beckwith@sierra.STANFORD.EDU (beckwith) (08/11/90)
From the inside back cover of the July/August 1990 Ms. (copied without permission, all typing errors are my own): "A Special Note from Robin [Morgan] and Gloria [Steinem] Because there was no way of doing market research for such a new venture before we started--and because economy of scale could allow us to lower the subscription price for everyone--we're trying an experiment in this issue: a special introductory offer of $30 a year. If that's successful enough to become the basic price, those of you who paid at a higher rate will receive credit: by extending the number of issues you receive, or applying it to a renewal, or receiving one of the books we're planning to obtain for Ms. readers at a discount. As you can imagine, it's not easy to arrive at the price of each copy without knowing how many we're printing--so we appreciate your patience. (And if you're wondering why the cover price is less than the per-copy subscription price: it doesn't have to cover postage and handling.) Nonetheless, we recommend subscribing. *"Ms." is now in very few retail outlets, primarily bookstores, as a way of reaching readers we can't reach by mail. Only subscribing will assure you of receiving every issue and assure us of an ability to plan.* We also want to revive our tradition of sending free subscriptions to battered women's shelters, women in prisons and in hospitals; see page 93 if you'd like to sponsor such a gift in your name." So, that should explain it. I was one of the people who sent in $40. 6-8 months ago and was slightly miffed when I received my first copy, but at the end of July I received a card telling me that my subscription has been extended for two issues. I guess the experiment is a success. IMHO: this is a revolutionary concept and worth supporting, so get those checkbooks out: $30.00 Ms. P. O. Box 57132 Boulder, CO 80322-7132 Usual disclaimer: I stand to gain nothing from supporting this venture except that I will have some great reading available to me (for the same price it cost everyone else). Sharleen