There Are Times when the editor, aka publisher, aka bookkeeper, aka address list maintainer should communicate with the readership about e business matters of the Tidings Publishing operation. Now that some mailing problems seem behind us, this is perhaps as good a time as any to do so.
Delivery problems
From November through March, we experienced erratic and sometimes late delivery in Canada. The February magazine evidently was very late in arriving throughout Canada, while the November, January and March issues arrived on time in some areas but late in others, particularly sections of Ontario. As all issues have been going into the mail on schedule each month (the 25’h of the month or first business day following), we were convinced the problem lay somewhere in the postal system. After many inquiries, which frequently involved being shunted from one department to another, the answer finally came to light.
In 2000, Canada Post implemented a new system for periodicals coming from the States to Canada. Evidently it didn’t work too well (witness our November experience) so they changed back to the old approach. The change caused problems for several months (especially in Ontario). We hope all is now well, as we were just about to have the Canada copies bulk shipped to us from California so we could personally take them across the border and enter them more directly into Canada Post.
For entirely different reasons, the January issue was late arriving overseas. That seems to have been a one-time problem.
When magazines failed to arrive on time, many readers contacted us wondering if we had shut them off for non-payment of the subscription amount. That was not the case. As many will know, we assume non-payment represents inability to pay and we are pleased to continue mailing free of charge in such circumstances.
Finances
We are very grateful indeed for those who have sent donations to the work. Your support is much appreciated, and we are continually thankful for the encouraging words which come with so many subscription payments.
With the inclusion of the Caribbean Pioneer, expenses are running, as expected, some 25% ahead of last year. Income is keeping pace, but only because of a couple large donations. Magazines are sent free of charge throughout Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and to many who cannot afford the subscription amount. It would be very helpful if those who have not yet paid the subscription price, and can afford it, would do so. A paid-up status is indicated by “12/31/01” on the mailing label.
Further, recognizing the publication provides a service to ecclesias, some ecclesias send regular donations. It would be greatly appreciated if more ecclesias would follow the same practice.
Bookkeeping problems
From time to time, addresses are not updated properly or payments are not correctly applied to accounts. We plead guilty. Please let us know when this happens and allow some time for the correction to show up. We update the mail lists about the 18th of the month for magazines arriving sometime during the month following. Consequently corrections or paynients coming in on the 19′ will not show up for a couple of issues.
Bro. David Levin’s book
We continue to receive a steady stream of inquiries regarding Bro. David’s very helpful series, Legalism vs. Faith. The process of putting it into book form is well along and, God willing, the book will be available in the fall.
Bro. John Bilello’s “Parables” was our first book-publishing venture, and it has gone exceedingly well. We’re almost sold out of the first printing.
Tidings committee
Members of the committee come from all around North America with the intent of representing various ecclesial areas. They are available to receive comments and suggestions on the activities of the Tidings Publishing endeavor. There is no change from the past year in the membership of the committee.
Members are:
John Bilello, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Chairman
Gar Cooper, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Ken Curry, Toronto (Cosbum), Ontario
Clive Drepaul, Brooklyn, New York
Joe Hill, Austin (Leander), Texas
Tony Isaacs, Atlanta (Stone Mountain), Georgia
Norm Luff, Brantford, Ontario
George Rayner, Toronto (Scarlett Rd.), Ontario
Ted Sleeper, San Francisco (Peninsula), California
Phil Snobelen, Vancouver, British Columbia
Ken Sommerville, Simi Hills, California
Reuben Washington, Echo Lake, New Jersey
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One