Hi guys and fuzzies:
 
First, as far as this Ferret Business Digest goes, I'm curious.  It sounds
good, but I have a few questions.  I would desperately like for my
newsletter to have greater exposure; I think that mine is one of the good
ones, but I might be biased :) So, for that reason, it might be good to get
on board with this Digest.  However, my biggest concern is, what's to stop
people from subscribing to the Digest, to get the "best of the best," then
not subscribe to any of our originals?  I won't even put any of my articles
on my web site for fear that people will only log on to get my newsletter
for free.  At the time, the Ferreter (my newsletter) is the only fundraiser
I do, and I'm dangerously low on subscribers...almost to the point that I'm
even losing money on the publication.
 
However, if you could incorporate a few ideas I've got, maybe this would
work (I think I speak for other shelters' newsletters here, so don't find me
greedy, please--all of my profits go to the fuzzies anyway).  Maybe, for
one, you could keep a running note in every issue "reminding" readers that
ALL shelters are in need of funds, and that oftentimes newsletters are a way
of giving while getting back.  Remind readers that if they believe in the
work shelters do, they could always send donations to help keep our efforts
alive.
 
Second, if you are thinking of taking, for instance, one or two articles
here and there, the best of the best, as you said, you should have as the
last page of the Digest a list of the newsletter publisher (shelter), their
address/email/website, plus the cost of annual subscription and how to
subscribe.  (Maybe this is already what you had planned, but I want to be
sure before I send you the Ferreter...).  This way, Joe Shmoe can read the
Digest, then find that a particular article seems really informative, then
perhaps want to read more and will subscribe to that newsletter.  Do I make
sense here?  Post again, as I think other shelters would have the same
concerns.  If my newsletter would be getting recognition here, with the
chance of getting new subscribers, I'd love to be a part of it.
 
That all said, I just feel the itching need to plug my newsletter again
(sorry, folks...the fuzzies want to switch to Totally Ferret & it costs
money!!!  :-) ) The Pennsylvania Ferreter is a bi-monthly (As Mary McCarty
can attest to I TRY to get it out every 2 months, but sometimes fail...it's
still a 6-issue subscription) that costs $20/year to subscribe.  It's got a
full hodge-podge of info, including Medical info, News, the Ask Shadow
advice column, a Ferret of the Month contest (Congrats to Mary--her ferret
Bear was selected last issue!) Upcoming events, California issues, tips of
the trade for ferret ownees, adoptions, etc., etc.  E-mail me if you're
interested.
 
Finally, and in the scheme of things, most importantly: Sukie, I'm sure I
speak for everyone on the FML.  Meltdown is in our prayers, and our thoughts
will be for a recovery and another year or two for you together.  But, if it
must be his time, and of course each ferret has it's own time, all of our
thoughts will be with Meltdown to help guide him over the Bridge.  I have a
favor: please whisper to Meltdown to ask him if he will tell my little
Lilly-girl and Whiskey that I miss them soo very much.  Maybe Meltdown and
Lilly could have an over-the-bridge romance when his time comes :)
 
Remember, only you could have given Meltdown the wonderful 8 1/2 years that
he's had so far.  He's loved you as you have him; Fate brought the two of
you together.  He couldn't have had a better life.
 
Kymberlie Becker
Director, Pennsylvania Ferret Rescue Association
"Forget Puppy Love...There's nothing Greater than Ferret Love!" TM
[Posted in FML issue 1892]