zemon@felix.UUCP (11/17/83)
After receiving a letter from "Better Living" magazine and
noting the previous article in (I think) net.wanted, I contacted
to the Better Business Bureau. As I suspected, "Better Living"
seems pretty shady.
Following is the letter from the BBB. You can obtain your own
copy from your local BBB. You don't have to write to New York.
(I got mine from the Los Angeles BBB.) I have used "BBB" in all
references to "Better Business Bureau" to save my fingers.
======================================================================
The Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan New York, Inc.
257 Park Ave. South
New York, NY 10010
FILE REPORT February 11, 1983
BETTER LIVING
1775 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
BETTER LIVING, a monthly publication, is published by Humdinger
Publications, Inc., 1775 Broadway, New York, NY 10019. Ralph
Ginzburg is publisher.
The BBB has known of BETTER LIVING since July, 1980.
Based on our file, this firm does not meed BBB standards of
business practice. This firm has an unsatisfactory business
performance record. During the last three years, the BBB file
shows a record of unsubstantiated advertising and selling claims
challenged by the BBB.
During mush of this period, BBB files also showed a record of
unanswered complaints, alleging nondelivery of the publication.
Starting in the latter part of 1982, the BBB did receive
responses to complaints, indicating adjustments ahd been or would
be made. The advertising questions raised by the BBB have not
been resolved.
In May, 1982, the BBB wrote to BETTER LIVING concerning
unanswered complaints and claims in promotional literature.
The company responded, stating that "We consistently and
conscientionsly reply to all subscriber complaints--whether
forwarded by the BBB or anyone else." The firm also stated that
they stopped informing the BBB of such replies because, the
company contends, the BBB's records are inaccurate.
The BBB challenged phrases used in promotional mailings seeking
subscriptions for the magazine. The phrases challenged included
"And the winner is ...," "Congratulations, you have won the right
to obtain ...,"
[there is a full paragraph of such quotes, AZ]
which the BBB believes can convey the impression that the offer
is limited to a select number of people. Based on the volume of
inquiry to the New York BBB and other BBBs, a large number of
persons are being solicited.
Also, some inquirers have received a solicitation for a
subscription at $4.95 described as "An astonishing offer." Other
persons contacting the BBB have received the same offer for
$2.95, also described as "an astonishing offer." The BBB
suggested phrases in the promotional piece for the $4.95
solicitation can convey the impression of a superior value. The
BBB advised that these phrases be deleted so long as BETTER
LIVING continues to solicit for the $2.95 offer.
In response to the BBB's suggestions, the company stated it would
not cooperate with the BBB's efforts to "censor our advertising
and/or promotion."
If you have a complaint, send a letter stating your experience to
the BBB and a copy to the U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge, P.O.
Box 555, New York, NY 10001. Be sure to encolse copies of
cancelled checks (both front and back) or charge statements.
=================================================================
Art Zemon
FileNet Corp.
(714)966-2344
...!{decvax, ucbvax}!trw-unix!felix!zemonwetcw@pyuxa.UUCP (11/22/83)
Ah youth. Come on folks, don't you recognize who the publisher is? That's Ralph Ginzberg, long of porno fame here on the East coast. He currently spends more time in court than the NY Judges. Ralphie has been putting out strange magazines for the past 20 years.
arora@sunybcs.UUCP (Kulbir S. Arora) (11/24/83)
Well some of us 'innocents' had not heard of Ralph Ginzberg's notoriety. Anyway, folks stay away from not only Better Living, but any magazine offered by one Virginia Cunningham. Who is she, anyway ?