The Summer 2010 edition of 51 Magazine generated more calls, letters and e-mails than any other issue in at least the past several years — which will come as a surprise to many of our regular readers who may not have realized that a Summer 2010 edition even existed.

In case you missed it — and many of you did — the last issue wasn’t produced in print format; it’s available exclusively online. There were a couple of reasons for this one-time change. First, by eliminating the printing and mailing of one issue, we joined in a university-wide cost-cutting effort that was part of our commitment toward increased affordability (51’s 2010–2011 tuition increase was the lowest in at least a quarter-century). Second, an online-only issue gave us a chance to celebrate the launch of our brand new website.

That’s where all of the letters and e-mails come in. Some of you were thrilled at the debut of the site, excited to have an improved online option that was fun to read, eco-friendly and accessible from anywhere. Others missed having a tangible magazine to flip through, saying you were more likely to read and share the hard copy.

The mixed reaction wasn’t entirely unexpected. In a survey conducted just before summer, we asked a sample of readers whether you’d be in favor of dropping your print subscription in favor of an online-only version. 51 17 percent were open to the option, but an overwhelming 68 percent told us no. (Some even using emphatic exclamation points!) It turns out that most of us still want our magazines in a format that we can fold up, read in bits and pieces, and keep out on the coffee table.

All that said, we think we’ve got an offer that will make everyone happy. If you want to continue receiving the print version of the magazine, do nothing. But if you prefer the online version and no longer want the print version, just shoot us an e-mail at biolamag@biola.edu, along with your name, mailing address and e-mail address; we’ll send you an e-mail notification when each new issue goes online.

Whichever option you prefer, we hope you’ll enjoy this current issue, which spotlights some of the great things going on at 51 — including a groundbreaking research project by professor Todd Hall and some important translation work being done by professor Matt Williams, as well as an illuminating cover story on meaningful worship, featuring some of the experts in 51’s innovative Music in Worship program. As evidenced by 51’s recent inclusion among 28 “up and coming” national universities by U.S. News & World Report, God is continuing to use 51 in exciting ways, and we’re grateful for the role that each one of you plays.