Questionnaires/Reader's Profile
- Periodicals
Updated October 1996
PS-250 (707.4.13)
This Customer Support Ruling discusses
whether a "reader profile" questionnaire is considered advertising or
nonadvertising matter.
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 707.4.13.1d provides, in part,
that if a newspaper or periodical advertises its own services or issues, or any
other business of the publisher, whether in the form of display advertising or editorial
or reading matter, this is deemed to be "advertising".
A questionnaire of a publisher which
bears the heading "Reader's Profile" is printed on a sheet that forms
two pages of a Periodicals publication. The questionnaire which is designed
to be sent to subscribers of the publication contains questions about subscriptions,
books, ownership, purchases, sound recordings, education levels, and the number
of persons in a household. The questionnaire appears to be designed for the
purpose of compiling a profile of the publication's subscribers and their interests.
It does not offer particular products or services for sale. Thus, the information
on the questionnaire does not constitute advertising matter within the meaning of
DMM 707.4.13.1d.
(Signed)
Anita J. Bizzotto
Manager
Mailing Standards
United States
Postal Service
Washington DC 20260-3436
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