Models... pretty meat or people too?

Click here to read the email
these excerpts are from.

It seems that some people feel they are the target of my latest newsletter. Whether they are or aren't isn't the issue. What is at issue is that I feel the way I do because of what I've seen and felt during my four years of experience in this industry.

I am a professional outside this field and I only model for book covers as a hobby, mainly because I have developed some very amicable and lasting friendships with artists, bookers, authors and photographers. The experience has only sweetened through this website because now I've been able to connect with you, the readers.

Regarding the view I've expressed in the newsletter - I feel I'm entitled to express it. I've received some very nice words of encouragement and agreement from some of you.

On the flip side, I've also received some very distasteful emails from the management over at Romantic Times. I'd like to open this issue up and hear what you have to say.

For your pleasure, here is the selection of text that sparked the controversy:

"So, I'm a "Romance Cover Model", right?

Sorry, no. I don't do that.

What? I pose for a lot of book covers, with the majority of them being romantic novels.

True, but I'm not liking that label.

Can you blame me?

To the majority of people, a "Romance Cover Model" is something akin to a chippendales dancer with plucked eyebrows, and stretch jeans.

And there are those "reputable" organizations and individuals who would continue to promote this tired image to further their own ends.

Can you blame me for not wanting to be a part of that? As successful as this business is, you mean to tell me we can't do any better than that?

Click here to read the newsletter in its entirety.

Please, tell me what YOU think and definitely read what RT's email has to say. (Please note: I have never been a contestant in their pageant.)

Name: A New Yorker

It's the same ole-same ole. La Falk's coterie treat her as some cult goddess. Fact is, she's a promoter who is out to make money for herself. Not to better the image of romance, else we wouldn't have those cheesy publicity events.

Any author who loves the genre of romance has to fight to get respect. In the 20+ years I've been involved, it hasn't changed. There is still the *wink-wink* *nudge-nudge* when romance novels are spotlighted.

Kathryn Falk might do well within her tiny, circumscribed world, but is pretty well unknown outside it.

If romance authors wish to gain respect, they must treat themselves with respect and shun the more salacious aspects of publicity. Treat yourself professionally; don't kowtow to the lowest common denominator; and you will start earning respect for your work.

Can you imagine Sue Grafton or Pat Cornwell doing this kind of publicity?

As for Stefan, I must confess I hadn't a clue who he was until an author friend pointed me in this direction. We had been discussing RT and its importance and/or lack of. Have to say, I'm not surprised by this tempest in a thimble. Stefan has the right to respect. Admonitions as to his intellect, standards or professional future are merely little kitties hissing in fury. Son et lumiere - signifying nothing.

I must say, I am amazed at Ms. Small. I was one of her earliest fans, until I got burned out on historicals as a genre. She's an intelligent, literate woman and, I would like to think, far above this tawdriness. It's a shame.

Name: Carrie

First, I just read your guestbook and someone posted that you reminded them of the TopazMan. NO NO NO NO!!! You look nothing like Steve Sandalis. Not to be rude, but you don't come close! For my main reason for posting is regarding your message update of 3.27.04: Stefan originally had been asked by Dorchester Authors to be at the Book Fair this weekend in NYC for a book signing with author Cindy Holby of "Crosswinds". Unfortunately, the higher RT Management has asked that Stefan "stay away". _____ Why do you feel that it is necessary to continue posting negative things? You need to get past what happened and go back to your work. I was at the convention and never heard one mention of the fact that you were supposed to be there. I didn't know until I read it on your website! Again, NO YOU DO NOT IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM COME CLOSE TO STEVE SANDALIS!!!!

Name: Sarah
I believe every person should be looked at, as for who they are from the insaid. Not just from what they look like, or for what job they have. Stefan has every right to speek out, just as every other human being can.

Name: Jamie
This is a free counrty, and as i recall we still have the freedome of speech. Stefan has as much right as anyone to state his opinion.

Name: Jennifer A.
I think this is absolutely awful they (Kathryn Falk & B. Small) had no right to go off like that from what you said. No one wants to be treated that way and they shouldn't. You were not attacking the Romance genre in the least boy someone needs the Midol I think.

Name: Rose!

Hey Stefan, You know, I really can't blame you for the way you feel. I know that some cover models feel that way, and some are treated as though they don't have a brain ni their heads. Personally, I think that what you said is very true, and as for theo rudeness of some of the women, it is totally uncalled for and quite out of line. I am sorry that some women, who would bawl like crazy if they were treated like meat, think that it is fine to treat the male models that way. You are people too, and what you do is a good thing, but one that could disappear if some don't change their minds and actions. I do feel for you and am sympathetic to your point of view. I think some of these women need to grow up and get lives. Keep up the good work, and tell Leah that Rose! says Hi! Hugs, and Love, Rose!

Name: Valerie Bongards
Hi, This is very interesting. Seems like some people have nothing else to do but ***!! Oh dear. It's your website, and it's your fans that visit here, at least mostly.....and as fans we should respect your opinions. And if we don't agree, then we can express ours, but with respect and consideration! All the best to you, Valerie.

Name: arrtgrrl
They've removed it from the message board at RT. After they had taken out the worst of the flames and it went from 75 messages down to 30 and then it disappeared altogether....I did email them and point out that only leaving flames they agree with wasn't fair and didn't follow their own rules for the message board..........

Name: Sandra Hill

I had no idea this discussion was taking place and could not find it on the RT message boards.

My goodness! What a lot of fuss over nothing!

Stefan graces not one, but two covers for my May book, A TALE OF TWO VIKINGS. And he did one of the covers for THE VERY VIRILE VIKING. They are wonderful! I'm glad to have him. In fact, I have recommended him to my publisher, not just because he is a good representative of my books, art-wise, but because he is such a nice person.

In the few email exchanges I've had with Stefan, he has been nothing but respectful of the romance genre. If I am reading his remarks correctly, it is not romance novels he wants to distance himself from, but the cover model hoopla which can sometimes be denigrating.

While most readers have the good sense to treat cover models with the respect they deserve, I have seen and heard a few of them say and do the most outrageous things...very explicit over-the-line things that boggle the mind. For that reason alone, I can understand Stefan's reticence in joining the crowd.

Sandra Hill
www.sandrahill.net
A TALE OF TWO VIKINGS, 5/04
THE CAJUN COWBOY, 6/04
WET AND WILD, 10/04

Name: Name withheld so I can be anonymously bombastic
Listen Pretty Meat, just keep your head down and your muscles flexed. No thinking! Express an opinion again, other than "what I am attracted by most in a woman is her sense of humor" and we will be forced to smack you down harder. Writing to you from my secret island lair.... Isis ------ end sarcasm

Name: An EX-fan
Why don't you take this garbage down? No one is interested in it any more. It's old news. Controversy can only last so long and then people don't want to read or hear about it any longer. You had your say and the fans had theirs. It's time to move one!

Name: who?

Okay I have read a little of what is going on and I really don't care too much. Stefan has a right to his own opinion and so does everyone else, but the truth of the matter is that he is right in one matter, that Romance models are a piece of meat for the readers to see and to sell more books, just look at John DeSalvo who is a top model. He is oogled and handled like a piece of meat and treated as a mindless toy. Most models out there are treated the same, as if women can't tell that they are not the men in their romance books. I know many ladies who buy a cover for the model on it, it doesn't matter if the book is good or not and to me that is very sad because the model on the cover is to help with the characters in the book, to give them a face and a lot of women go overboard on that fact and I can see where it can be hard for a cover model to admit that he is one, it would not be easy for them to be taken seriously. But he is wrong to say that he is not a cover model if that is what he is getting paid for. But then again I could be wrong, either way I don't care and everyone should just move on. Free speech moves boths ways and you can say whatever you want but people can say whatever they want to you.

Name: Dorchester Comments

Admin's note: This comment is copied and posted here with permission from Leah.

From: Leah Hultenschmidt lhulten@dorchesterpub.com
Date: February 26, 2004 11:51:18 AM EST
To: stefan@stefanas.com
Subject: incorrect info

Hi Stefan,

I hope you're enjoying your travels.

A reader brought to my attention the controversy on your site and that a woman named Dianne claims to be an employee of Dorchester Publishing. I wanted to let you know that there is no such person on our staff and these comments do not reflect the views of the company.

Thank you so much for helping to clear this up.

~Leah

Leah Hultenschmidt
Manager of Public Relations,
Advertising & Website Operations
Dorchester Publishing
www.dorchesterpub.com

Name: Duh!

IP means Internet Provider!!!! It doesn't give you a person's computer identification. What a nut!

Admin's note: IP Addresses - A simple explanation of what and how. The IP address is an address assigned to every computer (also includes routers and switches and other devices) on the Internet to uniquely define them. No two computers can use the same IP address. However, one computer (or device) may have several IP addresses. ... Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) may ... Check here for a simple tutorial on IP addresses. http://www.hildrum.com/IPAddress.htm or here http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question549.htm

Name: No Name

P.S. I just did the find thing and it shows the message from Peter, the webmistress, The Wonder Dud, Dianne, Elaine, Merry, ???, and Annie are all from the same IP address! LMAO Hmmmm! I wonder what that means! It means that they all use the same Internet Provider! Not that all the messages are coming from the same computer!

Admin's note: The error was mine. My apologies. This IP is a proxy server, thus the same IP's. My comments are not added with the comment script and no IP is attached when I do. The IP is whoever's post I add a note too.

Name: No Name
The posts from "The Wonder Dud", "Dianne", "Elaine", "Merry", "?????????", and "Annie" were all posts from the RT message board that were posted here so everyone could see them. Dianne's message is still up and she is from Dorchester! ?????? is an author who didn't want her name mentioned here. If you don't like the messages then you guys shouldn't have started the contoversy.

Name: Peter DeCicco
I happen to think Steffan is a teriffic person and I know that he has always had good intentions. Everyone has a right to their opinion and I respect him for being honest,. I am glad we are friends and I hope everyone can keep an open mind

Name: Wonder Dud
In light of Stefan's recent problem, the perfect solution for him has been found. It's called Romance Cover Models Annonymous. It's for Romance Cover Models trying to overcome the stigma and face reality of actually being on the cover of a romance novel. For more information, Call 1-800-get-help-now-Stefan

Name: Dianne

I'm so tired of you on this web. It will be a cold day in hell before savvy authors ever send you another signed books. You tricked them once, don't count on a second time. You embarrass them as you embarrass yourself. I work for Dorchester and I'm sending a memo to publicity to keep an eye out if you ever make another request for one of our authors' books. If an author doesn't mind the company she keeps,it's her misfortune.

Name: Elaine

What is a real cover model? It has me reeling. There are thousands of books a year, multiply that by some 20 years of historical romance covers and there must be thousands of men and women who have subsidized their waitressing, body building, modeling and acting gigs (I heard donald's ex, Marla Trump did that) with some hour shoots for covers. It's just one hour, maybe $125 without an agency cut removed - and what does it mean? REAL? Yes. REALITY? no. Get that dud of a dude another axe to grind for the cretons. He appeared on too many prehistoric SF/fantasy covers for his own good.

Name: arrtgrrl
I think the reason there aren't so many negatives here is that they're all too busy fighting with each other over on the RT sight..............silly twits.

Name: Evelyn Marzin

I agree Stefan should be allowed to speak his mind. I was going to mention about what they say you're up to on the RT board, but I see you already have a notice posted. I can't believe anyone ever posted that and that anyone believed it. I've been visiting Stefan's site since it went live(I think) and I've subscribed to the newsletter since then too. I've never received any email other than the newsletter from Stefan or his site. Whoever you are 'published author of some note' who won't leave a name to make your statement credible, if you believe everything you read on forums that don't require log in or proper identification then you're the gullible one.

Name: Merry	E-Mail:
you can fool some of the readers some of the time but you can't feel all the readers all of the time. Thank you RT for having this message board and being the first to detect something was rotton in Denmark. Hamlet he ain't. Hambone he is.

Name: ???????????

E-Mail:

We don't need this guy and his followers in our rarified realm. As a published author of some note I'm convinced that people who cause problems in a new venture continue. I know many of the readers like the cover models and fantasy and to detractors I say, they're the client in our world. I've been a judge at this event and readers love it who know how to have fun and not be dull and boring at a convention. What they, the readers want -- we, the authors and publishers should provide. No one wants a jackass guy with -- as I just read - trying to build a web site on gullible readers' addys. I will spread the word on my reader list NOT to ever link to this site or they will find their names sold like a piece of meat! the tables are turned...

Admin's note: I've removed all of the email addresses from both pages to hopefully nip this in the bud. If anyone receives any email that's supposedly from this site that is spam, solicits money or any kind of personal information, please don't reply to it, just forward it to admin@stefanas.com. We don't like spam, we don't condone it and we've never sold or given away email addresses for any reason.

Name: Janet

E-Mail:

Amusing. He shouldn't pose for romance covers because he doesn't like the stereotype associated with the label 'Romance Cover Model'? I suppose all 'secretaries' should quit because some folks won't call them Executive or Administrative Assistants or maybe the 'garbage men' should quit because everyone won't call them Sanitation Engineers. Everyone fights against stereotypes their entire life. Stop bashing the man because he said "I don't like it." How many of us have had to defend our reading 'those kind of books' to someone... family, friend, co-worker? I know I have. I get labeled just for reading romance novels. My co-workers tease me about reading 'smut' books on my lunch hour. Thanks for sharing your opinion about the stigma for the cover models Stefan!

Name: Kate Duncan

I think Stefan has a right to voice his opinions. This is his website and if he can't say what's on his mind then where can he? And if the people who were offended would put themselves in his place, I'm sure they wouldn't want to be catagorized either. I for one am not offended in the least by what Stefan said and thanks to him and reading about his life, now have a different approach as to how I percieve models and artists. So don't bash him for making one comment that was heartfelt. Plus, the guy does have a brain in his head, how would you like it if somebody came along and told you you shouldn't because of your hobby?

Name: Annie

E-Mail:

This has totally gotten out of hand. It's posted all over the RT Message Board and everyone is fighting over there. Shame on you for carrying this over to other sites! I say we just drop the whole topic. As others have said, if Stefan doesn't like being called a romance cover model, if he doesn't like being stereotyped, and he doesn't like the label that comes with the job, then he should stop doing romance covers. It's that simple. There's no need to keep the controversy going. Everyone just needs to stop adding fuel to the fire. I still can't figure out what stereotype Stefan is talking about. I think the men of romance have been portrayed in a very upscale way. There are is one website out there who promotes the guys positively and with their full cooperation. I just hate seeing all this fighting!

Name: Cindy

Everyone should have a right to express themselves. Your statement wasn't meant to be anything other than your opinion. That is what this county was founded on. Though many keep trying to change it, it is still the basis of being American. I may/may not like what you have to stay but you do have the right to express it. If I don't like it I also have the right to say so. This is my right. That is what makes life so interesting. So many different people with different views. Life would be so boring if everyone thought, dressed and acted alike.

Name: No Name	E-Mail:
You show the positive stuff so why don't you show the negative. I'm sure RT isn't the only negative responses you've received after you sent out your newsletter. Admin's note: Stefan is away until the end of next week. Questions about what he's received as email will have to be directed to him when he returns.

Name: Vera

I heard, or rather read, about this controvery in christine feehan's yahoo group. Being a nosy sort of course I clicked on over just to see what all the hullabaloo was about. My goodness, if women get all bent out of shape over some of the stereotypes heaped on us then what do they expect when it happens to men? I think the art and photography that goes in to book covers is beautiful and very well done. Let's be honest here, the models, artists and photographers are first and foremost professionals and should be treated with and shown respect. Bet the job isn't nearly as glamourous as it looks... probably a lot of hard work.

For my 2 cents worth Stefan you have every right to state your opinion and I do whole heartedly agree with your position. Thanks for the heads up on Arabella Magazine. I plan to pick up a copy on my next trip to the big city. Keep up the great work!

Name: Nancy
Although there is nothing wrong with being labeled a "romance cover model," one has the right to determine how one is treated with respect to that label.

Name: Name Withheld	E-Mail:
Why are you only showing the negative comments from RT and then showing all positive posts? Be honest and show all the negative posts too! Admin's note: All comments posted so far are shown here. Comments are added to this page by a program as soon as you hit 'Comment!'. Please feel free to post anything you like. Flames will be removed.(No matter who they're directed at.)

Name: Debbie Beverley

I think that Stefan has every right to speak his mind. I think everyone's problem is that he isnt just another pretty dumb male model. He has a brain and something to say!!!!!!!!!! The stereotype is that the men on the covers are to be seen and not heard. I want to know what they think and feel. I want to know that they are more than just the picture on the cover of the book. These men are real people with intelligence and feelings. Ok before I make this worse I will say bye. Thanks for letting me have my say.

Name: Jennifer
The entire debate is just silly. Why should anyone have a problem with the man's right to express his opinion. As far as I can tell, he was being honest (while remaining polite!). The RT e-mails are childish and give the RT staff a less than savory depiction. I'm afraid I do not understand their upset. Get over it already.

Name: kathy

First I am a sixty year old grandmother, who enjoys ready Romance Novels. I have been ready them for many, many years. Up till Fabio started gracing the covers of almost every book, I didn't give a thought as to was this man or woman or even if they were real. Just nice inticing pictures. Then along came Fabio and he became a household name as far as book covers are concerned. He opened my eyes to the fact these are real people. I applaud Stefan for his rights to express his opionion and also to the fact this is his Web Site and newsletter and if the Authors are so thin skinned that they have to take things personal, then maybe they need to rethink their position. B. Small and Kathyrn Falk, do you even know who Stefan is, have you ever met him or are you just voicing your comments because you want fame and fortune at the expense of those who model for your book covers. One more thing there are a number of readers who I am sure buy the book because who is on the cover, not because of the author, publishing company or price, but who we like. Some people have nothing more to do than try to and I mean try to cause trouble for others. If you don't like Stefan and his web-site than do go there. Stefan, keep up the good work and I hope you and your web-site the best of all worlds.

Name: Kim

Stefan is allowed, as is any person, to comment and decide what titles he will or will not accept as an attachment to his name. Through his newsletter you can clearly see that he is more than just a hunk in stretch pants. He has pride in his body and his accomplishments but also respect for others. He is intitled to the same respect!!! I hope he continues to grace the covers of some of my favorite books so that I can dream of more than just a pretty boy smothered by his own ego. I can dream of a man who works hard to make his life successful and still ratains his dignity. Yes, the fields he has chosen do require a bit of ego but he is not choking on it or riding on it. More power to you Stefan!!! I'm trying to think of a good title that would give the men and women of that profession the respect and dignity that they deserve. When I come up with it I will let you know.

Name: Beverly
BRAVO!! You have voiced your opinion on a subject that should have been covered a long time ago. Its rather discouraging to be labled, but I would have to say that 99.99% of us are labled. Thank you for taking the stand against labeling people.

Name: Helaina Burton
I find it interesting that Stefan is being attacked for "uprofessionalism" when they comments I see here, especially those of Ms. Falk, hardly qualify as professional. The last time I looked, the first amendment was still in effect. Perhaps Stefan's detractors should acquaint themselves with it.

Name: De Underwood	E-Mail: happily_married_95
Yes he should be able to say what he feels. He is a human doing a job. Not everyone has to agree with his opinion. If the authors and publisher's didn't want him they wouldn't ask him.

Name: Cindy Holby

I agree with Stefan. And I believe that his comments were aimed at educating his interviewer instead of trashing the genre. I have been looked down upon at book signings for writing "those kind of books" many times but then again the reviewers at RT don't seem to like me because my books don't fit into their formula of standard romance. I also am very careful of what shows up on my covers because I don't want to mislead the readers. I was proud to have Stefan appear on my latest release Crosswinds and hope to see our names linked on future projects.

Cindy Holby

Name: Evelyn
Everyone has the right to voice their own opinion, whether others agree or disagree. Bravo to Stefan for standing up for himself and not falling into the stereotyping trap

Name: Linnae

E-Mail:

Stefan,

I enjoyed your column in your February newsletter. I purchased Arabella's preview issue when I discovered it along side the Romantic Times magazine at Borders and purchased it's premiere issue when I received your last newsletter. I enjoyed the article on Alan Ayers. He creates beautiful covers and he is one of my favorite cover artists. I had to chuckle at your take on being labeled a "Romance Cover Model". I tend to agree with you. I attended my one and only Romantic Times Convention in Reno. You were at the convention with Christine Freehan and graciously signed autographs during the day.

That night you were sitting at the upstairs bar, instead of attending the Romance Cover Model reunion dinner, much to the chagrin, I'm sure, of the Romantic Times management. You were visiting with two of my single friends when the rest of our group went searching for them at the bar. While I was at the bar, you stated you had refused to attend the dinner and be paraded in front of all the women because and I think I quote you correctly..."You were not a piece of meat!?" You were so righteously indignant and affronted and it made a lasting impression. My first mental response at your comment was "Well what did you expect when you agreed to model for romance covers?" But as I thought about it later, I understood what you meant about being paraded in front of the over zealous women. I was a tad surprised myself at the convention behavior and the emphasis put on the cover models from a "shallow physical" slant. Women have deplored men doing that to them for centuries and yet sometimes we are no better than men in judging the other sex. I attended the convention to meet authors and to meet other women who enjoyed romance. Of course, being happily married might have affected my view on the convention's slant, but I would hope I treat all people I meet on a more than superficial level. Thank you for the wake up call....it floats across my mind whenever I view a cover model....to remember that there is a professional person doing his job....he is not there for any other reason than to market and help create the mood of the story inside the covers.

Best wishes for continued success in your profession!

Linnae