In order to uphold the prestige of The Christian Science Monitor and to correct the misapprehension that it is a free newspaper, an article on "Wiser Distribution of the Monitor" appeared in the Christian Science Sentinel for November 28,1931. Since the situation which inspired this article still exists in many sections, we are quoting the article in part in the hope that wiser distribution of the Monitor may result:
"The distribution of The Christian Science Monitor through free literature boxes at railroad stations and other public places has led in many instances to the misapprehension that it is a free newspaper. It is necessary, therefore, to consider whether the Monitor should continue to be used in this way.
"Circulation representatives are devoting much effort to placing our newspaper on sale at news stands so that it will be available to the public in this way, and the Monitor is much more likely to be appreciated when it is bought than when it is taken from a free box. Many Distribution Committees, therefore, have considered that a free distribution of the Monitor, where it is on sale or where it ought to be, might hinder their purpose and work. Although each Distribution Committee may decide such questions for itself, this notice is published with the hope that each Committee will give careful thought to adopting the methods which are most likely to heighten the prestige of the Monitor and its value to the public as well as to our religion." It there are Distribution Committees who find it expedient to use the Monitor in literature boxes, we would call their attention to a statement by The Christian Science Board of Directors which appeared in the Christian Science Sentinel for November 22,1930, and which stressed the importance of using noncurrent periodicals in literature boxes. In this article the Directors said: "The distribution of current numbers is particularly objectionable where The Christian Science Monitor distribution is involved. It is hardly reasonable to assume that one would buy a current copy of the Monitor at a news stand if it were easily procurable from a near-by free distribution box. . . . Moreover, we owe a certain responsibility to news dealers who have the paper for sale."
