Content

The Traveler is an eight or twelve page publication. Content includes news from the Headquarters, District Lodge, Chapters, reporting on special events, district officers list, chapter presidents and secretaries, advertising, etc. Although there is not a problem filling the eight pages and some times twelve pages, it would be helpful and useful if all the chapters would submit articles from time to time. More participation would make the publication more interesting. Report chapter special events, special recognition of a member(s) or family members, chapter projects, and other information of interest to the members. Since The Traveler is published only four times a year, it shouldn't be a problem hearing from each chapter at least once during the year.

Circulation

The March/Spring 2006 issue, was 1229 copies. In 1999 "Address Correction Requested" was added to each issue. This has resulted in a more accurate mailing list because the post office reports changes of addresses while The Traveler is still forwarded to the new address. Unfortunately, if there is no forwarding address The Traveler is returned. The cost of this service is 90 cents an address correction and the average is about 5 copies per issue down from about 60-70 copies when the service was first started. Limiting one issue each per household, chapters not reporting new or reinstated members, deaths, and lost members all affect the circulation numbers. Starting with the March/Spring 2006 issue all addresses are "Cass Certified" meaning they are veri­fied as a legitimate address and bar coded. This has resulted in a postage cost reduction of about $50, a reduction even with the postage increases which went into effect in January 2006.
 

Advertising

Established advertising rates are: regular size ads (1.25" x 2.25") $70 per year, Double size (2.5" x 2.25") $115 per year and a one issue ad (2.5" x 2.25") $50. All advertising income goes to the District Lodge.

As a non-profit organization there are some advertising limitations. Postal Regulations 6-1.3.1 Public Law 103-123 reads: "This provision prohibits the mailing of material at the Nonprofit Standard Mail rates if it contains advertising for credit, debit, or charge cards or similar financial instruments or accounts. This provi­sion also restricts the mailing of material at the Nonprofit Standard Mail rates if it contains advertis­ing for insurance policies and travel arrangements."

Bulk Rate Permit

The Traveler continues to use the Oakland Chapter's bulk rate permit. Oakland is the post office distribution center for the bay area. Mailing from the Oakland office is the best chance for the bulk mail to be distributed in a reasonable amount of time.

Recommendations

1. Chapters should submit their mailing list to The Traveler at least twice a year to insure each member receives a copy. For example, submit a copy by August 15 for the fall and winter issues and by February 15 each year for the spring and summer issues. Or if the chapter would pre­fer, The Traveler could mail a copy of its chapter mailing list and the chapter could update and return them.

2. Chapters should submit at least one article per year.

3. Chapters should support The Traveler by placing a chapter ad and solicit ads from their member's businesses.

5. Since the The Traveler is mailed by standard snail mail and is only published four times a year, it is not a practical      method to use as communication tool when responses are needed quickly. Bulk mail may take anywhere from one day to two weeks (or never).

6. The Traveler could also be set up as an electronic document and included on the District web site when it is up and running.

Summary

The Traveler is interested in improving the content and delivery of the publication. Recommendations and suggestions, within budget restraints, are important. With a little effort and cooperation from all we can achieve this goal.

Submitted by Bill Christie, Editor

March, 2006