Experimental Helo magazine is going Electronic.  With the November issue you will be able to access, read as often as you like, download a copy and print a copy from the Subscriber’s Only section of the web site at www.experimentalhelo.com

For those of you who have wondered why we weren’t in this mode earlier, the move will be pleasing.

For many of you we know the change will not be good news and you will wonder why after you’ve thrown things all around your house.

Here are a few of our reasons.

1.We have found ourselves pushed into a corner by the USPS.  Most of you have had delivery difficulties through the years.  Add to that, continuing rate increases and increasing bureaucratic reporting issues, we have decided to take the magazine to the internet, eliminating all those problems.

2. The cost of printing and mail preparation exceeds subscription revenue by too much for us to continue the practice.

We are aware there are subscribers who apparently don’t have a computer and will experience difficulty in acquiring access to the magazine.  We are also aware of subscribers that read the magazine in the bathroom (one place interruptions are limited).

Suggestions:

Do you have an IPAD or iPhone or other electronic gadget?

Hopefully those without a computer can find a friend with access, or use the public library machines.

Now the Good to Great news:

1. The subscription rate will reduce to $25/yr.  For all domestic and foreign — EVERYONE.

2.  Storage of back issues is easy.

3.  Searching for any word or phrase, through all back issues, beginning with the November issue will be easy and in your hands..

4.  Increased delivery quality both in time and magazine condition.

5.  Kathy & I will be motivated to continue our efforts.

6.  Expanded coverage is now possible without increased costs.

Yes, we know you renewed since November 2009.  Here are your options.

1.  You want to stay subscribed.  (Hurray!!!) And you do not want a check for your difference.  Easy, we’ll just extend your subscription an appropriate number of issues.

2. You want to stay subscribed.  (Hurray!!!) And you’d like a rebate check for the appropriate amount.  You’ll get it quickly.  It will be pro rated based on the number of issues remaining in your subscription, minus the cost of the electronic issues to be received.

Example if you have 4 issues remaining on your current $35/yr subscription, which will now be delivered electronically, then you will receive a check for $6.67.  The international subscriptions will be treated in a similar manner..

3. You want to unsubscribe. (Sigh, big sigh)  And you would like to receive a check after receiving the September print issue.  You’ll get it quickly. Rebates will be computed  on the number of issues you have left in your current subscription.

Example if you have 4 issues remaining on your current $35/yr subscription, then you will receive a check for $23.32.  The international subscriptions will be treated in a similar manner.

Added Good News:

The cost of display ads is being cut by 50% as of the November issue.  Ad locations will be within the issue, on the Advertiser Page of the regular website and of course in the forum.

Details of the access to the magazine will be forthcoming.  Current design has the subscriber accessing the magazine website, going to a Subscriber Only section, providing user name and password for current issue access and all the other resources and goodies located there.  We will trust our subscribers not to download and forward the magazine to their friends.

Our goal is to  continue to provide the same quality, coverage and possibly expanded coverage.  We hope you will enjoy the new format.