July 1, 2008
In the News
To Newsletter or not to Newsletter, this is my question! I know a couple of authors who have newsletters. I know many who don’t (or at least I am not on their “list”). I wonder if this is worth the effort and trouble to put one out.
Truth be told, I started thinking about it because I was added to a couple of “lists” without being asked (don’t even know two of the people and can’t imagine where they got my addy) and the crap in my e-mail is frustrating. Sure I can hit delete, but still, it’s rude to me . . . but that is a whole ‘nother issue. 
Back to the question: Is it worth it? I have had a couple of opportunities to “mine” lists of folks–who knowingly added their name to a list to be used as such, but I never did anyting with it. I do feel like it’s a lost opportunity (don’t know that I still have their info at this point, though). But I am still unsure how to precede. I suppose it is a fairly easy way to spread word of a new book or cover. When something is hitting the stores. And of course there are contests newsletter folks run.
As a reader, the ones I am on, I admit I skim. Of course, I skim most of everything (my brain is warped slightly–it’s a form of ADD I think). But I will eventualy read enough times that I have read everything. Often times, though if their is a contest or time dated info, by the times I am done, it’s past whatever deadline their may be. I realize in many MANY areas, I am odd. . . so I don’t often go by my quirks. 
What about you, do you read the newsletters you receive? Shoot, are you even on any? I am curious if it’s worth it on either end.
I do read them. But then, I only receive three or four.
Is it worth it?
I have no freaking idea, lol.
I don’t read them, and I really get ticked off when authors take it upon themselves to add me to theirs.
Just because someone has my email address because we’ve corresponded once or twice doesn’t mean I want to be on their mailing list. 
It just gets deleted along with the other unwanted and non-requested junk/spam I’m deluged with.
I sound annoyed because I just received a newsletter from an author whose books I’ve purchased on occasion. Just because I said I liked her books doesn’t mean I want her spam.
I’d be irked if someone added me without my permission/knowledge. There are some I do read, but given the lack of time and energy, I tend to skim. For the most part I sign up for authors whose next book I want to read, but either they’re not online a lot, or I don’t hang out where they do. I quick n dirty email/newsletter that says a new release is out and gives, title, blurb, excerpt and I’m happy.
Raine… I don’t either…
Tanya… that’s what made me think of it the other day. There is a gal who has added me to her list. I don’t know her. I don’t know how she got my e-mail. Until recently I had never seen her name on any of the loops I’m on…. I think I finally added her stuff to the blocked mail just to keep it from coming in….
Vannessa…. I have gotten ditzier over the last few years so I can never remember when books come out and whatnot, but I know if I signed up for their newsletter, after a bit I’d never reember why–that’s sad I know….
That’s why I have notes on everything… but then I lose the paper… and all hell breaks loose :-)
Lessee…..I get Raines, Mik’s, Shellie’s and I think that’s it. I also get Fresh Fiction’s newsletter too. I’ve had authors add mea gaisnt my will and I don’t like it anymore than ya’ll do. I think it’s rude as hell.