Muscular Development in the last few years has received a radical change. It went from a normal magazine, to one that took a stance on just natural bodybuilding to one that mimicked the internet to one that became an almost pornographic magazine with sexual cartoons to currently one that features pro bodybuilders on the cover with uncensored commentaries and articles.
But this magazine creates controversy out there. In the last eight months, at least one topic per month on various bulletin boards comes up that talks about the ongoing fued between MD and Flex, or that they like or dislike MD, and so on.
Going back a year or so, the first big stir came when this magazine started using sexual cartoons in various positions and brought in various models in a state of undress (or very little on) with large breasts. This, of course, was the most daring a muscle magazine had become, which made it for some people quite uncomfortable to keep MD out for their family to look at. But it also brought in some more fans, which gave it a new audience. A few months ago, either under tough criticism, or Steve wanting a change in the magazine, the cover now features a pro bodybuilder, instead of a big breasted model. It also, in the last year or so, signed in some pro bodybuilders and other notables to write in the magazine, namely Chris Cormier, Craig Titus, Chad Nicholls, Hany Rambod, Lee Priest, Paul Dillett, Dexter Jackson, Greg Valentino, etc.
But is this good for bodybuilding fans? With some of these athletes going crazy in writing whatever they feel without thinking it over before putting it into print, and some of the writers constantly bashing bodybuilding without ever trying to promote it, many people think that they go too far. Will these athletes just get themselves in trouble with their words in which they will regret it later? Is it fair that MD constantly bashes whomever they feel like?
Still others love the magazine, saying that MD is keeping it real, and it gives these IFBB pros a chance to write what they feel without being censored or regulated. These writers write what they feel like, what the fans want to hear, the good, the bad, the ugly. This magazine is a fresh breath and a different view than other mags, once which gives a more real perspective on the industry.
Both sides on this debate have points. You either love it or hate it. MD in the future, should be refining what they do best. Giving us good research, good articles, real pro's point of views and commentary, and more cute girls, but a little less of a Playboy look (so it can be put on the table, not hidden in a desk), and a lot less bashing of people, like Peter McGough, Joe Weider, and others which has gotten old after so many issues.
As for Steve Blechman, anyone which pumps in sponsorship and money into the industry by paying IFBB Pros and creating an income base is a good thing for bodybuilding and its future.
