For advertisers’ sake, should Coin World take a stronger interest in the timely delivery of its news

Longacre

It has been two weeks since I received an issue of the weekly newspaper, Coin World. However, last night, I was delighted to open up the mailbox and find not one, but two issues of Coin World in there.

I was even more delighted when I turned to the Editorial. In the issue that I looked at first, I saw that Mr. Gibbs wrote the article, rather than the drivel that normally besmirches that section of the paper.

As I flipped through the paper, I saw a two page Heritage advertisement for the Baltimore Collection of double eagles. The auction is scheduled for October 24th. However, I received my issue of Coin World on October 23rd, merely one day before this big auction.

I am not sure what a two page advertisement costs in Coin World, but I have to assume it is a decent amount of money. Does Coin World have any obligation to its advertisers (who pay the majority of the costs to run the paper, including the salary of the Editor in Chief), to ensure timely delivery of its paper? I was very disappointed to see that the money spent on this Heritage advertisement was wasted, not to mention the fact that the consignor lost out on the intended promotion of his collection.

Should Coin World institute a guarantee policy whereby it refunds advertisers’ fees if the paper is not delivered in a timely manner, particularly with respect to an auction that has a date certain? What do you think?

mrpotatoheadd

<< <i>Should Coin World institute a guarantee policy whereby it refunds advertisers’ fees if the paper is not delivered in a timely manner, particularly with respect to an auction that has a date certain? What do you think? >>

How would Coin World go about insuring that the post office delivers the paper in a timely manner? From Coin World's website FAQs:

12. I haven't received the latest issue. Why is it late?

Issues are mailed each Monday. Each issue is mailed 14 days before the cover date. Example: The issue dated 11/17/08 mails 11/3/08.

They're already mailing the paper two weeks before the issue date- seems to me, they're doing their part. I suppose they could ship via first class delivery instead, but how many subscribers do you think they'd lose when they have to increase the subscription cost to cover the added expense?

kahokia

It's irritating. It seems that I usually receive mine in batches. Two every other Monday seems to be the pattern. Maybe Coin World should organize an astroturf letter campaign to the U.S. Mail. The online version is nice, but I would prefer my print copy in a timely fashion.

dbldie55

You get what you pay for and I doubt many subscribers would be willing to pay to have a quicker delivery. Once they raise the price to cover shipping and lose half of the subscribers, how many advertisers would they lose along with it.

I know it is in the DNA of many to blame the wrong party because it makes them feel better, but Coin World is doing their part. (otherwise mine would be late, which it never is)

CoinHusker

We've never had a problem and seem to get it hot off the presses. Like everything else I figure notlogical has a friend somewhere.

pennyannie

Longacre- My local B&M always has trouble getting the Coin world on time. I do not subscribe so i have a excuse to stop by the coin store once a week to get the latest issue. This delayed delivery has been going on for a long time. The owner of the coin shop finally got fed up and started making calls to CW and the post office. It turned out that for some reason the CW magazines (and all magazines) are not delivered to the same spot at the post office and the actual mail carrier is suppose to go by the dock and see if any magazines are there. The carrier for this coin store route is lazy and does not always go check the dock for days and weeks at a time. It may be the actual post office is the delivery problem and not coin world.

SilverBaron

Some were along the way, mine usually get stolen......I might get 1 out of 5......

I would pay extra for them to be wrapped....

I do not have a B&M close by to get it there......

I know you can read it online....butttt it's not the same......


When this sub. expires..... I will not renew.

ColonialCoinUnion

While I was in college, I was a volunteer in the intensive care unit at a VA hospital.

After that experience, I don't sweat the small stuff too much. Sure, I'd like it if CW arrived like clockwork in my PO Box every Tuesday, but I'll try to muddle through if it doesn't.

Mojoe

I get my Coin World in batches also. Usually 2 at a time bi-weekly.

edix2001

Pretty pokey on the Numismatic News sub, too.

tahoe98

............keep in mind that there are closet coin collectors masquerading as postal carriers out there. they must read the publications first before delivering it to the customer!

jfoot13

subscribe to the online version if you want quick and do like I do .. when the snail mail version arrives keep it in the car for some pleasant reading while stuck in traffic or waiting for the other half shopping at the mall.... stay focused keep your mind on the sale and don't worry about your coin world

DieClash

Not only did I get two on the same day as Longacre, just two days later I got a third issue! If Beth Deisher is reading these posts perhaps she can explain. It's not the postal service, but rather I believe it's the publisher Amos Advantage not meeting the deadlines. I suppose the numismatic community is not unlike any other specialty publication, sometimes there's no news to fill the empty spaces. It's either feast or famine.

Mailed Oct 6, Oct 14 & Oct 20, all received in the same 3 day period!

mrpotatoheadd

<< <i>It's not the postal service, but rather I believe it's the publisher Amos Advantage not meeting the deadlines. >>

If that's so, why has mine been arriving on time lately? I don't think they're printing and mailing only some of each of several weeks' issues and holding back on others- that would seem to me to be a lot of extra work.

For the record... in the past, I have had two issues delivered in a span of a couple of days on several occasions. I'm just not convinced it's anything more than a handling issue at the post office due to whatever postage rate (obviously, they're not being sent first class) Coin World is paying for.

ChrisRx

<< <i> It has been two weeks since I received an issue of the weekly newspaper, Coin World. However, last night, I was delighted to open up the mailbox and find not one, but two issues of Coin World in there. >>



Yes, that happens to me too.

500Bay

While I understand that Coin World cannot change the way the US Mail delivers, I wonder why it is the only publication I get that is erratic in delivery most of the time?

WilliamGibbs

We at Coin World and Amos Hobby Publishing find delivery problems as frustrating as our subscribers. If someone is having repeated delivery problems, please contact the circulation department at 800-253-4555. Under certain circumstances, they can set up a publication watch with the USPS.

You might find the following details about our current publication schedule interesting.

Over the years, we have operated under different publication schedules. Now that we are no longer printed on site, but by a printing company in Cincinnati, we close advertising at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. A member of the design operations staff then creates the layout of that week's issue, combining advertising and editorial space. I usually receive the layout (a document showing editorial space and advertising placement) by 6 p.m. Tuesday, and begin assigning editorial coverage that evening. That means I look at the mix of routine news, columns, features and deparments that are available, and assign those stories accordingly. I take care to reserve sufficient editorial space for our major news coverage and other stories that have been completed. At this point, I send most columns and features to the design staff so they can start working our page design. I am generally out of the office by 7 or 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, although issues with larger page counts take longer to plan and assign, thus keeping me here later.

The design staff will start working on the stories I assigned and sent to the design team Tuesday evening at 6 a.m. Wednesday morning. Again, these represent columns and features, all of which are scheduled weeks in advance of the issue in which they appear; and some routine news.

The editorial staff holds its final story meeting early Wednesday morning. By that time, we have a pretty good feel for what major stories are breaking that week (however, it is not unusual for unexpected stories to break after that meeting, requiring modifications of our coverage). Wednesday and Thursday are devoted to page layout (by the design staff); page layout review (editorial staff); and the continuation of the writing and editing process (I copy edit all Coin World stories in addition to coordinating the flow of pages between design and editorial). Ads are also being built during this time.

We complete the final page layout Friday morning. For the editorial space, usually that consists of pages 1, 4 and 5, and the pages into which stories on those three pages jump. The editorial page is generally completed Friday morning as well. I finish the table of contents (almost always the last page finished, of course) around noon or a little later. By early Friday afternoon, all pages are completed, corrected and approved; electronic proofs are approved by editorial, advertising and circulation staffs; and the completed issue is uploaded to the printer.

The issue is printed Saturday and enters the mail Monday (sometimes on Tuesday when a major holiday falls on Monday). No issues are held back, ever. At this point, issues are in the custody of the USPS.

To DieClash, I can say that Coin World has never missed a deadline under the current schedule; I would consider that a major personal failure on my part. When we printed the newspaper on site, the few times we missed deadlines were the result of weather (a couple of major blizzards; ask CaptHenway about the January 1978 storm -- I dug him out of his apartment). Also, under the old schedule, the press staff sometimes gave us a few hours when we wanted to hold a few pages for major breaking news coverage, but we never missed a mailing deadline.

Thanks for taking time to read this.

William T. Gibbs
News Editor, Coin World

SeaEagleCoins

I wish to respond to this thread for a two reasons...

First, to thank Mr. Gibbs for taking time out of his busy schedule to not only read this thread but to also take the time to provide a comprehensive reply to the OP's question.

Second, is to ask Michael (AKA Longacre) what his true intent is when he poses his many questions. I have met Michael and his children at a coin show and I must say that I like the man (and his family), so please don't get any other impression from what I am about to post here.

It is apparant, I'm sure, to all who post here on a regular basis, that Longacre seems to have a very inquisitive nature. He apparently takes quite a bit of time out of his busy day to think out and pose his many questions. He also writes in a clear, precise manner and his posts are easy on the eye.

He often is able to get me to think on subjects I don't often give much thought to. Many times, I and others have taken the time to ponder on the subject of one of his questions and then take the time to think out and post a thoughtful response to those questions.

Yet, more often than not, Michael does not come back to acknowledge these replies to his questions. I wonder, does he even read the replies? If he does, then why not acknowledge that we took the time to read his post and then to reply?

Michael, I honestly would like to know... Are you actually looking for answers to these questions? Or, perhaps, are you simply wishing to stimulate our minds? Stirring the pot just for fun, perhaps?

I ask this, if for no other reason, because I feel it is a common courtesy to acknowledge, if not thank, a person for taking the time to read what I have written and than take the time to reply with an answer. I, perhaps wrongly, assume that when a person asks a question they are actually looking for an answer... or, at least, trying to find out what other folks thoughts are on a given subject.

Then again, your questions might be simply rhetorical.

In this case, Mr. Gibbs took the time to read and answer the question you posed. I also imagine he read the body of the thread. Many others took the time to offer their input, as well, to the subject of your post.

I hope you do return to read this thread and acknowledge the posts of Mr. Gibbs and the others who took time out of their day to read and respond to this thread.

Michael, please keep posing your questions...they are enjoyed by many of us. I, for one, would simply like to know if you are reading our many replies... and do you care about what we think?

(edited for spelling )

streeter

For advertisers’ sake, should Coin World take a stronger interest in the timely delivery of its newspaper?


Only if they want to sell more subscriptions and lower their cancellation/non-renewel rate.

mcgrover

OK Mr. Gibbs, a filibuster can be an effective strategy in deflecting attention from the real problem, which is that delivery of CW is not timely. It is not timely for the advertiser who may be trying to coordinate a marketing effort, and not timely for the reader, like me, who may want to read the ads and see what's come on the market. I got so sick of hearing 'That coin has been sold' that not only do I not make the call anymore, I don't subscribe to CW any more. I have bookmarked my favorite dealers and buy when the coin is posted, not when your paper gets around to getting me what I've paid good money for. The discussion of reading newspapers online is complicated, but it's a battle you're not going to win. Readers may get their info online, but they pass on the ads, especially when they are already a week old by your own reckoning. This is not your subscribers' problem to solve.

Bochiman

Two of THE BEST posts I have seen on the forums in a long time:

William Gibbs - with his information to clarify the deadlines and shipment of CW.
SeaEaglecoins - with his recognition of the fact that some posts just seem to be "for fun" and "stirring the pot" if someone posts and never comes back to re-engage the discussion when it has started.

Mark Feld once made a thread/post asking about "hit-and-run" posters....those who start, or pop into, a thread and, even though their post may be a bit controversial or warrant a reply, they never bother to come back to it. There are still quite a few of these posters around. Funny how some think they are so great....I find them to be more annoying than anything since they just do their post and run away.
Come on guys.....if you get replies, come back to it and acknowledge or adjust. It really isn't that hard to find threads that aren't on the first page anymore, particularly if you posted in them recently.

For those that complain about their delivery of CW (I get mine every 7-12 days or so, and have had 2 at once), complain to the post office.
I think these are being sent in a lower cost structure and so they aren't 2-3 days or even 3-5 days or whatever. As Mr Gibbs said, if there is a major issue with the delivery, contact them and they can put a periodical trace on for you.

If you are upset and haven't called them to ask, then it is your right to cancel the subscription or let it lapse but to just come on and complain about it? No place to stand.

DaveG

Larry,

Don't forget that Longacre's doing his in-laws estate/yard sale this weekend, so he may not be able to respond immediately.


edited to add: p.s., I'd also like to complain about my CW delivery - I got my copy EARLY this week (on Wednesday)! I've never gotten a copy that early before; it has completely upset my end-of-week routine!

tahoe98

...........i have to say, i've been fortunate in getting mine on time.

Halfsense

Ever since moving from the Chicago area to Southern Nevada five years ago, I've had erratic (that's ERRATIC, not erotic) delivery of both Coin World and Numismatic News. As others in this thread have noted, it is not Coin World's fault (or the fault of F+W Media, publisher of Numismatic News). It's the United States Postal Service that delivers the publications. Here in Southern Nevada there are many "contract workers" who deliver the mail. They are not full-time USPS employees, and there can be frequent changes of route assignments for these carriers.

To solve the problem, I have an online subscription to Coin World, and each issue is available on their web site by late Monday morning each week. At the present time, Numismatic News does not offer online access to their full issues, but I'm told they are working on a new "platform" to provide that service to readers.

-donn-

Longacre

<< <i>We at Coin World and Amos Hobby Publishing find delivery problems as frustrating as our subscribers. If someone is having repeated delivery problems, please contact the circulation department at 800-253-4555. Under certain circumstances, they can set up a publication watch with the USPS.

You might find the following details about our current publication schedule interesting.

Over the years, we have operated under different publication schedules. Now that we are no longer printed on site, but by a printing company in Cincinnati, we close advertising at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. A member of the design operations staff then creates the layout of that week's issue, combining advertising and editorial space. I usually receive the layout (a document showing editorial space and advertising placement) by 6 p.m. Tuesday, and begin assigning editorial coverage that evening. That means I look at the mix of routine news, columns, features and deparments that are available, and assign those stories accordingly. I take care to reserve sufficient editorial space for our major news coverage and other stories that have been completed. At this point, I send most columns and features to the design staff so they can start working our page design. I am generally out of the office by 7 or 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, although issues with larger page counts take longer to plan and assign, thus keeping me here later.

The design staff will start working on the stories I assigned and sent to the design team Tuesday evening at 6 a.m. Wednesday morning. Again, these represent columns and features, all of which are scheduled weeks in advance of the issue in which they appear; and some routine news.

The editorial staff holds its final story meeting early Wednesday morning. By that time, we have a pretty good feel for what major stories are breaking that week (however, it is not unusual for unexpected stories to break after that meeting, requiring modifications of our coverage). Wednesday and Thursday are devoted to page layout (by the design staff); page layout review (editorial staff); and the continuation of the writing and editing process (I copy edit all Coin World stories in addition to coordinating the flow of pages between design and editorial). Ads are also being built during this time.

We complete the final page layout Friday morning. For the editorial space, usually that consists of pages 1, 4 and 5, and the pages into which stories on those three pages jump. The editorial page is generally completed Friday morning as well. I finish the table of contents (almost always the last page finished, of course) around noon or a little later. By early Friday afternoon, all pages are completed, corrected and approved; electronic proofs are approved by editorial, advertising and circulation staffs; and the completed issue is uploaded to the printer.

The issue is printed Saturday and enters the mail Monday (sometimes on Tuesday when a major holiday falls on Monday). No issues are held back, ever. At this point, issues are in the custody of the USPS.

To DieClash, I can say that Coin World has never missed a deadline under the current schedule; I would consider that a major personal failure on my part. When we printed the newspaper on site, the few times we missed deadlines were the result of weather (a couple of major blizzards; ask CaptHenway about the January 1978 storm -- I dug him out of his apartment). Also, under the old schedule, the press staff sometimes gave us a few hours when we wanted to hold a few pages for major breaking news coverage, but we never missed a mailing deadline.

Thanks for taking time to read this.

William T. Gibbs
News Editor, Coin World >>





I missed this response the first time around. It was very informative and answered the questions in the OP. I appreciate the time that Mr. Gibbs took to reply (as well as what others have written (for the most part), which is also taken under advisement).