stdClass Object ( [nid] => 232741 [vid] => 233838 [type] => task_discussion [status] => 1 [created] => 1250729821 [changed] => 1250729821 [comment] => 0 [promote] => 1 [sticky] => 0 [revision_timestamp] => 1250729821 [title] => Re: Newsletter [body] => Hi Walude- great job on the July newsletter! I took a look at it and have some feedback for you. 1- It's too long! I know there is a lot to say but in order to get the clear messages across- you need to write shorter pieces. I usually will take time to read most of a newsletter for a group that I am interested in. e.g- i receive an e-newsletter from Medicine San Frontiers and I read most of it each time because I am really interested. However, if I am not that keen- I will only skim over the main points, headings etc and decide which little bits I will pay attention to. Most people are time-poor so you need to catch their attention. 2- Use of simple yet striking titles is always helpful in getting people's atention. The use of photo's and colour also helps. 3- I like the "special points of interest" next to each article- it helps people decide whether they will read it or not. 4- Decide what 'tense' you are using. In one of the articles it is writen "the second meeting on Zero waste..was held at...Township today". This is using present tense however the newsletter is meant to retrospective. Little things like that just help the reader along- keep it consistant. 5- Keep long descriptions to a minimum. Eg in the article NICRAD Volunteers Mobolize youths.... the descriptions of each step are too long and you will lose the reader if they get confused. I found that article frustrating. Short sharp sentences help the reader along. Who is the intended audience for this newsletter? In relation to fundraising via a newsletter- I did a brief Google search and there seem to be a number fo sites that can provide advice. I found this quote which I thought might be useful to keep in mind: 'Fundraising is not the art of asking but the art of communication that includes asking. Thanks!A Guide to Donor-Centered Fundraising, by Penelope Burke. I also read another quote that said a good e-newsletter is a way of extending the footprint of a good website. Agreed!! Best wishes Carolyn [teaser] => Hi Walude- great job on the July newsletter! I took a look at it and have some feedback for you. [log] => [format] => 1 [uid] => 12840 [name] => carolyndv [picture] => [data] => a:7:{s:8:"og_email";s:1:"2";s:16:"privatemsg_allow";i:1;s:28:"privatemsg_setmessage_notify";i:0;s:17:"messaging_default";s:4:"mail";s:7:"contact";i:0;s:16:"nodecomment_sort";s:1:"2";s:29:"taxonomy_image_disable_images";i:0;} [path] => village/bweyogerere/project/task/discussion/re-newsletter-3 [field_embedded_video] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [embed] => [value] => [provider] => [data] => Array ( ) ) ) [field_external_link] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [url] => [title] => [attributes] => N; ) [1] => Array ( [url] => [title] => [attributes] => N; ) ) [comment_type] => task_discussion [og_groups] => Array ( [0] => 212028 ) [og_groups_both] => Array ( [212028] => Bweyogerere ) [og_public] => 1 [tags] => Array ( [10] => Array ( [837] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 837 [vid] => 10 [name] => Fundraising [description] => [weight] => 0 [language] => [trid] => 0 ) [2737] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 2737 [vid] => 10 [name] => newsletter [description] => [weight] => 0 [language] => [trid] => 0 ) ) ) [nodewords] => Array ( ) [trid] => 0 [language] => en [i18n_status] => 0 [taxonomy] => Array ( [837] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 837 [vid] => 10 [name] => Fundraising [description] => [weight] => 0 [language] => [trid] => 0 ) [2737] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 2737 [vid] => 10 [name] => newsletter [description] => [weight] => 0 [language] => [trid] => 0 ) ) [translation] => Array ( ) [cid] => 232741 [pid] => 232525 [hostname] => 203.10.55.11 [thread] => 01.00.00.00.01.00.00.00/ [mail] => [homepage] => [comment_target_nid] => 230778 [depth] => 7 )