Successful Farming... multi-level marketing :)

[steve B]

Many magazines of the time had similar sales ploys. Reduced subscriptions for people referring friends, sometimes even prizes for signing up a certain number of subscribers.

I think the last one like that was "grit" which was some sort of newspaper for kids that advertised in comic books.

The early 1900's was a very competitive time for magazines. Distribution was mostly subscription, and there were hundreds of titles. Getting a subscriber to sign up others was inexpensive selling, especially in rural areas.

I 've even seen that sort of ad aimed and addressed specifically to postmasters. I'll have to scan one the next time I run across it. At the time many very small town post offices were in general stores or even homes, and the postmasters were paid a percentage of the postage sold. And on top of that the smallest had to buy their own equipment -even the cancelling device.

Steve B

[abothebear]

I have that very post card on my refrigerator right now!

[TheBig6]

Originally Posted by steve B

.

I think the last one like that was "grit" which was some sort of newspaper for kids that advertised in comic books.


Steve B

I remember those Grit Ads, thanks for reminding me.
Blast from the past.