Trial Subscribers Again by John Norton Loughborough

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Jun 24, 1875

Trial Subscribers Again.

By John Norton Loughborough

We hope all will continue their efforts in obtaining subscribers to the SIGNS. We do not wish any to slack their efforts in inducing candid persons to receive and read the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. What we have said relative to unpaid subscribers has been for the purpose of stirring up our T. and M. workers to make inquiries into the cases of those who have been receiving the paper for a year or less, and who have paid nothing nor reported as to whether they were interested or not.

There has been some misunderstanding, or a failure to carry out the plan proposed in obtaining trial subscribers. 1. It was stated that those who obtained names for the SIGNS on trial should keep a list, and at the end of three months see the persons and learn whether they are interested and wished to become permanent subscribers, or whether they wished to donate anything towards the support of the SIGNS. 2. It was stated that the consent of the parties must be obtained to receive the paper, to take it from the office, and to pay postage, in order to be considered bona fide subscribers.

Now perhaps all have acted in obtaining subscribers according to their understanding, and will be glad to learn the better mode of procedure. 1. One mistake has been that persons have been induced to give their names for the paper, being told they could have it a whole year by paying postage. In such cases, of course no blame is attached to those who gave their names. 2. There was a mistake in not looking after these names in such cases, at the end of three months from the time of sending them. Pursuing such a course, as already suggested, gives opportunity for conversation on the truth a second time, or correspondence with them as the case may be. 3. A third and great mistake would now be made in a wholesale striking off of names without calling upon the parties to learn their interest in the SIGNS, or giving them any opportunity to donate for the papers they have had if they wish to do so. 4. We will take advantage of, and learn by, our mistakes, remembering the true saying, that "Success in life does not consist in never making any mistakes, but in not making the same mistake a second time."

Let all persons interest themselves to get as many as they can to take the SIGNS either paid or on trial, but remember the rules, look after them, and report on them at the end of three months. J. N. L.