A recent article has raised rampant controversy as readers and critics alike begin to question whether the media is giving enough attention to the issues vital to Paragon citizens or instead focusing on trivial and self-serving causes.

Leading magazine Metropolitan recently ran an article giving fashion ratings to criminal factions. The Circle of Thorns were applauded for being so "retro" and the Freaks lauded as "adventurous counter-culture trend-setters."

Conversely, the Fifth Column and Sky Raiders were both admonished for their uniform, stating that "the conformity look is so passé."

While many publications have offered fashion articles (The Paragon Beholder included), none have yet to make fashion their cover story (or center that story around criminals). Most watch dog groups are not angry about the somewhat vain topic, but how it glorifies and gives attention to evil factions.

"We're concerned about criminal attire becoming a fad," says John Jones, founder of Just Look Average. "Forget the confusion this can cause heroes. It can lead people to adopt not just clothing choice but lifestyle choice as well. That can lead to criminal behavior."

While there has been no noticeable rise in crime within the past few weeks, the one statistic that has changed dramatically is Metropolitan's sales figures: over 60% of subscribers dropped the magazine after the article was published.

As a new hero it is often times difficult to become a name in a city of heroes. Being a new hero isn't easy - trust me, I know.

As a new hero myself, I've discovered that fighting crime in the big City is more taxing than rewarding. To begin with there are at least a dozen or more new heroes every day. Often times I will find myself in a situation where I can overpower a whole gang of thieves on my own, but another new hero comes along and "helps" me out in this situation. How can I get the adoration of fans and all the glory of being a super hero if someone else comes and steals the wind out from under me?

Now most heroes would ask me "Why don't you get them to team up with you?" My answer is simple: I want the glory all to myself! Sure sometimes a fight is too big or challenging for one woman alone, and in those instances I might team up, but why do it on a regular basis?

Another problem that often faces new heroes is a lack of small crime. You don't have to worry about someone stealing your glory when there's no crime to fight. Sometimes I will walk a block or more only to discover that there is no crime. I know I should feel proud to walk the streets and feel safe, but at the same point in time, it puts me out of a job. (I'm only good at beating up bad guys, I have no real skill to join the true working class!)

I must also address a problem I've noticed amongst new heroes: no shame. I understand your drive to become the greatest hero of all time; I feel it too. But new heroes need to understand that shameful begging for help from stronger and older heroes only makes them look bad. That, and it's just plain rude! Older heroes have earned their strength and abilities through hard work and you should earn yours the same way. Despite our city's recent lack of petty crime, there are still ways to earn prestige.

I plan to carve a name out for myself the hard way. While being a solo hero and looking hard for crime to fight may not appeal to everyone, it's the only road for me.

• Are you looking for members?

• Want to get noticed?

• Want to see your name in print?

Then submit a supergroup classified ad to The Paragon Beholder!

Just create a short text (30 words or less) or small picture ad that contains a link to some more information about your group. As an example:

A text ad might look like this:

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The Paragon City Athletics Club
Want to get fit and fight crime?
Send an email or /t to UnSub on the Virtue Server for more information!

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Classified ads must also meet other Submission Guideline requirements with inclusion and final appearance of the ad(s) being at the descretion of the editor(s).