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From New International, Vol. VII No. 03, April 1941, pp. 34.
Transcribed & marked up by Damon Maxwell for ETOL.
SINCE the formation of the Workers Party and the definitive anti-war stand taken by The New International, the inadequacy of a 16-page magazine and the need for at least 32 pages has been generally recognized by the great majority of its readers. On the occasion of comrade Trotsky’s death we published a 32-page N.I. as a memorial to that great revolutionary leader. It was hoped at that time that we might be able to continue with 32 pages each month but we were forced back to 16 pages because of a drained treasury.
Now, again, because of popular demand and because we too recognize the need, this issue and subsequent issues will be 32 pages. This is not going to be easy. Sustaining it will require the cooperation of every reader, every branch member, every literature agent. The cost of the N.I. will actually be doubled though the selling price is increased by only one-third (20 cents per copy as compared to 15 cents heretofore). Twice as much paper is required; twice as much linotype labor; twice as much press-work; doubled mailing costs.
Nor will the increased bundle order price (from 10 cents per copy to 14 cents per copy in bundles or 5 or more) cover the extra expense. What we must have is larger bundle orders and above all many new subscribers.
We have not changed the subscription rate which remains $1.50 per year. This must be our main source of revenue from now on. It should not be difficult to double our subscriptions considering the improved content and increased size while keeping the subscription rate down to a minimum.
Next month we feel sure that we will be able to present a much better picture of N.I. circulation than we can now.
The success of our new venture depends in a good measure, on what New York can do in the way of increasing its bundle order, both for branches and newsstands, and making a drive for subscriptions. For the past few months its order has remained absolutely static – though its payments have improved. It is conservative to say that an immediate doubling of the order should be an easy task for the New York local. This depends as much, if not more, on individual members and individual branches than on the New York literature agent who is really doing a remarkably good job.
Los Angeles has a new literature agent who has written in telling us of elaborate plans to place the N.I. on newsstands, get subscriptions and raise money to pay up on a back bill that is still too large after a substantial payment.
San Francisco has not only liquidated the Oakland debt, but is practically paid up to the current issue on a bundle order that is the third largest in the country.
Chicago Central better make good its promise to pay up on a bill if they want to handle the new 32 page N.I. We don’t like to make threats – and we do want to maintain the N.I.
Chicago South Side is falling behind too – but we know they will come through.
No kick with Boston, Worcester, St. Louis, Akron and those other branches that are so prompt in payment – except that we expect big things from them in the way of bigger orders with this issue and from now on.
We are still waiting for some word from Lynn and Cleveland as to what plans they have to liquidate their debt.
The N.I. is getting through to various persons in the British Isles. A letter from Glasgow, Scotland, recently, tells of several copies of the N.I. being received and expressing regret that no payments could be made because the writer – nor any one else – can send money out. Which brings us to our monthly plea for contributions for foreign mailing. We have received some – but the more we get the more we mail.
And now that we have 32 pages let our slogan be, KEEP IT GOING!
THE MANAGER
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Last updated on 25 October 2014