There are plenty of articles available today provided by various professional associations and experts that can be used in a newsletter. Some are free, as long as you include the writer's bio and contact information. Others are available for a fee and usually require that you give them credit. The question is: Should you use them?
 
Canned articles might come in handy in a pinch. You might use one if you're going on an unexpected vacation or trip, if you become ill, or if you're under the gun and are just empty of ideas. But, canned articles should be used with caution. To understand why, consider the story of Cyrano de Bergerac.
 
Remember? He's the one with the very large nose. He's also a great swordsman and has a gift for words. He loves Roxane, but is too embarrassed of his looks to believe she could ever love him. Instead of wooing Roxane himself, he helps Christian to do so by writing and speaking for him. Roxane and Christian marry, and Christian soon dies in battle. But, it's not until the day of Cyrano's death many years later, that Roxane learns the expressions of love she cherished were actually Cyrano's.
 
The point is this: Who do you want your readers to "fall in love" with? Even if someone writes more eloquently than you write or has more knowledge and expertise, you take the chance that your reader will "marry" that writer instead of you. Plus, your readers are not getting to know the real you, and that is a key advantage to having a newsletter--helping your readers know you and your business.

 
A canned article here and there won't destroy your business, but it's always best to share with your readers what they can't get from a canned article--your specialties, your point of view--the things that make you and your business unique. Let them experience the tone of your writing and learn what you stand for. Let them become like old friends and turn to you with questions and business.
 
If you need help with the content of your newsletter, consider these possibilities:
 - Hire someone to write your articles, but make absolutely sure they consistently use the tone that represents you and your business.
 - Write the articles yourself, and then ask a professional writer to edit them, while making sure it is your voice that is revealed.
 - Exchange articles with another entrepreneur whose business complements yours (not one who is your competition). While these articles would not be in your voice, carefully selected topics can add variety and provide additional information that your clients need. And, the articles you submit for your colleague to use will expose your business to a new set of recipients.
 
Keep canned article use to a minimum. Write articles that allow you and your business to shine through. Let your readers "fall in love" with you.