Many pundits say print is dead, but the 12-page quarterly newsletter I write for a nonprofit medical clinic is alive and kicking up attention, at least at the local post office. Tucked quietly away on page 7 of a recent issue was a mention of free gift cards provided to participants in a confidential research survey.

Either the personnel at the tiny USPS facility in inland North County have a lot of time on their hands, or they are avid readers of our Indian Health Council, Inc. newsletter (which sports the uncomplicated moniker, “Newsletter”). When the print shop manager dropped off copies for mailing, he was warned, “You might lose your nonprofit postage rate if you continue to advertise free gift cards.”

OMG! WOW! LOL! And other three-letter exclamations of surprise!

Don’t get me wrong: I am immersed in electronic publications. Communications in PDF and Constant Contact formats are time-savers and so versatile in this manic-multi-mobile-media age of cross-pollination across multiple platforms. I use these formats as well as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and more in work for my clients.

But there is something to be said for a printed piece with substance that allows the opportunity to visit a topic at length, with multiple photos right there on the page, not in a clickable album. I’m delighted that our humble little newsletter has received the ultimate USPS stamp of approval: readership!

Check it out online at www.indianhealth.com.