Worldwide diminishing postal service

[Carien van Hest]

Please complete the situation regarding the postal services in your country.

Sad news: starting next month, mail will only be delivered three times a week in The Netherlands. Reason: cutbacks. Stamps are becoming more expensive.

[Treah Pichette]

This is bad news for us mail artists. I really like being able to touch base with creative people all over the world. Maybe we still can but it will just take twice as long....sort of like the old days! Our postage rates go up at least twice a year. Our global rate is now $1.75 for one ounce. What are other countries paying, just out of curiosity?

[Carien van Hest]

$ 2,41 for an international stamp, (20 grams max)

[Treah Pichette]

It definitely costs you guys more than us here in the U.S.

[Ilya Semenenko-Basin]

In the Russian Federation, mail is delivered as usual, without changes. Everything is stable with us.

[Carien van Hest]

Stable. Right

[Juan Petry]

hello,

all this is on purpose and no surprise. its bad for all humans, not only for mail art artists. The consequences are extensive. we should be creative. there are solutions. but you need to leave the comfort zone.

best to all and peace... juan

[Nancy Bell Scott]

What comfort zone? I haven't located one yet in this era.

[Treah Pichette]

It's in the garden!

[Nancy Bell Scott]

Thanks, Treah -- Sounds good. I'll look for one of those.

[Bradford]

"Once-in-awhile" Mail Service is not something I ever thought I'd see.

[Rebecca T.]

ugh, I'm sorry to hear this, but not surprised. 

[DeeDee Maguire]

Here in NYC,
For the most part, service is good, though when it's bad, it really goes all wonky! 
The rates increase regularly, which is why I purchase the so-called "forever" stamps for mail within the U.S. For mail outside the U.S., there is an "international" stamp. 
I ALWAYS bring anything snail-mail directly to the local post office. This ensures that there is enough postage on the envelope or package. These days, I NEVER place mail in the USPS boxes that used to be on every other corner--not only are they disappearing, those that remain are often vandalised--sticky substances poured on the slot, and inside the box, creating an impossible situation. I've also heard that somehow, thieves have been able to break into the olive green coloured boxes exclusive to postal workers. Depending upon what's inside, they're able to access banking information, credit card details, etc. 
There we are...
best, DeeDee