Postal Service crimps indie publishers

As one of the final insults by Congress's Republican "leadership" that was finally ousted 2 years ago, Congress passed a law (which Bush signed) saying the U.S. Postal Service is now automatically entitled to a postal rate increase each year - without having to prove itself first.

This harms individuals more than it does large businesses, for it effectively increases the subsidy that single pieces of mail provide for junk mail.

Now the Postal Service has issued a new policy that harms indie publishers. This change also subsidizes junk mail such as ads. The Postal Service's new policy in effect yanks the bound printed matter rates as an option for writers of zines and indie comics. Effective this month, bound printed matter rates are now by permit only.

Independent writers can no longer use stamps or a meter. And they can no longer send out their works using their own mailbox or public boxes. They have to go to the post office that issued the permit.

This change seems to do no damage to magazines that are considered more mainstream. But it costs the do-it-yourself publishers dearly. If I didn't know any better, I'd almost think the Bush regime was actively attempting to silence zinesters.

Where to voice your opinion? Call the Postal Service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777), and select "more options."

It's a shame postage will get another automatic increase next year (thanks to the Republicans' new law), despite the fact that the Postal Service clearly isn't proving it deserves it. The subsidy to big advertisers (which zinesters and other individuals are forced to pay for) continues unabated.