The US Postal Service is seeking public comment on a proposal that would require detached address labels (DALs) accompanying saturation mailings of periodicals or Standard Mail flats to be automation-compatible and barcoded.

This direct mailer caught me off guard. Since the postcard was red, white and blue, I thought it was another political statement for the Democratic National Convention being held next week in Denver. But it was a campaign for George Jetson.

In this issue's Spotlight, Sam Pulcrano of the US Postal Service shares the agency's plans on sustainability, as well as his own views on the environment. He makes it clear that the agency's involvement in eco-friendly practices is not new.

Different verticals benefit from different types of insert media programs, depending on the lifestyles and habits of their target audience. Four experts comment on specific sectors.

USPS's Pulcrano on the challenge of sustainable postal operations

In an effort to further the transparency of the US Postal Service's reporting practices, the Postal Regulatory Commission has published its proposed regulations for the form and content of information the agency routinely reports to the PRC.

Though direct mail has always been a reliable channel, personalized copy and unique offers can heighten response rates and improve ROI. Five experts offer tips on how to optimize your mail campaign.

Chicago Tribune Media Group and Valassis are partnering to provide advertisers with a new alternative for reaching their audiences in the Chicago market. The Chicago Tribune's midweek ShopLocal mail program will combine advertising inserts from Valassis' RedPlum Direct Mail Package, creating a single, shared offering that will reach 3 million households weekly in the Chicago market.

I knew Victoria's Secret was good at marketing, but now I'm even more im­pressed. I went in store to purchase some unmentionables and said, "I'll give them my e-mail address — why not?" After all, the thick print catalogs tend to disappear when my teenage nephews visit. Within a week of handing over my address, I received this e-mail.

Maybe you used sweepstakes in the 1980s or 1990s, and then dropped them like hot potatoes. Or, maybe you've never tried these contests for promoting your product or com­pany. No matter what your experience may be, I assure you that sweepstakes make a great marketing tool.