the record straight on a well-deserved contestant of the 2011 Beauty Search, Ava St.Pierre Cogburn. There was a person who wrote in by the name of Vickie Carlson slamming on Ava St.Pierre Cogburn. Let me start by saying Vickie Carlson is not a real person and the person who wrote the letter did not have enough tenacity to come forward under their real name. This is due to the fact that their information was incorrect and their letter a lie. This person attempted to impersonate someone but did not spell that person's name correctly. Ava St.Pierre Cogburn is my mother. She is the most wonderful mother and grandmother one could ask for. She's kind, giving, nurturing and everything a woman should be. She is a role model and a mentor to me and my two small children. I find it sad that the person who wrote in under Vickie is filled with so much jealousy and craze that she could not hold back mean comments even if it meant lying and making things up. Ava, did in fact, become a victim to abuse. I find it courageous and brave to come forward and speak out about the past. I would never be able to talk openly about such horrible times as my mom did. There's plenty of witnesses and documentation to prove Ava's childhood abuse and past. The person who wrote the letter is also succumbing to this sad disease- mental illness. I feel blessed that my mother went through hard times and overcame her past to become a truly amazing mother. She has never spoken ill about her birth mom and thanks her for the life she gave her and even took care of her in her last years of life. My mom would never enter a contest for the money. She has two successful businesses and doesn't need the money. She entered the contest for peace of mind and to share her story with others who may be facing the same issues. Why is it okay for Kara DioGuardi to be featured on the front page of More's website about her struggles with past sexual abuse and it's not okay for others to speak about their past without being criticized by their own sibling? Too sad. This letter was offensive to my entire family including the other siblings who were victims of abuse. Thank you for your time and allowing my mother such a great opportunity in the Beauty Search. I'm proud of my mom for all she has accomplished in life and for teaching me to always tell the truth, speak up, be a strong woman and reach for your dreams! I would not be who or where I am today without the love and support of my mother. Here's to you mom! I think "Vickie's" previous letter will only provoke more attention and love toward Ava than she has already received by entering this contest. Your letter backfired big time. Sincerely, a loving and protective daughter, Sheree' Cogburn

To a women who has taught me so much, been there whenever I needed her, to a women that has more courage and strength then anyone I know, to a women whom is more giving then anyone Ava St. Pierre Cogburn. Ava has become a friend, a sister, a mother to me over the past 5years. I wouldn't be the first to say that she would give you the shirt off her back, even if it was the only shirt that she owned. I have seen and hepled Ava at numerous charity events not only giving her time but also contrubuiting to the cause.
I was totally appalled that someone would have the tenacity to write something so far from the truth to More Magazine. I don't think that it is right that someone speaks out about something that happened when they weren't there to witness it. I CHALLENGE anyone and everyone to go to LA County Courts, LA California and PROVE that what happened in Ava's past never occured. Ava doesn't deserve to be a victim again!
Everyone that has spoken out should be assamed of themselves for being so incorrect about the information that was given.
Personal note to Ava St. Pierre Cogburn, " You have become a mother to me. Someone that I can count on day in and day out. You have given me courage and strength to succeed in life. You have more faith in me then anyone ever has. I love you with all my heart!" Beth Jovanovic

This is my first negative posting to a magazine to which I subscribe, but I can no longer remain quiet concerning the advertising direction MORE is taking. Two of the first three "women" in the May 2011 issue are one step out of adolescence, and this excessive presentation of youth continues throughout the issue. Please revisit your mission statement with your advertising department.

I have been a subscriber for years and have even given subscriptions to friends as gifts. I always looked forward to each new issue.
However....In your May edition I was horrified with the article "The Great Awakening' by Christina Bellantoni. It glorified the likes of Media whores such as Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann and Christine O'Donnell of the so called "tea party." Why are these women suppose to be role models when other than receiving loads of money for their hate speeches and lies, I see nothing positive they are accomplishing? Exactly what is their platform, other than blaming everything on President Obama? What are their positions on fiscal issues, social issues, foreign affairs, science, education, health and the role of religion in government? I hear a lot of complaining from them but "zero" when it comes to constructive ideas.
I am so disgusted that Mores publishing this article, I am canceling my subscription.
I will not purchase another of your magazine nor will I recommend them to others. I have always passed my magazines to friends or donated them to nursing homes/hospitals ..etc. The May issue has gone directly in the trash, where it belongs.
You have just lost a subscriber.
Karoline Barnett

"We Hear You."
No, let's not say that. You don't. We liked having a magazine that celebrated women over 40, and you've removed that from your masthead.
Your article about Holli Thompson who "turned her life around" by eating naturally -- which she will help you do for a mere $2,000 -- gave me pangs of sympathy as I thought about how her struggles with allergies and other problems had left her with fat lips, shown in her photo.
Fat lips. And then I realized that Ms. Thompson's idea of a "natural" life is somewhat different from mine -- she paid someone quite a bit of money to get her fat lips, and she probably believes they enhance her appeal.
So, you can't sell products to "natural" people who don't want fat lips, and that's why you no longer cater to women over 40???

Well, have you "jumped (the More Magazine) shark". The April issue may be the death knell of my subscription. The Men We Love article was insulting, at best. I thought this magazine was about evolving as we age, yet the cads (Against Our Better Judgment) and the prepubescent boys (Mrs Robinson) reduced you to the status of Cosmopolitan. And I very much agree with the "ads" for youthfulness disguised as articles comment by another viewer. If I wanted Cosmo, I would subscribe to that magazine. Get a grip, and go back to writing quality articles, or lose some subscribers. If you have gained more because of this swill, than I surrender my place to them.

have always enjoyed More magazine because it seemed different from the rest. However, laterly all it seems to have are articles that seem more like commercials; “best makeup, have to buy this for wrinkles”, etc. Is there any product that you DONT like?
This is also the case with the article of reverse mortgages. There is a very important factor that was not mentioned. If you are the last one living in the home and have to go to a nursing home, there is a deadline of how long you can be there without losing your home. In other words, you may not have a home to go back to if you have been in nursing home for an extended time.

I wish I could read the article "A Country of Women" but I can't get past the Images. I agree with KateM, the pictures are offensive. I'm seriously considering canceling my subscription.

I don't read More to see images like the offensive and brutal photo (April issue "A Country of Women") of a Russian woman triumphantly holding a knife over a dead pig. That image and the accompanying paragraphs about the hostile woman depicted turned me off from reading the rest of the article. Ugh.

This contest is such a scam...any contest that asks for money is trying to rip you off! It is only about how many votes you can round up, nothing to do with beauty inside or out! You should be ashamed of ripping these poor women off MORE magazine...If just one woman reads this and doesn't enter this foolish contest, I have done my job! SOOOOOO dissapointed in this magazine for woman! YEAH, RIGHT

am I totally missing something or what? I can't find the forums. are they gone? and if so, why? I realize that there wasn't the traffic that's on LHJ-but those of us who participated did have fun

Thank you so much for your answer concerning my question on the More Beauty Search Contest. I appreciate your response and feel reassured that More Magazine would not be part of an endeavor that would mislead their readers. I wish all of the entrants good luck and have enjoyed reading their inspirational profiles.

Dear Jeaniemc@cox.net,
Thanks so much for writing More and for your interest in the More Beauty Search Contest. As the Marketing Director of More, I wanted to reply to your question. Per the Official Contest Rules as posted on the Beauty Search web site, the Sponsor (Meredith Corporation/More magazine) has the discretion to apply the Rules for the contest, and decisions of the Sponsor regarding the rules are binding and final. We are unable to advise you as to which, if any, Beauty Search entries may be disqualified from the contest, but please be assured that the Official Rules will be interpreted and applied uniformly for all Beauty Search entries. I hope this answers your question. Thank you again for your inquiry.
Ann Baird

I don't understand why More magazine is accepting professional pictures from some the entrants of the Beauty Search contest. The rules specify that the entry cannot be a professional photo and it appears that at least 20% of them are. That doesn't seem fair to the entrants who obey the rules and submit a snapshot. I am not sure if the editors read this site, but surely someone could screen the entries as they are submitted to give everyone an equal chance. Is there anyway to receive a response on this question?

I have been a loyal reader for three years. I also am up for renewal. I have been so disappointed in the last two issues that I have read...Molly Sims? Bridget Moynahan? Really??!!I will not renew until you get back on track..there are plenty of beautiful,interesting,confident and talented women over forty that can be featured...You can do better. And shame on you for the shallow and self serving articals...the Amy Davidson "contribution"??...and just so you know,I want to look great AT MY AGE..If I wanted that "fluff", I'ld read People or Glamour! Get it back together.

Just as I was considering the renewal to More sitting near my checkbook, I flipped through the March issue. It did not take long to see Amy Davidson's insults to Governor Sarah Palin. Governor Palin did not step down as governor to star in a reality show. She stepped down to avoid putting Alaskans through defending tedious, costly lawsuits hurled their way by parasitic attackers. In essence, she allowed Alaskans to get on with the business of being Alaskans without the rigors of national politics. I am insulted by the lack of integrity shown by Ms. Davidson. We must not allow anyone to demean us, regardless of our politics. Consider my subscription non-renewable.

I loved MORE when you truly celebrated the mature beauty, wisdom and accomplishments of women 40, 50 and older. Lately too many of your beauty and fashion articles focus on anti-aging. I'd much prefer to see editorial content, fashion, photographs and advertisements that showcase us being the best we can be -- not trying to turn back the clock. I'd love to honor designers creating fashion for real and still beautiful women at 40, 50 and older. My friends and I -- all in our late 40's and 50's are very happy with who we are, and are bored by anti-aging articles.
With the sheer number of Baby Boomers, I would think your audience would be better served by showcasing women who are fabulous at 50.

"More magazine Celebrating Women Over 40"
Molly Sims is 38 and the March issue features Bridget Moynahan who is 39. Who's next, Lady Gaga?

So... Molly Sims, Chloe Sevigny... could it be that More has run out of beautiful and interesting women over 40?

How come when I submit many good articles to More.com, they only reviewed a few and accepted two and published them. Two others were asked to be shortened and I have never heard since. It would be nice to be informed as to whether or not you want to publish them on More.com
Thanks Mrs. Elita Sohmer Clayman Baltimore, Md
elitajerrydancing@verizon.net

How come you don't mention the ages of the women you profile or the models you feature anymore? The main reason why I loved More is that I felt you were acknowledging the middle aged woman but now I feel like you are trying to minimize it and just trying to grab a bigger audience. Very disappointing.

I am disappointed in the article from newsmaker in the December 2010/January2011 issue, entitled "Health Reformer in Chief" This was obviously a cheer leading effort to promote the head of HHS, Kathleen Sebelius and the Obama Administration position on health care. Why no opposing view point? Only promotion of how great this is for women, when it is not. How about making these balanced? Contact Dr. David Janda and ask him about the program. Here are just a few things that are wrong with the reform: * Rations and denies access to healthcare. Denying access to healthcare is the most inhumane and unethical means of cutting costs;
* Costs $1 TRILLION ( $100 Billion more than The Senate Bill) ;
* Creates over 110 Federal Agencies, commissions and boards;
* Creates The Health Insurance Rate Authority….a direct violation of States’ Rights;
* Establishes a “ Comprehensive Database” on Americans;
* Establishes Individual and Employer Mandates (Mr. Obama’s own Chair of Council of Economic Advisors has stated that this alone would cost 5.5 Million jobs….more unemployment.);
* Institutes $748 Billion in new taxes;
* Cuts Medicare by $500 Billion, over a period when 30% MORE Americans will be added to Medicare rolls, (You do the math…);
* Imposes $136 Billion in tax hikes on working families making LESS THAN $250,000 (Americans for Tax Reform Analysis);
* Ends Medicare Advantage Program for Seniors and forces them to a more expensive plan with less benefits;
* Applies Medicare Tax to unearned income;
* Increases Medicare Payroll Tax from 2.95 to 3.8%; and
* Increases unfunded mandates on every State.
* Increases Capital Gains tax rate as of 2014 to 23.8%
* Creates 16,000 jobs for the IRS to implement penalties for those not buying insurance
You have done a disservice to women.