I think there is a middle ground between how much publicity there was surrounding the mcCann case and how little there is about the Matthews case - I am not talking here about the gutter press, but credible news reporting.
My personal opinion for the last week or so was the same as the journalists. Shannon isn't middle class or cute enough to warrant the support of the general public. Is it the public who are shallow, or the news professionals who take that decision on our behalf?
It is upsetting that both children are still missing, regardless of what we feel about their parents.
The police have been keen to stress that despite appearances, Shannon isn't a street wise tyke who is likely to have run away in the hope that her mother would reward her with something when she is found safe and well. She is a vulnerable, shy 9 year old girl.