How would you save Playboy?

[Dr Shipherd]

It's a shame that the PB forum erased my post on the same subject. I had several ideas on how to save the magazine.

Several posters have brought up one word that describes what Playboy has been lacking over the past few years: class. The PMs in the past had it, and they did so without sacrificing their youthful exuberance. Each PM also had a distinct personality that complemented and contrasted nicely with her fellow models. Today, the PMs look jaded and interchangeable. And yes, I'd also give their shoots more elegant and creative settings. The pictures should look warm and lifelike, instead of sterile and bland.

As for celebrity pictorials, they should be reserved for celebrities. You know, performers that everyone knows, instead of "reality" show participants and hostesses of obscure cable channels. Also, the celebrity shoots should make the subjects look glamorous instead of artsy-fartsy ridiculous (hello, the genius boy who came up with the Darryl Hannah shoot).

With regard to the photographers themselves, lose the current crop and replace them with ones who have artistic vision. You won't be able to bring Posar, Marcus, or Fegley back, but there are photographers out there who take their work seriously and put their heart and soul into conveying images of feminine beauty.

I also agree with posters that say that PB is catering too much to the "drunken frat boy" market. They should focus on the upwardly mobile male 28-49 demographic. And if the average reader can't yet afford the designer golf clubs, the bespoke suits, or the hot new European sports car, they should have some sort of ideal to aspire toward.

In the 50's and 60's, Playboy defined culture and style. Today, I think they can re-trench and establish a new standard that can transcend the dumbed-down pablum out there today. Right now, they're as low as they've ever been (Marge Simpson?); they have nothing to lose by aiming for something higher.