I somewhat reluctantly step into this conversation since, as the editor,
this is actually outside of my purview (I edit the mag; I don't do the
printing or mailing). However, here's what I know:
I understand that it would cost about $6000 per year to "polybag" each issue
of "Healey Marque." That's a pretty significant addition to the budget.
A way to approach this subject is through your local Delegate, perhaps
asking them to canvass the membership of your Area Club, to better determine
how widespread this problem may be. Then, if warranted, he/she could raise
the subject at a Delegates' Meeting.
It is very likely that it is your local Post Office that is doing the
damage. A word (a complaint) there might help. We have seen some evidence
that selected Post Offices/Processing Centers seem to be guilty of routinely
damaging mags, while most do not seem to do so.
I wish there were a better, quicker, cheaper solution, but unless and until
the USPS has a little more competition in this market segment, it's unlikely
that this problem will stop. While you're at your Post Office, you might
also mention that they are often far, far too slow to deliver a periodical
that is supposed to be handled at Periodical Rate. For example, I just got
my May issue in the mail Thursday, meaning that it took more than two weeks!
TIME and Newsweek are mailed at the same rate/class as Healey Marque, but
they'd soon go out of business if the USPS handled them so slowly. (My
theory is that TIME and and Newsweek have bigger legal departments than the
AHCA.)
Reid Trummel
Editor, Healey Marque...
...son of a career USPS employee
>From: "Mark and Kathy" <mgtrcars@galaxyinternet.net>
>To: "Reid Trummel" <editor_reid@hotmail.com>,<healeys@autox.team.net>
>Subject: Healey Club Magazines again
>Date: Sat, 13 May 2006 05:36:57 -0500
>
>Once again I received another award winning Healey Marque club mag in below
>par condition. Thank you US Post Office. Since the post office isn't
>going to change their ways I ask once again that the clubs reconsider the
>use of plastic covers or envelopes to mail our magazines. Other national
>clubs (MGA and MGB) have been using these protective options for years
>with excellent success. Why are the Healeys clubs so far behind in this
>area.
>
>If the cost is an issue may I suggest removing the glossy pages of the
>"Under the Canopy" book reviews. Can't ever remember my wife picking up a
>copy of my car magazines to see whats new and exciting in the world of
>"good books to read". Sure don't see the need here. Sorry Kate.
>
>If the magazines are such a high cost item why are the clubs not protecting
>them accordingly so we can be proud of them when we receive them.
>
>Flame away gents,
>
>Mark
>
>
>
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