Interestingly, when the word publisher or publishing is mentioned, many people will automatically think of the Publisher's Clearinghouse--probably the most famous use of the word "publisher" in the US today. Ironically, the this company is not actually a book publisher at all. It is a service where you can submit sweepstakes or lotto entries, or buy magazines or merchandise to be eligible to win prize money.
PCH was one of the first organizations to heavily use the sweepstakes style of advertising. They perfected the technique of sending out mass mailings across the country. Any day, you could open your mailbox and there was a Clearing House envelope waiting for you, promising a chance to win millions of dollars. Their mailings were extremely well-planned and highly organized, targeting specific markets of homeowners and consumers. The famed Prize Patrol would then travel the country to hand out the winnings, surprising people at their front door with a giant check.
Few people can hear mention of the Publisher's Clearing House (PCH) without thinking of the man that made the it famous, Ed McMahon. A very charismatic figure, he was the face of the PCH for a long time-an integral part of their advertising campaign, and often accompanying the publishers prize patrol to people's houses when they gave away the sweepstakes prize money. Who can forget the video images of people bursting into excited tears when Mr. McMahon and the Prize Patrol showed up on their doorstep?
Today, the PCH is the largest it has ever been, offering more services and prizes and ways to win than ever before. While they still do mass mailings, much of their business is through the Internet. Their website is www.pch.com.
