I must be missing something here, John. There's no reason we can't continue to send magazines via bulk rate to members who want it, even if they weigh 2 pounds each. Priority Mail and the $3.20 charge only comes in when we are talking first class mail. There's already a $12 a year dues surcharge for those who want their magazine sent 1st class. That will pay $3 per magazine over the bulk rate. As long as the bulk mail rate is over 20c an issue, the 1st class members are paying their own way.

I wish I had my current magazine to look at; maybe my name got dropped from the 1st class list? From the other comments on The Chip Board, and my own observations about the past reproduction quality, I believe the premium printing process is worth continuing. I'd even like to see a way to provide color reproduction for some pages when the article justifies color. Let's not compromise quality in our club bulletin because we believe some collectors can't afford it. Those who are on a budget can continue to get the slower delivery but benefit from the superior product.

Regarding ad rates, they appear ridiculuously low to me. However, the quality of most member ads in the past several years is laughable. They are full of typos and apparently are not edited at all. That's one reason I've never advertised in the bulletin. I'd pay 2 or 3 times the current rates if I could be assured the ad with my name on it wouldn't be embarrasing. Sorry, Chuck, I know the ad manager's job is a volunteer one, and one shouldn't criticize unless willing to offer to do it better, but that's how it looks to me.

DonL