What do people think of this?

Question

News from SKY re Madeliene's parents' press conference this afternoon:

"They had hoped that a special bookmark with Madeleine's photograph could be placed in every copy of the new Potter book. But now it is understood that posters of Madeleine will be put up on cash desks at bookshops instead."

Answer 1

The McCann's need to be upfront with the public and state exactly what their financial situation is and what the money that is raised will be used for. They can't rely on the good nature of the British public for ever. Give out the facts and people will be more open to help.

Answer 2

I think that pressure has been applied owing to the fury of the parents who took their children to see Shrek 3 and then had to explain to their children who Madeleine was. Apparently, some of the kids had nightmares.

The question of the bookmarks came up after this and there were several comments that this would again target children.

Why do the McCanns continue with this tasteless money raising campaign. As other posters have said we all know what Madeleine looks like and we don't need constant reminders. As far as I can make out they haven't yet used any of the money donated so why do they need more? They could always go back to work if they are short of cash.

Answer 3

I think the McCanns are desperate. Wouldn't you be?
All of us here sit safe behind our neat little nicknames & spout theories about what, why & when they should do about their missing Madeleine. Tho' having Madeleine's face on a bookmark may not seem like a very bright idea, it is an idea that any grieving parent will want to explore, just like a drowning man will clutch at straws. Since the McCanns don't stand to gain financially from this option, i don't see any reason for all the acidic comments.

Edit: Just 'cos we don't have details on them hiring a good Private Investigator, (which would defeat the purpose anyways), that doesn't mean they haven't hired one. It needs to be PRIVATE.

Answer 4

i think any parent in his/her right mind will continue looking for a lost child. but at the same time, i cant help but wonder if the parents of madeline are actually looking for her or they simply like the publicity and the money that goes with it? there are many kids out there getting lost, abused, etc and yet we give them less help, let alone publicity. if madeline was abducted by somebody, i sure hope they show her more compassion and sincerity rather than the facade i seem to see from her parents. i know a lot may be offended by this comment but that is my observation.

Answer 5

I fully understand why Madeleine's parents want to keep her her plight highlighted, but I think it should be aimed at adults, not children. My daughter is 14 and is aware of what is going on in the world, but do young children really need to be worried by having this sort of story thrust at them in a book, film or whatever? Yes, they need to be aware of not talking to strangers etc, but let them be children for as long as possible, it doesn't last long.

Answer 6

I think it's great that JK Rowling is lending her support. As a mother (of 3 children) she will probably feel that same chill that other parents do when they think of their own child going missing.

I also tend to think that her willingness to be involved means that she realises there are more important things than to waste time and energy judging the McCanns for their actions on May 3rd. I wish others would learn from that example.

I don't see this as being aimed at children at all but at the public generally and parents in particular. The massive global appeal of Harry Potter guarantees a wide audience.

Answer 7

To be honest I did think something along those lines would happen, J.K Rowlings did put up a hefty reward for Madeleine so it makes sense that she would allow the McCann's to use her name further. (what damage it could do her name if the McCann's are found to be not as genuine as some would like to believe).

I can't see it making a shred of difference to finding Madeleine though we already know what the little one looks like.

Answer 8

We teach our children all we can about staying safe.....sometimes through the years I've had to be so blunt about what could have happened to my kids if they didn't heed the warnings given - but to put info such as a missing child in the face of another child, what good could it bring?

It's one thing to have to give frightening information to a child when they can at least be taught to be active in their own safety......but to present something such as the McCann case, which would leave a child feeling powerless - is totally worthless I feel.
I'd warn my grandchilren about many things without too many details, but I wouldn't be telling them about a case such as this because it doesn't serve any purpose but to terrify - hell, we all know what young childrens imagination can do......we can't use this case as a warning about not following instructions from parents & the possible outcome....because it was the parents that were at fault for her disapearance.
I wouldn't want my grandchildren to live in fear that if they go to sleep, we're somehow going to leave them alone & someone else come along & take them away.

I realise the parents of Maddie want to keep her image alive & etched in everyones mind.....but not at the expense of frightening other children.

Answer 9

This is getting worse each day. It would be nice if they could explain what they are really up to and why they need so much money because it seems to me they are not looking for Madeleine at all just lining their own pockets and paying for never ending holidays. Do they not realise their publicity stunts are not and they are not bringing her back. Why keep going on and on when it is not working. They should try a different approach.

Answer 10

i would do anything to find my daughter too but i can't understand why they are aiming this towards children. My friend's daughter kept seeing Madeleine's face on the tv a couple of weeks ago, she's only 6 and she asked if her mummy and daddy had found her yet nd my friend said yes because she didn't want to scare her daughter. My point is that children don't need to know about this terrible situation, its not fair on them.

Answer 11

I feel for the parents but I agree with the others. Every1 knows what she looks like and it is not going to help anyone. Mind you I suppose they have to feel they are doing something even if it may not really help. What else are they supposed to do now? Even tho I am not a parent I can understand how it would be hard to give up and do nothing.