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From: "Georgia Burnette" <>
Subject: Fw: Folks Who Won't Send News
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 16:06:46 -0500


Dear Folks,
The following response is/was to Tisha Hendricks. She suggested I post on the listserve.

I have written the family newsletter,The Burnett(e) Bugle since June 1997. I struggled with the funding issue until out-of-pocket expenses reached $400 per publication, then I said, no more. NOw everyone pays or they do not receive a newsletter (exception: those who cannot afford it, new members for two issues, recalcitrant nephews, or those I'm trying to pursue). If this sounds hard hearted you're right! But that's the way it is.
I continue to struggle with relatives not sending information.Reluctantly, I have come to realize that that's the way it is also, and rejoice when they do.

I publish twice yearly only, most recently averaging 20-25 pages, with photos.I have refused to send the newsletter electronically because many do not have e-mail and most don't read their e-mail on any kind of regular basis,and finally because they're not going to download 20-20 pages. (I know my family).

I don't know that my suggestions will help, but here they are.
Georgia Burnette


PS. I have threatened for the past 5 years to discontinue the newsletter, but now I'm writing four of them, one for each branch of the Burnette family!! Maybe one day I'll really stop writin.



----- Original Message -----
From: Georgia Burnette
To: Tisha Hendricks
Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 5:27 PM
Subject: Folks Who Won't Send News


Tisha,
I don't think the problem of relatives failing to send info will ever go away for most of us. If we're interested, we just pursue.

When I'm desparate, I'll send an e-mail to that particular family or family member, once, or several times. Sometimes that works, sometimes not. It's always a crap shoot.
I also call the deliquents, but we have two cell 'phones with 300 anytime minutes, so we do all our long distance calling on them.

Recently, I assessed each city where relatives are clustered but no one was sending anything, and tried to pick one person I thought might help me out. That has worked fairly well for several cities. I even wrote to a niece in prison to ask if she'd write for her family. So far, no response, but I'm not letting her off the hook. I think it would be good for her to do so. Stay tuned!

The Chicago family writes in fits and spurts, but lately, nothing. So I'm giving them a rest, but only because I can't think of anyone interested or reliable enough to contact for regular news. I'm stumped with that one! In the past I pleaded with two nieces who promised they'd send news, but rarely do.
Also, I have three nephews in differrent parts of the country who NEVER send anything. I've given up on one of the three. I pursue the other two all the time.

As you saw from my last newsletter, I've broken the Bugle into four separate newsletters. And if I don't get news, then there'll be no publication. I'm wondering how'll it'll go?? Only time will tell.
Maybe if no one sends info, folks will say it;s not worth the money (EVERYONE pays now), and that will put pressure on some to do something. I just don't know.

We have many family members who don't have e-mail, and for some of them I will call when info is due. Bu I refuse to send snail mail anymore. Enough already.

When you have your next reunion, be sure to ask for time to discuss your problem, and see if they have any answers. Don't count on getting much back, but you have to try everything.

Hope some one of these suggestions helps.
Georgia

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