Shenanigans or not, advice columnist the one with the problem

Dear Mick,

I'm writing in regards to a letter written to "Dear Abby" in Sunday's edition of The Columbus Dispatch this week. The woman writing the letter asked for advice on how to break up the marriage of her best friend from her husband so that the writer could have him for herself (the writer is also married). Apparently, the friend's husband is more successful and has more material items than her own, and she's "always been attracted to him." Of course, Abby replied that the writer must be a new reader of her column; otherwise she'd know Abby doesn't give advice on that sort of thing. I am, of course, paraphrasing.

My problem is this: If you know you're not going to answer the question, and you print it anyway, does it not lend validity to the letter? And if this is the case, why print it in the first place? Thoughts?

Confused

Dear Confused,

I am going to take what you said a step further and call "shenanigans" on Miss Abby (she's actually not the REAL Abby, but her daughter, Jeanne Phillips, who took over the column after her mother, Pauline Phillips, died in 2002). I believe what she's done in this case is invented a false article, merely for shock-value. The media has been doing this sort of thing for years, but there's a difference in what I believe Ms Phillips has done and what they do on the idiot box.

During May sweeps on television, networks use all sorts of tricks and treats to boost ratings. Everything from big name movie stars in guest roles, to surprise weddings and proposals, to the deaths of major characters. It's all part of the big money game the networks play against each other, and at times it can be a lot of fun. No harm no foul, as they say, and it leaves folks salivating in anticipation of the fall season.

However, when someone who writes an advice column, someone people go to for assistance, sometimes out of desperation, takes this route, the route of inventing stories to gain readership, it's not only childish and petty, but irresponsible. Now, is it possible that this letter is the real deal? That someone was stupid enough, had the unmitigated temerity in them to actually expect an answer to a question such as this? If you're asking that question, you've stumbled on this blog by mistake! These assholes DO exist, they're called the "culturally illiterate." But something about it just doesn't ring true. Doesn't make sense. Regardless of it's validity, it's irresponsible to print it.

Ms Phillips, you'll never be your mother, and you'll always be her shadow. But I suggest if you want to write fiction, write fiction. Call it "Dear Abby."