[Nfb-editors] Making the Newsletter work- the need -- support equation

[Robert Leslie Newman]

Mike and others
(There are some on here that are looking to start a newsletter, and some who
have weathered the ups and downs of publishing) 

Mike, you bring up a needed topic thread- the "need question," and the
"participation factor;" what does it take to get a newsletter going and keep
it viable? 

What do other's think? Here is what quickly goes through my mind:

There are 3 parts of this newsletter viability equation: 

#1 If an affiliate's voice is, that they want, need a newsletter --- this is
one part of the equation.

#2 If there is a interested/willing editor --- this is a second part of that
same equation.

#3 If there is affiliate support, people who will submit --- that is the
third part of this equation. 

In this case of Bridgit's, here in Nebraska, she is not getting support, not
getting submissions. And as she states, that she's not of a mind, nor in a
position to write up the parts of the news that should be in "The Nebraska
Independent." She even gives us a minimum number of contributing authors
that she feels is acceptable to keep the effort alive. And so sounds like
she is at a crossroads, should she go on with the next issue? Or should she
not, and give over the editorship? (Not knowing if anyone else will take it
up.) 

Here is one of my thoughts --- If the affiliate says they want a newsletter,
and after a good effort to get submissions, do a good job editing what you
have gotten, maybe borrow some material from other newsletters, make sure it
has a calendar of upcoming events, and then put it out there. 

*** 

What is a newsletter? I think this is the first question. I bet if we pool
our thoughts, there is a range of acceptability in terms of contents and
literary quality. (Quality would always include grammar and the mechanics.) 

(In saying any of this, I do not wish to lessen the personal goals of an
editor, as to what type of publication that they would like to pen their
name to.)

Other thoughts?