Subscription numbers ain't what they used to be

October 30, 2000 - It used to be that only magazines that sold for 50 percent or more of the basic subscription price, as set by the publisher, could be counted in an audit of subscription numbers. What essentially wasn't counted then was copies that went to all sorts of specialty groups, like seniors and students.

Is it earth-shattering news? Probably not, but can you believe that this rule has been used since the 1880's as part of the postal code? January 2001 doesn't seem too soon to update the guidelines.

On another note, the way consumers can sign up for magazine subscriptions is soon going to take a new twist. Yes, there has actually been a selling opportunity just recently identified, and that's to allow a person to purchase a magazine subscription right at checkout time in their local supermarket.

All they have to do is pick up a specially packaged copy of the desired publication, activate the subscription via the Internet or phone, and voila, it's a done deal. The program, called Instant Start, is being tested at Kroger stores in Cincinnati.

Just think, someone might see your informative, enticing article on the cover of a title and buy the subscription just so they can continue to have access to your exciting words.

Well a writer can dream, can't they?