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Message from the Editor
(Editorial - June 2001)
There are times when the editor, aka publisher, aka bookkeeper, aka address list
maintainer should communicate with the readership about the 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 (for
printed version)
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 25th 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 didnt 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 contine 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 payments coming in on the 19th will not show up for a couple of
issues.
David Levins book
We continue to receive a steady stream of inquiries regarding Bro. Davids 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 Bilellos "Parables" was our first
book-publishing venture, and it has gone exceedingly well. Were 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
Gar Cooper, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Ken Curry, Toronto (Cosburn), 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
Don Styles - Editor
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