Hello, In defence of the Post Office, I must agree with the writer who has his magazine on the top of the pile, and had the cover damaged often - it is a common occurance. Also, because our readers are so spread out very often you are the only reader in a particular zip code, and your magazine is on the top of the pile - hence it gets damaged in transit, either because other mail gets tossed on it, or the material used to bundle it tears the cover. As far a delivery dates are concerned, we have little control over this problem. It goes, almost always, back to being the only reader in a particular zip code, and it just takes time. Also, some, I repeat some, rural carriers tend to bunch magazines into certain days for delivery and that, too, delays delivery. We try to get our magazine out to you on time, and it almost always works, but not always. And, the Post Office almost always gets it delivered on time. That's why we try and make each issue timely for the eintire month, rather than just the first part of the month. We have learned that no matter what any of us do, sometimes it just doesn't work, and, almost always, it gets there eventually. Better than not at all. If you are having trouble receiving your copy, please contact us and we will look into the matter. Sometimes it is the post office, sometimes the label falls off (soon to be corrected by ink jetted on the cover), and sometimes God gets involved. No matter what, we will get you another copy. You paid for it, and you'll get it. Thanks for being patient. Kim Flottum, Editor, Bee Culture