By John Norton

Inundated with Catholic mail solicitations?

Just like most of you, I receive dozens of solicitations in the mail each month from Catholic organizations seeking donations. Some OSV subscribers have let me know it irritates them, and they're not happy that subscribing to OSV opens the solicitation floodgates.

Here's an example I recently received: "Ever since I subscribed to the newspaper, I have been buried by requests from every Catholic charity and order in the world. Although most are worthy causes, I can't take the numerous mailings every day. I get letters from religious orders and causes I never even knew existed. Enough is enough."

I understand the frustration, and I'd like to offer an explanation and a solution. This is an issue we here are very sensitive to and continually discuss.

First, it is critical to our mission to keep subscription fees as low as possible for our readers. Some of our competitors ask for donations in addition to subscription fees. We instead look for different sources of revenue, one of which is mailing list rental. Other sources are producing and selling books, or selling offering envelopes and Catholic curriculum to parishes and schools.

Second, we know that a good number of our readers welcome the solicitations because they are looking for new ways to support Catholic initiatives or share their good fortunes with other solid Catholic organizations. Not only have they told us this, the Catholic organizations renting our lists tell us the response to their mailings is outstanding (which shows that our readers are committed and passionate Catholics who want to be involved).

Third, we are with you. I am personally on the mailing list we rent out so every direct mail piece sent by our Catholic partners comes to my house, too. (And to the houses of our publisher and our director of marketing.)

Bottom line: List rentals help us keep our subscription price down (so we can keep readership up) and also help worthy Catholic organizations get their message out and seek support.

But what if you don't want to receive the solicitations? Simply contact us (call 800-348-2440 or e-mail osvsales@osv.com) and ask that your account be put in "do not promote" status. That's it. Within eight weeks, you won't be receiving those solicitations from our partners.

Be aware that if you subscribe to any non-OSV Catholic publications, you'll also have to contact them to make sure you are not on their rental lists.

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Next week, with the Nov. 1 issue, marks the launch of our paper's refreshed design. Most of the changes are subtle but will help improve the paper's readability and overall visual impact. I'm very pleased with the way it turned out, and I look forward to hearing your feedback next week.