This publication is now in its tenth year. It has been gradually
widening its influence and, we hope, improving as to content until now
it is mailed to people in 35 states and most Americans territories and
possessions. Thee are 525 "subscribers" and the letters received from
them from time to time testify as to the value of the information
contained in "Nature Notes". Originally a weekly posted page, public
interest brought about its expansion as a pamphlet published once
monthly during the winter and twice monthly during the summer season.
That schedule consumed too much time from other work and it was placed
on a year round monthly basis. The list is arbitrarily thrown out each
year and a new start made at that time in order to hold its circulation
under 500. In that manner we hoped to send it to those most interested
and who would use the information contained in the widest and most
beneficial manner. Thus it was found its way into schools where it is
used in science and nature study classes. But as our efforts have been
to restrict its development, as far as numbers are concerned, public
interest has fostered its gradual expansion. In six weeks this winter
38 requests for Nature Notes were received. And so we again find it
necessary to take a new tack.
The actual net cost of Nature Notes to us is very small. Paper and
stencils are practically the only item of expense. The work (writing,
illustrating, printing, etc.) is done largely at odd times - many
evenings, Sundays, etc. being utilized in this manner. No additional
help is available in its interest. Proper preparation of its contents
calls for time; the increasing list, in spite of annual revisions, also
calls for greater effort and more time and this can now be taken only
from one place - our other duties. Consequently, we are casting about
for ways and means of relief in mechanical preparation so that the time
formerly used in this regard could be utilized in the preparation of
more carefully selected material. And so, in requesting answers to the
following questions we wish to state that it will incur no obligation of
any kind on your part. We want a cross section of opinion as to Nature
Notes' effectiveness, use, interest and value.
(1) Do you find Nature Notes of interest and value?
(2) How do you use it?
(3) Do you pass it on to others?
(4) Do you retain your copies for future use in any way?
(5) In your opinion, is it worth while?
(6) What suggestions have you as to its betterment?
(7) Should it be discontinued?
(8) If not, would you be willing to contribute (not to exceed $1
per year) toward its publication in printed form?
(9) If you want it continued can you suggest any means by which its
costs and extra effort could be taken care of?