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Grammar Corner
I Wish I...
It's proper to say:
I was going to the store, but I changed my mind.
I was more organized when I had more time.
'I' is a singular noun. 'Was' is a singular verb. They usually go together.
But, there are times when 'I' goes with 'were.' This is the case with wishful thinking or when we speak about something contrary to the facts using, 'if.' For example:
I wish I were going to the store to take advantage of that sale.(expressing a wish)
If she were more organized, she'd have more time. (The fact is she is not organized.)
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My Birds--Chickens, Guineas, and Homing Pigeons
(Photo by David Hiebert)
Isn't this bird a beauty? This is one of my white homing pigeons. I think it's a girl, but I'm not sure yet because it hasn't started 'dating.' The first of my own white birds hatched in June 2007, so none are even a year old yet. The parent birds lay two eggs at a time and the tiny, little pecan-sized babies hatch about 18 days later.
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Recommending Constant Contact
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Greetings!
As we begin this new year, I'm wishing you health, happiness, and prosperity. Yep! It's 2008. I'm looking forward to a fantastic year. And I hope you find this year's newsletters valuable.
As always, I welcome your feedback. Email me with your comments, questions, or requests for help or service.
I am growing my business and need your help. Please take a moment to forward this newsletter to those who may benefit. Just click here to forward it.
TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs
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 Newsletter? or Sales Campaign?
I don't know about you, but I hate it when I subscribe to a newsletter and end up getting a constant flow of 'specials', 'sales' and 'time-is-running-out announcements.' In more than one instance, I'm not sure I ever received what I would call a newsletter. Too many communications are little more than continuous sales pitches--issuing a newsletter mixed with dozens of other missives.
I'm not saying it's wrong to share with your readers, information on specials regarding the products you sell and the services you offer. After all, if they're interested in the subject, they may welcome the opportunity to buy your book, upgrade to your latest machinery, or attend your conference. A clearly stated offer among the news is different from a sales blitz disguised as a series of newsletters.
Merriam-Webster defines a newsletter as "a small publication (as a leaflet or newspaper) containing news of interest chiefly to a special group." The Illustrated Oxford Dictionary says it's "an informal printed report issued periodically to the members of a society, business, organization, etc." While an e-newsletter may be defined a bit differently, it's still not a catalog, sales flyer, nor ad.
In accordance with the definition of a newsletter, educate your readers as to what you do, what you offer, what's going on in their area of interest and your area of expertise. If you insist on heavy sales tactics in your 'newsletter,' at least let your subscribers know that is what they will be receiving. If your newsletter is an e-newsletter consider using boxes in your sign-up sheet where subscribers choose what they want to receive?--annoucements, specials, etc?--and honor what they've indicated.
Based on how you present your newsletter and its purpose, what are your readers expecting? News? How-to's? Sales? Books? Humor? For example, if you are a salesperson and the mission of your newsletter is presented as informing people of the latest products, sales, and offers, then readers expect a high percentage of sales, links to product specials and shopping carts.
On the other hand, if you are a life counselor and you present your newsletter as a tool for learning how to create happiness in life, a reader is going to expect advice and wisdom, and will most likely expect only a small percentage of the newsletter to deal with sales-maybe your latest book or tickets to your conference.
Look at your newsletter through the eyes of your subscribers. Would they consider each missive a turn-on or a turn-off? Are your subscribers led to believe one thing and then given another? Put yourself in their place as you decide what to send out.
[Beginning with this issue the subject line for my newsletter will begin with TIPPs (Timely Information from Patterson Presentations). After TIPPs, some indication of the content will appear. If I send anything other than the newsletter, the subject line will say what it is-Announcement, Sales Flyer, Special Greetings, etc.]
TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs
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| Making a Difference
We all have the potential and the opportunity to have a positive effect on those around us. Likewise, our newsletters can assist our readers-sometimes in an unexpected way. As she strives to help her readers achieve their goals, Life Coach, Diana Fletcher (www.dianafletcher.com) has received favorable feedback from her readers. The points she makes in her newsletters have helped, motivated, and encouraged. Here's what Diana says about her newsletter feedback:
I started my e-newsletter, Fit & Healthy, because I wanted to help people live healthier lives. I offer ideas to help with the journey toward good health. The response has been amazing!
I have fun writing it, and I hope that people have fun reading it, too. But, they are doing more than having fun reading it. People want to know how to take care of themselves, and they are taking this message to heart! Some of the tips I have offered have been very simple, but I know from the response, that they have inspired people to view self-care in a different way.
The tip that got the most response was the simple reminder to drink more water! This amazed me, but people told me they needed to be reminded of this often. Some of my readers have purchased re-fillable bottles to keep track of the amount they drink. One person said that now, every time she passes a drinking fountain, she takes a sip. Water is very important for our health, and I am glad this little tidbit inspired so many people through my newsletter!
Do you have an experience where your newsletter has made a difference? Email or call me; share your story.
TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs
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Workstation Tips
Are You Right-eyed or Left-eyed?
Knowing which eye you favor can make a difference in where you should place your copy, especially if you have neck pain. If you are right-eyed, but placing your copy on the left side of your computer, you will have to move your neck farther for the eye you favor to comfortably see the material. If you favor your right eye, place your copy on the right side of the computer, and vice versa for folks who are left-eyed.
How do you know which eye you favor? Simple. Look at a doorknob or a light switch at least 8 feet away from you. Now make a circle with your thumb and forefinger (like the A-OK sign) and with both eyes open, center the doorknob inside the circle. Then, without moving your hand, use just one eye to look at the knob and then use just the other eye. Your dominant eye will keep the knob in the circle.
TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs - TIPPs |
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