was both pleased and surprised recently when it was brought to my attention that the CPSA (Check Payment Systems Association) is using its incredible clout to advertise the quality and simplicity of paying by check and is being a true check advocacy organization.

The advertising campaign is potentially far-reaching, in that the members of the CPSA represent the nation's check printers and send a box of checks, and hence an ad like the one below, to every household and most every business each year.

In addition to thanking the consuming public for their use of checks and reminding us all that checks are America's FAVORITE Way to Pay, the CPSA also is reminding check-reorder recipients that Checks are Twice as Safe as Credit or Debit Card Purchases, directing the recipient to The Green Sheet for more information on this subject.

This casual advertisement has had the effect of steadily increasing the readership on The Green Sheet's Web site and, in turn, inquiries from other news media and businesses and individuals requesting subscriptions.

We are pleased to report that this check-awareness campaign is having the effect of counteracting the negative messages about checks that have been created by competing payment mechanisms. More than half of the consuming public either does not have another form of payment or chooses to pay by check, and this helps assure them that their interests are and will be protected.

If you have ever had an interest in advertising in The Green Sheet, the time could never be better. The current campaign has the effect of putting The Green Sheet's name and information in houses and businesses throughout the United States.