In a move that affects community newspapers, magazines and circulars, the U.S. Postal Service has raised rates for items that are on the droopy side. The AP explains it:

The postal service is subjecting newspapers to a “droop test,” to determine if they’re fit for the machine sorter. The post office places the paper on a counter with a flat edge, with half of the item hanging from the edge. If it droops more than 3 inches, it fails. No bulk discount.

The non-discount rate will raise mailing costs from 5.9 cents per item to 9.9 cents, a 68 percent increase, or to 10.5 cents, a 78 percent hike, for newspapers without barcodes.

The rate change went into effect yesterday, Oct. 3.