History of Marketing and Newsletters Part 6 Conclusion and Tips

About the history of marketing and newsletters, some examples of popular newsletters, conclusion and tips.

A Newsletter on Newsletters

By its very nature a newsletter is a platform for the opinions of its editor. Washington Spectator is no exception. Editor Tristram Coffin turns a baleful eye on Capitol politics and is outraged by what he sees. The result is some frank (and sometimes startling) editorializing. The Washington Spectator on government spending: "The Federal Government is the greatest wastrel in history. A Los Angeles Times series has 'uncovered $1.6 billion in major budget items of dubious value.' Samples: $189 million to build hospitals although existing institutions have a 28% vacancy rate . . . $45 million for a Selective Service System which doesn't draft anyone . . . $296 million for aid to rich school districts. . . . The Government leased a new Washington office building in April with a rent of more than $2 million a year, but 11 of the 15 floors were still vacant in early December [1974].'" (Founded in 1975, Washington Spectator is available at $12 a year. Semimonthly. P.O. Box 1750, Annapolis, Md. 21404.)

For those whose newsletter reading interferes with soap-opera viewing, there's a simple solution. Daytime Serial Newsletter gives a monthly summary of breathless happenings on a dozen daytime epics. ($8 a year, P.O. Box 6, Mountain View, Calif. 94042.) If you always wanted to run away and join a circus, you can get the latest on clowning for $4 a year from The Specialty Showman & Cavalcade of Clowns. (7616 Lindley Ave., Suite 5, Reseda, Calif. 91335.) Or if you're under 4'10" tall, you can join the Little People of America, Inc., and receive their newsletter free. (P.O. Box 126, Owatonna, Minn. 55060.) The Auto License Plate Collectors Association Newsletter comes with membership in that organization. (Write P.O. Box 233, Rt. 2, Schwenksville, Pa. 19473.)

Then there's Last Month's Newsletter from the Procrastinator's Club of America. (They're at 1111 Broad-Locust Building, Philadelphia, Pa. 19102.) If you want to join, write them for information. There's no hurry. You can do it tomorrow . . . or the next day . . . or the next . . .

TIPS: Many newsletters have introductory trial offers at reduced rates. Check with publishers before subscribing. Consult the reference desk at your public library for The Standard Directory of Newsletters (Oxbridge Publishing Co., 1972). If you have an urge to start your own newsletter, read How to Make $25,000 a Year Publishing Newsletters, by Brian T. Sheehan (Parker Publishing Co., 1971) and Newsletter Writing and Publishing--A Practical Guide by Virginia Burke (Teachers College, Columbia University, 1958).

You Are Here: Trivia-Library Home » History of Newsletters » History of Marketing and Newsletters Part 6 Conclusion and Tips
« History of Marketing and Newsletters Part 5 Literature and Women