There is much to celebrate when closing an issue. I reflect on the joys associated with editing the columns and stories, studying amazing images, and learning more about 19th century photography.
There is, however, one concern—transit time through the postal system. Once the printer drops the issues at the post office, the wait begins.
Military Images mails at the periodicals rate, a far less expensive option than First Class Mail. The savings are passed along to you in the form of lower subscription rates.
The periodicals rate is almost as old as our country. The first postal legislation passed by the U.S. Congress in 1792 established a reduced rate for publishers compared to the cost of sending a letter. The same law allowed new publishers to send newspapers to each other for free.
This is perhaps no surprise after you learn that our first president believed in the power of magazines and newspapers. “I entertain an high idea of the utility of periodical Publications,” wrote George Washington to an acquaintance in 1788. He added, “I consider such easy vehicles of knowledge, more happily calculated than any other.”
The periodicals rate established during the fledgling years of the federal government continues today. The current rate does have one significant drawback. It is summed up in this sentence from usps.com: “The United States Postal Service® does NOT guarantee delivery of Periodicals within a specified time.”
If you follow us on social media, the time that elapses between our announcement that an issue is in the mail and the actual delivery can feel like an eternity! Based on my observation, delivery times vary from a few days to a month. Most of you will receive your issue in two to three weeks. It is a rare event when one goes missing or is damaged, though it does occasionally happen. If this misfortune should befall your issue, we will replace it at no cost to you.
We also have a solution for those of you who do not want to deal with longer transit times. You can now subscribe at the first-class mailing rate: $36.95 for one year or $68.95 for two years. Visit shopmilitaryimages.com to take advantage of this option.
I like to think George Washington would approve.
Ronald S. Coddington
Editor & Publisher
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