"Did Not Include 'Letters to the Editor' Responses"
Gent was a magazine published from 1968 until its final issue in 2009. It focused on erotica, but unlike other publications of its kind, it did not include "letters to the editor" responses. This decision set it apart from most others and helped create a distinct voice within the genre.
The concept of printing letters to the editor has been popular in magazines since the early days of publishing. Some argue that this allows readers to interact with the material they are reading and gives them a sense of ownership over the content. However, Gent took a different approach, choosing to publish only original stories and articles without any sort of interruption or commentary. By doing so, they were able to establish themselves as a unique outlet for erotic fiction.
This decision had both pros and cons. On one hand, it meant that Gent was able to present their material in a way that was unfiltered and confessional. Readers could simply enjoy the fantasy presented to them without having to think about outside opinions or critiques. Additionally, this allowed them to experiment more freely with content and form. They were not beholden to reader expectations or conventions that other publications might have imposed upon them.
On the other hand, not including letters to the editor meant that Gent was missing out on an important opportunity for feedback and engagement. Their audience would never be able to connect with them directly through their magazine, which could have led to missed opportunities for growth and expansion. In addition, some may have felt alienated by the lack of response or interaction offered by Gent's format.
Overall, Gent's choice to exclude "letters to the editor" responses was a bold move that ultimately paid off. It allowed them to carve out a niche for themselves in the world of erotica and create something truly special. While there are certainly benefits to including such responses, Gent chose to focus solely on the artistry of the work itself, and this focus proved successful.