Return to the August 2009 issue of the SMS Register.

The Postal Implications of Downsizing Your Magazine

August 2009 — Periodicals-class publishers who are considering replacing some of their print issues with digital copies in an effort to cut costs will want to carefully examine the postal implications before taking the plunge.

One of the requirements of a Periodicals publication is that it is formed of printed pages. Thus, since a digital edition does not qualify as an edition for the USPS, both the printed postal ID statement and the published frequency would need to be change, the latter by filing Form 3510. Another consideration is that the circulation figures for the digital edition should not be included in the figures shown in the Statement of Ownership. Finally, remember that the issue numbers on print editions must be consecutive. Publishers who use the month as the identifier will be okay, but those who use volume and issue numbers will need to take this requirement into account.

Get more information on postal issues.

Return to the August 2009 issue of the SMS Register.

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