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Allen Lacy's Homeground

A few weeks ago I posted a message Subscription Fulfillment Ethics which 
produced some lively responses and requests to name the newsletter. I held 
off until I checked with some library subscribers, learned that libraries had 
received 2 issues dated 2001, and made an inquiry to the publication about 
the status and a request for the newly identified missing issue (and, again, 
for the 3 published in 2000 that I didn't receive).  I left a message on the 
answer-machine, clearly stating postal address, phone number and email 
address. I am still waiting for a reply or a delivery.

The newsletter is Allen Lacy's Homeground: A Quarterly Newsletter for 
American Gardeners. 

Allen Lacy is the editor/publisher and he is the one (the only one) to whom I 
have directed my letters and with whom I have spoken on the phone.

It is a fine newsletter and the editor/publisher is a prominent garden writer 
whom many of you must know. Like me, he probably works with very little 
assistance other than his own (his son Michael was mentioned in the Winter 
1999 issue as handling design and production). Unlike me, I imagine he has a 
lot of clout in the garden writing world. And I am extremely uncomfortable 
with the thought that I may be embarrassing a fellow garden writer.

Nevertheless, the status of the publication is in question, the reputation of 
the editor/publisher is at risk, and I am without the issues I paid for and 
need for my index.

It appears there were 2 numbers published in 2001. I have Volume VIV (not a 
typo), No. 1, Winter 2001. Several libraries report receiving No. 2 Summer 
2001. 

I'm told here is an ambiguous message in No. 2 to the effect that if no third 
issue or if a third issue is published there will be "adjustments".

Libraries have been claiming numbers 3+ themselves or through subscription 
agents. There has been no response. Some libraries mentioned it was a relief 
to discover they weren't alone in having this problem.

Are any of you subscribers? Do any of you know the status of Mr. Lacy or this 
publication Homeground? I heard at one time he was ill, but in March a year 
ago he wrote in the newsletter of having given up cigarettes, losing 30 
pounds, liking working out at a gym 5-6 days a week, and feeling great. He 
did not sound ill when I called in December, and I truly hope he is not. 
Perhaps he is travelling? Perhaps his attention is diverted by work on 
another book? Perhaps he is hard at work on the next issue (which will appear 
tomorrow with a glorious review of my index, so much nicer than that other 
kind)?

You who know Mr. Lacy, do you have any suggestions for getting his benign 
attention, short of knocking on his door? Or the attention of someone 
involved with the newsletter?

Whatever Homeground is it is not a quarterly. Whatever the outcome, you can 
be sure that this is the last time (in fact it was the only time) I will take 
up a 2-year subscription thinking it will save time and cost and trouble for 
both parties. I paid $70 for a 2-year subscription (Jan 10, 2000). The 
current rate is $74, or $42 for a one-year subscription. There are 16 pages 
in each issue.

Please tell me what you know, which I hope may include some positive news. 
It's not merely as a subscriber myself that I ask.

Thanks for your understanding.

Sally Williams
Editor and publisher
Garden Literature: An Index to Periodical Articles and Book Reviews
Garden Literature Press
398 Columbus Avenue, #181
Boston MA 02116

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