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Archiver > FAMILY-NEWSLETTERS > 1999-09 > 0936720320


From: "Joseph H. Walton" <>
Subject: Re: [FAMILY-NEWSLETTERS] Starting a newsletter
Date: Tue, 7 Sep 1999 12:05:20 -0400
References: <005801bef6f3$5b7da7c0$c8e8153f@infinia>


Why do I want to produce a family newsletter? For identification, self
esteem and security I believe it is important that individuals experience a
sense of family community and heritage. In our modern, mobile society
perhaps this support is critical.
The fundamental purpose of our family newsletter is to serve these needs
without taking ourselves too seriously. (My grandmother exemplified the
virtue of a great sense of humor) Each edition of the letter is intended to
maintain family ties, gather family history and make it known while making
all of this interesting and entertaining.
I grew up in an Iowa town with a population of 20,000. Grandparents,
aunts, uncles, cousins on both sides of the family all resided within 10
miles. I saw them frequently and was able to stay up-to-date on all that was
happening within the family. After WW II the family started to disperse.
Today my grandparent's descendants are spread across the country from coast
to coast. Most desire to stay up-to-date on happenings within the extended
family and to know about our roots. The realities of modern life leave
little opportunity to fill this desire. The family newsletter helps to fill
the gap.

How many do I want to reach with my newsletter? My newsletter, Walton
Mountain News, is directed to the direct descendants of grand-parents on my
father's side of the family. Their bloodline and adopted descendants are 137
in number of which 127 are living. Spouses included, the current population
for this extended family is 175.
The August 1999 edition of my newsletter was mailed to 66 households
occupied by descendants of my Walton grandparents. Additionally, the
newsletter was mailed to approximately 50 households representing some
relatives on my mother's and my wife's side of the family, and some personal
friends, all of whom have asked to be included on my mailing list. I rely
on senior members of the family to keep the mailing list current.

From: Ruth Mickelson <>
To: <>
Sent: Saturday, September 04, 1999 12:34 PM
Subject: [FAMILY-NEWSLETTERS] Starting a newsletter


> MabelOk, let's talk about some of the things to be considered when first
> starting a newsletter. Some of us have been producing newsletters for
quite
> some time; but we can always learn. But before a newsletter can even be
> started, many items must be considered. Let's start this week with TWO
items
> to consider:
>
> 1) Why do you want to produce a newsletter? (For most of us it is to keep
> communication going between families)
>
> 2) How many do you want to reach with this newsletter?
> a) obtaining a mailing list
> b) keeping track of the mailing list
>
> --------------
>
> To obtain a mailing list, you might consider starting with known family
> members. I am starting a brand new newsletter for a newly-found family. I
> was lucky enough to have e-mail addresses first. By contacting people via
> e-mail I am able to get a mailing list started. The first newsletter
> mentions to notify us if some of their family members did not receive a
> newsletter.
>
> I keep track of the mailing list in MSWord or MSWorks (both work well and
> produce nice labels for the newsletters when ready to mail) Excel can also
> do the job as numerous other programs. Use something you already have,
> though. Don't go out and make a purchase. That only adds to your costs.
>
> Okay ...let's hear from you.
>
>
>

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