Top 7 Reader Critiques
Since In Part’s inception three years ago, we on the BIC Communications team have received lots of reader feedback—and we’ve noticed that a few issues just keep popping up. And so, we’ve compiled this Top 7 List of Reader Critiques in hopes of laying some of those concerns to rest.
#1: The paper is too thick, heavy, stiff, and expensive—and it smells. Why not use a thin, glossy paper?
After considering many different options, we’ve concluded that the current paper selection remains the best choice for In Part at this time. A thin, glossy paper would make the magazine—at its current length—too flimsy to mail, yet lengthening the publication to increase its durability would add considerable cost. Also, glossy paper is not recyclable in all areas of North America. Conversely, the present stock is durable, distinct, recyclable, and made from a blend of recycled and FSC-certified paper. It is also comparably priced. Plus, a number of readers have even said that they like it! Any scents issuing from the magazine are from the ink, which would be the same regardless of the paper.
#2: The magazine has too much white space and art.
Even as In Part makes sharing important stories and information a top priority, we affirm the role that the visual arts play in the spiritual life of the Church, and we feel privileged to feature thought-provoking creations by the skilled artists among us. We also recognize the need for white space, which provides pauses for refection in the reading and helps keep the design clean and simple. We may not always strike the ideal balance between these three elements, so we welcome your continued input.
#3: Why doesn’t In Part share birth, wedding, and death announcements like its predecessor, The Visitor, did?
The foremost reason is that the North American BIC Church has grown into a family of 300 churches and 25,000 households, and In Part does not have the space to print nor the personnel to collect information from each of these locations. Nevertheless, to better serve our readers, we’ve created “Family News,” a quarterly newsletter chronicling these events in the BIC family. To learn more, go to bic-church.org/family or call 717.697.2634, x5436.
#4: Only positive or complimentary letters to the editor are reprinted in the magazine.
Most of the feedback we receive is positive; however, we’ve never hesitated to share a letter articulating a thoughtful disagreement with the magazine’s content. (See the Winter 2009, Summer 2008, Spring 2009, and Spring 2010 issues.) That said, many of those who write in with critiques or complaints request that we not publish their words, and in the spirit of community, we don’t print anonymous or unsigned communications.
#5: The stories are too Pa.- or U.S.-centric.
The North American BIC Church family is widespread and diverse—and growing more so all the time—so covering all corners of our community must be a priority. We intentionally seek to feature an equitable number of stories from each Conference, if not in each individual issue, then over the span of a year. Because three Regional Conferences encompass areas in Pa., and seven out of the eight Conferences reside in the U.S., it makes representative sense that we would share more stories from those areas. That said, we realize that we don’t always succeed in giving equal coverage to each Conference, so we offer an enthusiastic invitation to share your story ideas with us at bic-church.org/inpart/propose.asp.
#6: The type is too small or difficult to read.
We offer our sincerest apologies for this. While we do our utmost to make sure the content is clearly legible for the full range of our readership, we recognize that we may make mistakes, and we welcome notice of specific occurrences so that we can be more aware and sensitive in future.
#7: What’s with the light, pastel colors used in In Part?
While the overall palate for In Part has so far been composed of brighter hues and fewer neutral tones than either The Visitor or Seek, we try to choose colors that will not only appeal to readers but, more importantly, reinforce the content. As the Winter 2007, Fall 2008, and Winter 2009 issues illustrate, we’re not afraid to use dark colors, especially when appropriate to the content at hand.
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