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Should SMNET continue to support BJM now?

Discussion in 'General Midwifery Discussion' started by Josie, Jan 22, 2012.

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Does SMNET continue to support the BJM?

Yes for the excellent educational content 16 vote(s) 13.3%
No they work with formula milk companies 63 vote(s) 52.5%
Not sure - Just wish they would stop such heavy use of formula ads 41 vote(s) 34.2%
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  1. Josie Director of SMNET

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    Here at SMNET we like the BJM's educational content and as the biggest midwifery education website in the world we felt that bringing the BJM to your attention supported your learning.

    However, the recent rise in formula ads in the magazine and the journals new working relationship with Cow and Gate has now raised a potential conflict of interest with SMNET's pro breastfeeding and education campaign the Beautiful Breastfeeding campaign.

    It has been suggested that the BJM may be violating the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.

    I would welcome our members views on the way forward - educational content vs formula advertising? Do SMNET continue to support the BJM by giving them a button ad like we have done for the past 3 years? Or dont we?

    All views welcome.
    Josie, Jan 22, 2012
    #1

  2. Azalea Well-Known Member

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    I don't really know where I stand as I really really disagree with formula advertising to parents, midwives or potential midwives... It completely goes against my principles and the baby friendly initiative and beautiful breastfeeding etc.

    I am stuck though as I am a subscriber for the educational stuff. The articles are great and are highly regarded at uni. I am considering whether to cancel my subscription or keep it for now and cancel when I qualify. I have subscriptions to The practising midwife, essentially midirs and midirs digest too and they all manage without support from formula companies so I don't see how BJM can't. I also wonder if everybody boycotts them will it make a difference... I'd like to think so but am scared to jeopordise my grades. I'm a wimp.
    Azalea, Jan 22, 2012
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  3. Josie Director of SMNET

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    We also manage without formula ads revenue and our 'mag' is free!

    Our readership out strips every midwifery mag there is - which is why we advertise them!

    You arent a wimp PB - this one is a hard decision to make for me also - hence why I posted up all your views are welcome.
    Josie, Jan 22, 2012
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  4. pinkcup Member

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    Its all money really, Cow and Gate will be funding greatly into the BJM. However I personally choose not to take on board the adverts and use the journal soley for my studies.

    I think you should keep the free button on SM.NET as they produce excellent articles and research which I have found to be really valid to my theory.
    x
    pinkcup, Jan 22, 2012
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  5. MrsSkip Moderator

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    I'm in the same boat really. I don't agree with the formula ads but would SMNET really struggle without that sponsorship?
    MrsSkip, Jan 22, 2012
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  6. Lil Miss Sunshine Welfare Moderator

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    Personally I don't think adverts are particularly educational and don't think the BJM should be advertising formula. I think the intention of the formula companies is to get to the healthcare professionals to 'think' their formula is better because it has been advertised in the bjm and think that maybe this will somehow sway a health professional if a parents asks 'which formula do you think i should use'.... even if health professionals are not supposed to recommend a brand.
    Lil Miss Sunshine, Jan 22, 2012
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  7. Josie Director of SMNET

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    The sponsorship deal with the BJM has no monetary value to us - they provide us with subscriptions and copies of journals for our charity events and SMNET events. We have asked them to pay for their ad space to help us fund SMNET but they said no - unlike the RCM, Elsevier & MIDIRS who do formally support SMNET and help keep us online to enable us to provide this excellent community and opportunities for learning & education.

    So no we wouldnt struggle as there is no monetary value.

    We struggle as we dont have a plethora of paying advertisers - SMNET gets by on a wing, prayer, incredible hard work, long hours and the immense goodwill of our staff and supporters.
    Josie, Jan 22, 2012
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  8. Azalea Well-Known Member

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    LMS those are my thoughts too... I will never ever recommend a formula, I just tell parents it is up to them to choose. It really annoys my how much of MY money I am spending to see formula ads... I want to read articles not waste pages on stuff I just flick past that makes me angry. I don't buy the big glossy mags for exactly the same reasons... I'm loathe to pay for pages of ads rather than actual stuff I can read that is useful or entertaining to me. I think I am edging towards cancelling it to be honest.
    Azalea, Jan 22, 2012
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  9. MrsSkip Moderator

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    Oh, I see. Sorry for being dim :-$ In that case, I don't think they should stay on here then and get free advertising when they earn so much from formula ads.
    MrsSkip, Jan 22, 2012
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  10. Lil Miss Sunshine Welfare Moderator

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    I agree... also although what i said before is pretty obvious... they are actually having the nerve to advertise formula products to health professionals.. they're not just advertising in the bjm, they are advertising to midwives!
    Lil Miss Sunshine, Jan 22, 2012
    #10
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