As I write this letter, we are in the midst of a very busy time
at Steam gas! Our 120-page annual Show Directory has made its way
to the publisher carrying over 540 listings and more than 150 ads.
We should begin mailing these sometime in February, so it’s
time to order yours, if you haven’t already! See the order
blank on the facing page. Don’t get upset thinking that
you’ll have to cut up your fresh new magazine to send in an
order; we’ll accept orders written on regular stationery or
postcards. Just use our form as a guide, and provide us with all
the requested information. Bill Starkey of Star bolt and Lee
Pedersen will both be selling directories in Zolfo Springs, so look
for them there if you’re headed for Florida.
Meanwhile, the Collector’s Network mail is picking up as its
February 15th deadline nears and we look forward to assembling this
project, which promises to be chock full of information.
I want to say just a word about all the new products which are
being advertised in GEM. We care very much about our subscribers
and how they are treated by advertisers. When we receive a new ad
from someone, we often ask to see a sample of the tape or
publication offered. Frequently we do not receive these before the
ad is published, and most of our ads are accepted in ‘good
faith’.
If you do have a problem of some kind with an advertiser, we
appreciate knowing- preferably in writing. Keep in mind, though,
that the transaction between you and the firms and individuals who
advertise are not ones that we can regulate; the United States
Postal Service is the ultimate authority there. We are always happy
to receive your letters, which are of great assistance to us in
answering questions asked by others. If you see an ad appearing in
GEM over a long period of time, it is usually an indicator that
most customers are satisfied. We carry hundreds of ads every month,
and the vast majority never generate a single complaint.
With that said, let’s get on with the magazine! Show season
really starts to swing in March, and I realize you’re probably
busy with last-minute planning and preparation. Save enough time to
cover every inch of this month’s material, as there may be
something in the pages beyond that will make a difference in the
coming months of exhibiting!