No flames--just a thought: I am getting my own postal letterbox ready to go
by the end of the week, and I'm planning on packaging it without a "box."
I'll probably try and see if I can get it to fit in a small size priority
envelope (6x10 I think) with some bubble wrap, which would fit into a
regular priority flat-rate envelope ($3.85 currently). One thing not
everyone knows is that it's a flat rate for the priority envelopes,
regardless of weight, so long as you can cram it securely into the evelope.

Other tips: if you can keep the weight under 13 oz, you can also send it 1st
class, which is cheaper and faster than parcel post (but not much cheaper
than priority).

If you do send it parcel post or go through an expedited mailing service
(UPS, FedEx ground), it makes economic sense to sort your distribution list
by zipcode order, as the rates are partially dependent upon "zone," and so
it will cost more to ship it from NYC to LA than from NYC to Philadelphia
(unlike 1st class or priority).

"Setting down the flame thrower and extinguishing all smoking materials...."
(grin)

The Aztec Gold, because of the materials in it weighs in at 2 pounds 7
ounces. To ship it from my home town to the first person on the list, clear
across the country, using the Unites States Postal System, cost me 9.00
dollars, including the Delivery Confirmation of $.45 and I can not track it.
All I will get is a confirmation that it arrived. If it arrives.. And,
between now and then I get no tracking. And there is no guaranteed delivery
day, just that it should be there within the week.

If I had shipped it UPS, it would cost $8.83, taken five days and I would be
able to see it when it entered their system and where it was until it
arrived.

If I had shipped it FedEx, it would have cost $6.32, taken 5 days and I
would be able to see it when it entered their system and where it was until
it arrived.

I was unaware that FedEx was this inexpensive. Being a small entrepreneur
myself, I ship hand made wooden puzzles across country and I'm going to look
into setting up and account with FedEx and, mayhap drop my UPS account.

Now, the idea of the priority mail envelope sounds wonderful, but, again, in
my humble opinion, I'd rather pay the dollar or two extra for the ability to
see where it is and where it is going. That's one of the reasons that I
made the webpage http://www.myndworx.com/modules.php?name=PostalLB to show
where it's been (grey stars), where it is going (blue star), who's left to
get it (State by state list), the number of people in each state getting it
and the order it is going out in. But that's just me, an anal retentive
computer nerd. (grin!) who needs a place for everything and everything in
it's place.

Given the amount of time and resources that we put into creating the Aztec
Gold in the first place, I feel like an expectant father, chain smoking and
pacing, awaiting the birth of my first child. (LOL!) I'm sure that others
are old hats at this and it's nothing any more, but this is my first Postal
letterbox and sometimes, we (read me) need that look of wonder as someone
else appreciates our handiwork and to hear those sweet succulent words of
"You made this? My god, that is so awesome!"

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve of Rayvenhaus
NLC Website: http://www.myndworx.com
Team Rayvenhaus PFX: http://www.myndworx.com/rayvenhaus
"We leave nothing but an image to mark our passage."
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tis better to be thought a fool, then to open your mouth and remove all
doubt.

Hey Rayvenhaus,

I know this sounds corny but did you realize that the first state
your Aztec Gold letterbox is visiting is the first state in the union?

moonstone_baby

Actually, yes, after we mailed it out and started working of Steffan's
series. He's gathering tons of state info for his report and for the
stamps.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve of Rayvenhaus
NLC Website: http://www.myndworx.com
Team Rayvenhaus PFX: http://www.myndworx.com/rayvenhaus
"We leave nothing but an image to mark our passage."
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Always proof-read carefully to see if you any words out.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Janet"
To:
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2003 1:30 PM
Subject: Re: [LbNA] Postal letterboxes


> Hey Rayvenhaus,
>
> I know this sounds corny but did you realize that the first state
> your Aztec Gold letterbox is visiting is the first state in the union?
>
> moonstone_baby