Index of Articles

When we went to press with our premier issue of Perspectives, we were a bit uncertain as to the response that a marketing newsletter might receive. Our goal was to stimulate thought through an enjoyable publication that served as an information forum for the community of Seth/Jane readers. We also intended to sell a few books. Our hope was that by combining articles and news with our promotional efforts, we might develop a publication that served to inform and inspire our readers as we marketed our products into the network of former SNI members and other interested parties.

Based on your response, the effort was a resounding success. The letters and calls we have received from friends new and old suggest that more of the same is of interest. Toward the fulfillment of this desire, we have undertaken production of a second issue. The results of this effort appear in these pages. At the outset, we want to express our sincere and heartfelt appreciation to all who have written and called with comments and praise both textual and monetary. Your sentiments, purchases and financial contributions make the effort worthwhile. Without such support, we could not continue production.

We have restructured the newsletter format a bit to sprinkle insights together with product information and announcements. You will find articles grouped with related products, where possible, as a means of providing some continuity between content and commerce. Intermixed around the content areas we have published our complete pictorial product catalog. This provides you with an opportunity to review brief descriptions for all of our products within this issue while you enjoy the creative efforts of our volunteer writers. We have also expanded the informational components of the newsletter in an effort to provide additional value to our readers. We welcome any comments you may have concerning these changes or any suggestions you might have for additional enhancements. This effort is a learning experience for us, so your constructive suggestions provide valuable feedback as we continue to evolve this publication.

The articles in this issue contain thought provoking commentaries on the state of our culture and provide some informative, insightful, and provocative perspectives of the authors that we hope you enjoy. Sue Watkins, former ESP class member and prolific writer, offers a wonderful gem from the journals of Jane Roberts. Lynda Dahl (need I introduce her?) shares an update of her life pursuits since SNI suspended its activities. Paul Helfrich, administrator of the Sethnet email list, reflects on the current state of America gleaned from his observations surrounding the vote on California Proposition 22. Richard Kendall, another former member of Jane's ESP class, advances the discussion on the nature of impulses through the continuing saga he titles Revenge of the Gumballs II. Mary Dillman shares a perspective on her work at the Yale Archives in New Haven, CT. Finally, Jim Shutte, co publisher of WellSpring journal, offers his recipe for starting a Seth group. We sincerely appreciate the efforts of these volunteers. Their creative, informative and stimulating contributions provide the foundation for this newsletter. Please join us in expressing our deep gratitude for their support.

While I am on the subject of content, we have not forgotten about those of you requesting writer's guidelines. During planning for the initial newsletter cycles, we found ourselves with more contributions than space allowed. As a result, we delayed mailing of the guidelines requested following our initial issue to avoid filling the pipeline too far in advance of possible publication. Keeping submissions to a manageable level allows us to effectively review materials in a timely manner and respond to contributors accordingly. Now that we have the first two newsletters under our belt, we have a better sense as to the appropriate number of articles, so we can now provide interested writers appropriate size requirements. We thank you for your interest in contributing to our publication and we will provide a copy of our writer's guidelines in the very near future.

The promotional pages of this newsletter reflect our continued expansion of the Brass Ring catalog. We have added sixteen new titles covering a variety of subjects ranging from visionary business perspectives to techniques in the mastery of out of body experiences. These additions are highlighted appropriately within the various product groupings that are scattered throughout the publication. We are also offering special pricing on selected items and discontinued products, so please take some time to explore the catalog listings in detail. Our product line includes the works of leading authors and traditional publishers, materials produced over the years through the talents of the former SNI staff, and unique offerings by new writers and small publishers devoted to expanding the boundaries of human potential. We hope you find something of interest.

As mentioned in the last issue of Perspectives, we are continually searching for new publications and materials to add to the Brass Ring product line. Of specific interest are materials that support our mission to push the barriers of thought just enough to stimulate new ideas that help others and ourselves consciously create our world to the fulfillment of all. Our objective is to offer books, videotapes, audiotapes and associated materials to our customers that serve to stimulate the expression of new ideas, that facilitate the conscious creation of individual reality, and that assist in the expansion of personal awareness. We would like to engage all of our readers in the search for materials that meet these criteria. So, as you peruse our catalog pages, let us know if a work that has supported your personal expansion is missing from our collection.

Classified announcements promoting the creative efforts of our readers are contained in the news and information section on page 3. This area of the newsletter also identifies events, activities, websites and publications that may be of general interest to a broad base of new thought explorers. We suggest that you check this section to locate activities in your area and to learn about items of special interest. If you are aware of other activities and events that provide an opportunity for our readers to connect around new thought ideas, or have a desire to promote your personal efforts, please let us know. We will publish relevant submissions in future issues of Perspectives as space, interest and financial considerations permit.

As a final perspective, Mary and I want to offer a hearty thank you to all of our advertisers, special financial contributors, and our customers for their past and continuing patronage of this publication and our bookstore. Without their psychic and financial support, through intentions, purchases and advertising commitments, we would not be able to produce this newsletter. We sincerely enjoy preparing this publication and the opportunity it provides to gather information, share ideas and to connect with individuals of like mind. We hope that you find value in the material presented in these pages and will continue to support the growth of our store as we explore the boundaries of human potential.

Michael Steffen
Vice President
The Brass Ring Bookstore

---