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Archiver > FAMILY-NEWSLETTERS > 1999-09 > 0936729199


From: "Shirley Payne-Wright" <>
Subject: [FAMILY-NEWSLETTERS] Starting a newsletter
Date: Tue, 7 Sep 1999 13:33:19 -0500


1. Why produce a newsletter?

For me a newsletter would be an effort of communication with current family members of different generations as well as a connection of past and present with a recorded legacy for the future. At one time a "pass-it-on/round robin" letter of family news was considered for our family but the chances were great that it could bog down and some family members would feel wasted time and others would not be included or updated. By the time it made the rounds of so many people the earliest news would also be the very oldest and probably outdated. Family history could not be shared as easily.
A survey was conducted at a family reunion this summer regarding interest, periodicity, format, and suggested name. My daughter and I agreed to publish the newsletter since we both have MSWorks and live close to each other. Her strengths compliment and support my weaknesses and 2 generations would be involved. (Besides - what a fun project to do with your kid -no matter what ages !)

2. How many do you want to reach?

a) Obtaining a mailing list - This part was easy for us. Our initial mailing list is the reunion mailing list that has already been created. I do like the idea of Joan's about a subscription form on the backside of the mailing label section (for those not using envelopes.) At the reunion it was decided to initially limit the mailing to descendants of the most recent common ancestor (In this case he is my great grandfather) In the newsletter it is requested to let us know of others who might want a copy or if someone doesn't want it. List increase and span of interest may grow and we'll take that into consideration - but this is our starting point and it was easily defined.
Our first newsletter is due soon. Publication will be semi-annual in the 'spring & fall' - note: no specific deadline in case we hit a problem (i.e. we both are employed and she is expecting her first baby) Our first one will be sent to about 70 family units/individuals but probably 100 will be printed to include this newsletter exchange, extra requests this first time, and to have available for a relative that travels and does genealogy research for new connections he makes. (Also printing 100 instead of 90 hits a price reduction point in # of copies)

b) Keeping track of the mailing list - This we will do on MSWorks. We've had good luck with that label program before on other projects.

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