Do us both a favor, try to read this file before you try to use the font.

First off, it's copyrighted shareware, not free. Those of you who know me can
use it personally for free. Those of you who don't, please send ten bucks
($10.00) if you want to personally use it and keep it, or I really will come
back to haunt you in the next ten lives. This is also the alpha (first)
version of the fonts--caveat emptor, no warranties exist.

Distribution or reproduction in any form is prohibited. The only authorized
source of this font is DTPFORUM, or from me. If you find this font on any
other source, please notify me. The font outlines contain data points that
can be used to confirm the source of the font, and unauthorized distributors
will be prosecuted. (Try not to laugh too hard at the concept.<G>)

=============================HOW TO USE THE FONT=======================

No, you can't just type your zip code in it.
The fonts were designed to use the numeric keys (top row-not numeric keypad)
plus the two keys that usually are next to the numbers:
~1234567890-
`1234567890_
The "start bar" for a POSTNET ZIP+4 sequence has been encoded to the key
that has an accent grave and tilde on it. The location of this key varies on
different keypads, but it is most frequently next to the numeral one. That's
why I put the start code on it. The "end bar" is on your hyphen/underline
key, which usually is next to the zero. Simple enough?

To write a ZIP+4 code, you type the start bar, the five digit zip code, the
additional four digits, a checksum digit, and the end bar. DO NOT put any
spaces or dashes in between anything. Do not use any kerning or tracking.
You probably will want to type the code in a normal font, so you can
proofread it, and then change the entire string to POSTNET.

The CHECKSUM: Thank you, Gary Elfring and John Cornicello, for explaining
how the checksum works. Suppose your zip code is 11372-4068. Add up all of
the numbers. In this case, they total up to 32. The nearest multiple of ten
OVER 32 is 40. Subtract 32 from 40, and the difference is 8. That's the
checksum--the difference between the total of all nine digits, and the next
higher multiple of ten.

This font will print in the "correct" size ONLY when used at TEN POINT type
size. Please note that using the wrong size, like any mistake in postal bar
codes, may send your mail to Mars. This is automation, there are no human
beings involved once a bar code gets on your mail.

The font has been tested for use on 300-dpi laser printers. It should work
on most other printers, including dot matrix, but you should run off a
sample first and see if it looks like the mail you get with bar codes. Dot
matrix printers have different resolution settings--some will be too thick
and blurry to generate the font properly. When in doubt, take a piece to
your post office, or try one in the mail, before you commit to thousands of
pieces of mail--all obediently heading off to Mars.

Why should you use POSTNET bar codes? Because they mean normal first class
mail will be delivered overnight rather than in four to ten days. And on
bulk mailings, they can save you BIG money--if and only if they are used
correctly.

The POSITION of the POSTNET code on the envelope is critical.
The Post Office specs call for a clear zone 5/8" tall and 4-1/2" wide at the
lower right corner of the envelope. The POSTNET code should begin 4" from
the right side of the envelope, and end no closer than 5/8" to the right
edge of the envelope. The base of the POSTNET bars should be 1/4" above the
bottom of the envelope, but no closer than 3/16" or no higher than 7/16"
from the bottom edge. (Note that most laser printers cannot print in the
first 1/4" of the page, so if you get closer than this, your codes will be
cut off anyway. Alignment counts!)

There is also an alternate position, immediately ABOVE the top line of the
addressee. I don't have detailed specs on that yet.

For information, updates, gory details, contact:
    Automation Readability Specialist
    Philadelphia Division,
    United States Postal Service,
    2970 Market Street,
    Philadelphia, PA 19104-9706

or your local "Main Post Office". Just explain that you've got thousands of
letters to bar code, and you'd really like to get it right the first time.
They'll find someone who gets paid to help you. Really.

====================================================================
Send questions, comments, checks (please?), etcetera to:

Jared Sherman / Sherman's Army
76-12 35th Avenue
Jackson Heights, New York 11372
CIS PPN 71157,132
