I join with many others in expressing my sorrow in regard to the loss of Virginia Cavalcade. My friends, family, and colleagues in state and local government are all going through difficult times as they struggle to meet the mandate of a balanced budget in a time of sharply reduced revenues. There is one point, however, that I wish to raise in regard to funding and priorities. By no means do I intend this to be a criticism or chastisement. The staff of LVA deserve our support and encouragement - period. As a point of fact, the last time that I renewed Virginia Cavalcade, I paid $15 for a two-year subscription (less than $2 per issue). As late as 1997, the cost was $10 for two years. This fine publication is hardly an exception. I last renewed Virginia Wildlife (full color, slick paper, superb photography) at a cost of $24 for 42 issues. I paid VDOT $2 for a CD with statewide traffic counts (it cost more than that to mail it). Folks, this ain't no way to run a railroad. The cost of these state publications is far less than the price of comparable periodicals. I realize that state agencies are sometimes required by policy to charge a price to the public that is limited to the actual cost of the product. But would I pay more if Virginia Cavalcade could be saved? HELL, YES. Charge a fair price, and people will pay it. Charge half price, and eventually you will not be able to pay your bills. _________________________________ H. Glenn James, MAI Commercial First Appraisers, LLC 101 Granby Street at Main, Suite 200 Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1603 Voice +1 (757) 623-2800 Fax +1 (757) 623-2900 Business e-mail [log in to unmask] Personal e-mail [log in to unmask] To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html