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Letter to WordBiz "Texties"
By
Debbie Weil [May
14, 2003 issue]
I
love you guys. But I can't continue to publish a separate, nicely formatted text
version of this newsletter. It takes too much time. And for little demonstrable
return other than making you happy.
In
case you don't read to the bottom, please note that I will continue to send
texties a short text email announcing the latest issue of the newsletter.
It will include a link to the Web version of WordBiz Report.
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Yes,
I know all the reasons you want plain text. You're on a Mac and your version of
Outlook doesn't render HTML properly. You tell me it's a productivity issue; you
read text more easily. Or you want to print it out to read on the plane or train.
(You can print the HTML version, BTW.) Or you like the smaller file size.
But I'm not providing a public service. Publishing issue after issue is a huge
amount of work. I've got to show a measurable return, whether it's increased ad
revenues, more leads or more sales.
Much
as I hate to say this, many of you - texties, that is - are not as responsive.
You don't click through for the whole story. You don't click as frequently on
the sponsor ads. You don't buy nearly as many e-reports at the WordBiz
store.
Want to prove me wrong? Click
here to purchase 10 Key Tips to Launch an E-newsletter, a 22-page PDF
report you can download instantly. It's only USD $10 and you can start using it
today as a checklist to launch or improve an e-publication. If you're an HTML
subscriber reading this, click
here.
Or click here to check out a cool offer
from this issue's sponsor, TargetX. The link takes you to a download page
for 50 Ways to Increase Your Email Database.
At
least one of you admits to "sneaking" your read of WordBiz Report
in during the workday by subscribing to the text edition:
"I request text because I read it at work. A text email can be read
without any problem, but an HTML page will make people think I am surfing
the web, which is not allowed..." |
Maybe
you're reading the newsletter because you like the content. I'm glad you do.
But good content is not free. It can't be. Or at least it can't continue to
be.
My quid pro quo for sending you a free newsletter filled with (at least some)
useful content is that you tell me a bit more about your interests. I want to
know what you click on, whether it's sponsor ads or the full story. I can't
do this if you're reading WBR as plain text.
And of course my goal is to convince you over time to become a WordBiz customer.
But hey, I'm not ignoring your preference for text entirely. Each issue I'll
send you a short text email. It will contain a link directing you to the Web
version of the newsletter. I'll include a couple of clever teasers. At least
you'll get that and it's especially for you.
Are you offended? Infuriated? Let
me know what you think of this new arrangement.
+1 202.333.2022 land
debbie.weil@gmail.com
©
2003 WordBiz.com, Inc. May not be reprinted without permission.
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