To Newsletter or Not?
I have my new desktop set up with a gorgeous big flat screen monitor. It’s yummy! The computer guru is at work trying to recover my lost data and maybe tomorrow or the next day I’ll know where that stands. Sigh. Meanwhile, I have a question for you.
For the past six or so years, when I have a new book out, I’ve sent a snail-mail newsletter to everyone on my mailing list–which is now in the low thousands. It’s a ton of work and increasingly expensive, but I’ve enjoyed doing it and the feedback’s been rewarding. Now, though, with nearly everyone being online, I think it makes more sense to send “email newsletters.” I can spend my personal marketing dollars in other ways, and reach even more people. My question for you is, which would you prefer receiving–a paper newsletter or an email newsletter? And would you read either of them if they arrived in your mail/email? Thanks!
Diane, I read all of the snail mail newletters that you sent in the past. I enjoyed them but I believe that e-mail is the way to go now. It is certainly quicker and I am sure it is easier for you. Either way I promise to read whatever you send me!
I’d read it either way, but I do think your marketing dollars are probably spent better in other ways. Perhaps you could give people the option when they sign up on your site, and keep a small list of snail mailees. (That sounds funny!)
I’ve had a brand new laptop in the other room for nearly two weeks, and have only used it twice. This old thing I’m using probably needs to crash to get me to move on. Isn’t that crazy? I think I’m unreasonably attached to it. It knows all my secrets.
Diane, I’ve enjoyed receiving all your snail newsletters but I agree that it would make more sense to send by e-mail and use your dollars other ways. I read anything and everything you send me.
I want to take this time to wish everyone Happy Holidays. I start my lonnnnng vacation from my day job this Sat & won’t return till Jan 2. I spend the better part of 3 plus weeks painting, spending time with family, painting, painting and more painting!…(actually I also take time to read, watch fav movies and eat lots!)…but I won’t be looking at a computer at all starting Sat until I return in January. So ‘BLESSINGS’ to everyone.
Thank all of you for your concern. It took lots of aggravation, but my husband was finally diag. with major stroke-as I said. He came home last night. I have managed to work both jobs, travel to hospital…etc…am worn out. I will finish teaching the college semester next week about Thursday…high school is out Dec. 20. My son got us tickets to visit him in the south…I am behind at both schools and with my column…I am struggling…can’t give up a job-esp. now with med bills…
Diane-spend your money in other ways. I love the newsletter, but I will read it online…that is the way to go now…
Thank you all for being my online friends-your thoughts…I will do the private email later.
Happy holidays…
Wow, Brenda, you have a full plate. Will certainly be thinking of you and your hubby, and sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
Thanks for the feedback, all. It will be much easier for me to use email newsletters, so I’m glad for your responses.
Brenda, take care of YOU, please. I’m worried about you.
Brenda, I am so sorry to hear of all your troubles. I wish there were some way I could help you! Just know that you and your family are in my thoughts and I hope to hear that things are better soon.
I’m so glad your husband is home now Brenda. I know your taking good care of him but be sure to take care of YOU also! I start my long vacation tomorrow and wish everyone of you a blessed holiday. I’ll have alot of catching up to do with Diane’s blog when I come back on Jan 2!
I am at the college doing finals. (My students are not here yet.)
My husband is recuperating.
Margo-I am taking my laptop when we fly to my son’s (if we get to go). I’d go NUTS without you guys… 🙂
Diane-what is going on with book two? AFTER THE STORM?
We haven’t asked you in awhile.
Thanks for asking, Brenda. I’ll try to give an update this weekend or Monday. I also have some good (to me, anyway) news about the reissue of THE SECRET LIFE OF CEECEE WILKES. Hope you get to have some de-stressing reading time this weekend.
I just finished TC Boyle’s THE TORTILLA CURTAIN. I thought it was excellent. Anyone read that one? It’s a bit old; mid-nineties, but the issues are today’s issues. Great book for a discussion group.
I don’t care which you send. I read either. I love hearing from Authors. Although this is my first visit to your website so have received neither.
So glad you stopped by, Jane! Hope you’ll visit again.
Stayed up late last night and read Siebold’s latest (remember LOVELY BONES)
This was is bizarre…just out…library called me about it.
Back to two jobs until next Friday…then just high school until Dec. 21st-then to a few days off…wish us luck-no more illness…thanks for all your thoughts.
Hope all of you arewell.
I am at the school again…giving a final…it is difficult to say goodbye to these students…they have been great.
Have a good rest of the week…any good books out there that I have missed?
whether snail or e-mail, keep on keeping in touch!!! can’t wait to hear from you!!
cindy
Is that my former hairdresser on the blog? Miss you, cindy!
Diane, I’ll read it however you send it, and be glad to get it. So as far as I’m concerned, do what’s best for you. Glad CeeCee is out before Christmas!
I would read it either way. I do enjoy carrying in the snail mail version – I guess old habits die hard! It’s always a pleasure to hear from you however the news arrives so I guess I vote for e-mail for all of the sensible reasons. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
Gail
What a great book of CeeCee ……………I loved reading every moment of it…Thank you Diane .
Diane, I have always enjoyed your newsletters in the mail. But, we are in the computer age and I understand if you want to send us your news into an e-mail.
I want to mail things and letters to people very often and it ends up in an e-mail,why should it be different for you.
Happy New Year 2008.
Hi Diane,
I will be just at thrilled to get the newsletter online and I think it’s wise to spend marketing dollars else where.
Haven’t checked your site for so long, due to so much going on, so I’m glad to see a new book is coming out soon. I am looking forward to reading one of the best.
Jo King
Hey, Jo King! How nice to hear from you. I hope life is going well for you and your family.