My guess:
They are getting text reflow when then open your pub file.
This is NOT a good thing.
Publisher files don't always "travel" well to other computers where the
fonts are different (it is *not* a valid thought to think that everybody has
the same fonts. They do not. And this is especially true if they are
handling output for a variety of customers and applications. I completely
change my font activation for every single job, for instance.)
One way to help reduce the chances of text reflow is for you to use the Pack
N Go procedure (on the file menu). It will perform a variety of tasks on the
pub file and will compress it AND embed almost all TrueType fonts used in
the document in the pub file so they can be used at the "other end." PnG
WILL NOT package any Type 1 or PostScript fonts you may be using (such as
Adobe Garamond, for instance--or anything bfrom Adobe, because Adobe does
not sell "TrueType" fonts---for those you will have to collect them yourself
and make sure they are included when you send your document. (Type 1 fonts
have two components, a ".pfm" file and a ".pfb" file--both parts are
essential and MUST be included).
Another way that sometimes helps (especially with older versions of
Publisher), and especially when the user (you!) has an inkjet printer as
their default printer, is for them to install another printer...the MS
Imagesetter is a good one if you are using Pub 2000...or any of the Agfa
imagesetters that the Windows Add Printer process may present you with. You
may already have the MS Imagesetter installed. If so, go to your printer
control panel and look to see which of the printers you have installed has a
little checkmark by it. That is the default printer.
Windows (and Publisher) get type spacing data from the default printer and
if the resolution of the default printer is quite different from that used
by the imagesetter or platesetter your print shop has as THEIR
default...they'll may well see some reflow from this since Publisher tries
to line up letters on a grid based on the printer resolution. For example,
an Epson inkjet will have a resolution in multiples of 360 (360, 720, etc)
where imagesetters and such are more likely to be in multiples of 300 (1200
or 2400 mots commonly). This difference (360 vs 300) van cause the letters
to space incorrectly.
If you have the MS Imagesetter installed (which I think is a default action
upon Pub 00 install) then click it onece wth the right mouse button and
select "make default" from the flyout menu. Then go back and open your Pub
file. You may get a message about having to refresh embedded objects. Click
OK. Then go thru your publication to make sure that all the text is where it
should be. At this point run Pack N Go. And you should be in good
shape....yes...during the pack and go process it will ask you if you want to
print a proof. At that point you can tell it yes and tell it to use your
regular printer.
Don't forget to reset your default printer back to where you had it.
Pub 03 is far better behaved in such matters than 00.
)