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From Fourth International, Vol.10 No.2, February 1949, p.34.
Transcription & mark-up by Einde O’Callaghan for ETOL.
In the spirit of the recent decision of the plenum of the National Committee of the Socialist Workers Party to wage intensified warfare on all fronts against the enemies of Marxism, the Fourth International is taking measures to become one of the chief weapons in this struggle. As might be expected, the editorial board is knee-deep in plans for coming issues in order to make this weapon as sharp and effective as possible
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But no one should think that the contents of the Fourth International are the concern only of the writers and editors. All readers – all sympathizers of our party – are urged to send in suggestions and criticisms for making the magazine a better one. Questions and comments are also welcome, and the editor promises to print as many letters from readers as space will allow.
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The kind and the amount of response that we get will measure, to a great degree, how well the Fourth International is serving its purpose as a medium of revolutionary theory – whether it succeeds in arming advanced work ers with Marxist thinking – whether it exposes clearly all those enemies of scientific socialism who work night and day to steer the working class away from the course of Marxism. So please write.
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What the magazine has to say and how effectively it says it is only part of the problem. The other part, of course, is to see that it is read. We must, find the means of widening the circulation. In the coming period we want especially to direct our efforts toward colleges and universities. Be sure that newsstands near the campus in your city carry the Fourth International. Place it in the popular bookstore patronized by students and faculty – there always is at least one such store.
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Campus bulletin boards will carry notices of student clubs from all student and faculty and their meetings which will be worthwhile covering. A salesman stationed for an hour or so on the campus will be sure to attract new readers.
Try to get a subscription from the college library as well as members on your list of acquaintances.
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Still another fruitful outlet for Fourth International sales are political meetings of all shades. Stalinist meetings, social democratic meetings, forums and lectures will nearly always net some sales especially if the salesman is there half an hour in advance of the meeting and really plugs the magazine. Experience has shown that there are always a few, at least, in such audiences who want to know what we have to say even if they do not agree with us. We must make it as easy as possible for them to get the Fourth International and find out.
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While these suggestions are made particularly to FI agents, there is no reason why all enthusiastic readers, even those not so fortunate as to belong to a branch of the Socialist Workers Party, should not become agents for the Fourth International. Here too we welcome suggestions and criticisms aimed at increasing our circulation. SWP branches are asked to write us how they are distributing their present bundle and how they think they might increase it. Tell us to what extent the magazines you sell are being read, and what you think can be done to increase readership. If you are having a hard time selling any, what do you think might be the reason. Let’s have the good news and the bad.
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Each month we will try to tell you the main contents of the following month’s issue so that you can plan your sales campaigns in advance. The March issue will be devoted to the problems of the American labor movement. We suggest that you draw up a list of all the trade unionists you know and plan to get this issue to them.
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Last updated on 3.3.2009