Web Feature

Response Magazine: Our Reader Survey

We asked you to tell us a bit about your reading habits when it comes to Response magazine.

Here’s a few of the things we learned about our readers:

68 percent of you said Response is your No. 1 source of information about Seattle Pacific University.

90 percent of you rated Response as “excellent” or “good” in the categories of subject matter, writing, and design.

64 percent of you read “all” or “most” of Response; 34 percent read “some” of Response.

79 percent of you keep your copy of Response for more than a week; only 10 percent of you discard the magazine immediately after reading.

The top five general-interest topics you want to read about are:
1. The Bible & Theology
2. Arts & Culture
3. Global & International Issues
4. National Issues
5. Education

The top five SPU-specific topics you want to read about are:
1. Alumni Profiles & Careers
2. Faculty Profiles & Research
3. University Events
4. Student Profiles & Activities
5. SPU History

Ten suggestions you offered for how to improve Response:

• “It would be great to see a story with some humor.”
• “Larger photos of the babies.”
• “Please take out the baby pictures! They mean nothing to anyone except the parents and a very few close friends.”
• “Dark backgrounds are hard for old eyes to read print on.”
• “I'd like to read stories about average people, not just the ones who cured cancer or have buildings named after them.”
• “I would like to see more articles about national issues.”
• “I'll bet that there are more great research projects that could be shared. What's happening in the DNA and genome areas?”
• “It would be interesting to have more practical how-to style article: How to start a mission group, how to start a neighborhood garden.”
• “Perhaps a devotional or "thoughts to ponder" type article.”
• “I would love to see more personal stories of issues the kids in college face.”

Ten things you told us about what you like most in Response:

• “It’s a way to see how SPU is impacting the world through its graduates and professors.”
• “We really enjoy learning about the life events of alumni.”
• “I like the variety of articles, many on topics I don't find in other magazines.”
• “The thematic threads that run through each issue are excellent. I did not attend SPU, but receiving the magazine has acquainted me with the university and given good input for my kids (very near future college students).”
• “I like the Christian message included throughout the entire publication.”
• “I feel it keeps me connected with the community.”
• “I like the articles written by faculty about their areas of expertise, such as the theology professors writing about biblical interpretation, or the series on theology of hope.”
• “I love to find out what President Eaton is reading! Also, many of your articles are very interesting — so much so that I have kept several back issues.”
• “It has an outstanding layout and design and engaging content.”
• “Response has moved far beyond just being a public relations tool for alumni and friends. You are extending our education and fulfilling SPU's mission through the publication.”