WordBiz Report

WordBiz Report

Open 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.

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

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WordBiz.com, Inc.
P.O. Box 3766
Washington DC 20027
+1 202.333.2022 land
+1 202.255.1467 mobile
debbie.weil@gmail.com
www.wordbiz.com