N is for Newsletter

Do you have any idea how much I hate this topic? If you've been here before, you may know my philosophical problem with Newsletters. Okay, not so philosophical. I don't like receiving them, so I have trouble with the idea of putting one out. See, they stress me out. I feel like I ought to read them, but would really prefer to seek information at my leisure instead of having it arrive in my in box.



But I've been told a thousand times authors need to do this.



So help me.





* Please provide a convincing argument that will make newsletters less painful as a philosophy.



* Any recommendations on which tool is best? (Mail chimp?) Others?



* Are there any chemical aids that will help me find this activity more palatable?



* How does one build readership?



* What is the recommended frequency? Is there a sweet spot?



* What is recommended content?





Anybody have any answers? I'd love to hear them!



Also... we have just crossed the half-way mark!!! w00t w00t!!!





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