Survey Says!
by Dave Bealer

I would like to personally thank both of the people who took the time
and trouble to fill out and return the RAH Reader Survey.  Statistics
show that less than 10% of magazine readers answer surveys, so these
results indicate that at least 20 or 30 people around North America
read each issue of RAH.  This is a gratifying development after only
six months work.

So far results of the survey are mixed:

1)  Most respondents favor keeping RAH focused on Computer/BBS/Online
    humor, although a vociferous minority are in favor of making RAH
    a general interest humor e-mag.

    My feeling is that RAH is better off staying in the niche that
    has brought it this far.  High quality *original* humor that does
    not directly deal with the stated focus will always be considered
    for publication.  Almost any subject matter (within the PG rating
    constraints) is fair game for taglines and Sound Bytes (fillers).
    As far as funny office memos and other formats go, only send in
    those concerned with computers/programming/online/BBS topics.

2)  Classified Advertising - most are indifferent to or in favor of
    this, provided it is kept within reason.

    Soon after the February issue went out the modem, and before any
    survey responses were received, I decided to shelve the idea of
    having classified ads in RAH.  They tend to detract from an epub
    that uses them, and they would considerably complicate things for
    me by turning RAH into a business.  Such complications are likely
    to prove inevitable in the long run but, lazy person that I am,
    will be put off as long as possible.

    OTOH, there is a possibility that free classified ads for other
    electronic publications may be offered on a reciprocal basis.

3)  Most of the discerning folks who replied correctly identified my
    glorious satire as the best part of RAH.  Oh, and my modesty too.
    
4)  The "What would you like to see in future issues" question
    brought some interesting responses.

    a) Sorry, a centerfold of John C. Dvorak is not possible.  PKZIP
       would choke on the staples.

    b) Lettuce to the Editor.  What am I, a wabbit?  Seriously
       though, good idea.  Now all we need are some actual letters.
       If they aren't forthcoming, I may have to make some up.
       {If fact we did get a real letter, which follows.}

    c) A large proportion of respondents left this question blank,
       indicating, of course, that RAH (like its editor) is already
       perfect and requires no changes.
