Reader Weekly Feedback Review

2006-01-12

A summary and commentary on select reader feedback from 5-12 January.

In the last week, we again received feedback on the two most-read features in Magharebia history, "Singer Profile: Lebanese Nancy Ajram Sets the Trend in Arabic pop Culture" and "Beauty Charm and Allure lead Haifa Wehbe to Success". Our latest figures show that the Ajram piece has been read 9,594 times and the Wehbe piece has been read 9,175 times.

Aziza said of Ajram, "You have some beautiful photos. I like you very much and send you lots of kisses. You are very beautiful. All of Morocco loves you". Sarah noted, "I like Nancy's photos". Houssam pointed out, "Have a look at her official website too: www.haifawehbe.com and also the fan club at www.haifawehbeh.com".

Football also riled the emotions of readers. Borhan said, "Algerian football is in a no-good situation, particularly after the recent FIFA decision". He is referring to the governing body threatening to suspend the nation from all international competitions if the Algerian Football Federation increased the membership of Algerian Ministry for Youth and Sport officials and limited the tenure of the president to one term only. The since-resolved situation was covered in our 15 December feature "Algerian football crisis averted".

Discussing Raja Casablanca, Abir indicated "This match shouldn't have been lost, every other team beat us".

Regular feedback contributor Mohamed said, "I still hope, God willing, that a forum will be set up for Internet surfers reading Magharebia. A forum for meeting, exchanging views and discussing issues. With registration, passwords and a moderator, of course. What do you think? A survey of readers on this would be interesting".

We are always looking to add features to enhance the site and our service to people in the Maghreb. A forum is one initiative we are considering for the future. Another reader suggestion we will consider is Mostaqeem's request for more politics stories.

We also thank Maria for saying, "Well done, I thank you for your great effort. Keep up the good work Magharebia" and Houssam and Zahri for providing helpful links.

On the issues front, Faisal said, "Water desalinisation in Algeria is working". We are glad to see such a report following our feature "Algeria Seeks Dynamic Solutions to Chronic Water Shortages" from 17 March.

Zainab noted, "Women should enjoy equity and full rights," a sentiment we agree with, while Bettina asserted, "You know full well that the Maghreb states are doing all they can to see us disappear! http://kabyles.com. "We exist, and I really can't see why Arab-Islamism is being promoted!"

At Magharebia, we wish to see Kablyians thrive along with all Maghreb people and we often report on Amazigh culture and issues.

Our weekly book review also received its regular steady stream of comments. Feedback for "Review of "The Bible as Narrated by Muslims" by Tarif Khalidi included "Wonderful" (Eman), "I like it” (Pop), "This topic is very important" (Kasem), and "Magnificent piece, Beautiful article" (Um).