I empathize with those who expect a publication delivered as scheduled and
are annoyed when it doesn't arrive. However, imperfect as it may be, the US
Postal Service has a nearly impossible task--to deliver mail to every
address in the country every day. I worked as a letter carrier for a while
and I gained enormous respect for the army in blue that fights heat, ice,
hills,dogs and illegible addresses every day. It is a demanding job, with a
poor public image. I worked with carriers who take very seriously their
position as public servant. They strive for excellent customer service and
even act as guardians of neighborhoods on their routes, watching out for
children and elders. Because a lengthy and complex chain of events results
in delivery of your publication, many things can delay its arrival.  I have
always found that I get excellent service from my carrier when I treat him
or her with respect and as a professional. I wonder how our system compares
with postal systems around the world.
 
At 03:53 PM 11/19/96 -0500, you wrote:
>In a message dated 96-11-18 22:51:39 EST, you write:
>
><<
> is not Bee Culture but the US Post Office.   the people at Bee
> Culture have been very helpful in helping to solve this problem.
> What it finally took was a lot of Yelling and screaming at the
> regional Post Master>  The Post Office (in spite of what it says) are
> just a bunch of government employees who are unable to work at real
> jobs.  If you complain to them long enough they will get off their
> dead duffs and get you your magazines.
>
> Bill Hughes >>
>
>Mine arrived  yesterday in a manilla envelope from Bee Culture I know they
>paid extra postage for it to get here so quick after my impatient complaining
>.
>I fell asleep last night reading it.
>It's no wonder that when I ship something I use UPS
>Be nice if they could carry mail as the post office could use a bit of
>competition to get their act together.
>
>Tom
>
>