Copyright
© 2000
Team C001515
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A
newsletter, whether real or virtual is a great way to keep people who
have similar ideas in touch with one another and up-to-date with issues.
It is however, a major undertaking and will usually require more than
just one person to keep it going.
| Apart
from interesting articles that reveal something enlightening to readers
and thereby retain readership, you will need sound layout and design
skills to ensure the presentation of your newsletter doesn't turn
people off. You'll need a catchy name for your newsletter and a captivating
cover story if people are to be enticed into reading feature articles
inside. On the back page of the newsletter you'll need information
about subscribing, including costs and contacts details (maybe a tear-off
slip would work best). You need to think about how you will distribute
your first edition and win subscribers. Alternatively, you could convince
advertisers to cover your costs, though this is not likely unless
you can assure them an audience -a Catch-22! |
You
will also need to determine how often your newsletter will be published.
This means setting deadlines for receiving stories and advertisements,
and being disciplined about producing the newsletter as quickly as possible
thereafter. Leave it too long before you publish and you run the risk
of stories no longer being current.
| Once
you get subscribers you'll need to maintain a mailing list. You should
talk with the post office about registering your newsletter in order
to get the lowest price on postage. You'll need to decide whether
you will use an envelope or a wrap. You'll need access to a photocopier
or have your newsletter commercially printed. Either way, it could
take a large amount of time and money to get started. That's another
good reason why a newsletter is best done as a joint venture with
others who can share the burdens. |
If
all this sounds like a lot of hard work, well it is! You might prefer
to produce and distribute your newsletter virtually, on the Internet.
If you do not feel like you have the skills necessary to program a site
to house your information or use e-mail, you may want to seek help from
someone with technological savvy.
| Remember.
Producing a newsletter is a major undertaking. You need to be sure
of your commitment and capacities. But it is a great way to keep like-minded
people in touch and to extend the reach of your cause. |
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