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]