FREE LIST HOSTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ListBot used to have a free version (ad-supported). If you're determined to only use a free list host, two of most popular are:

== Yahoo Groups, http://groups.yahoo.com/ == Topica, http://www.topica.com/

If, however, you choose to use a free service, be aware that although they're free *now*, they may not *remain* free. At any time they could choose to start charging for their services (like so many previously 'free' online services have done) ... or they could withdraw services altogether.

Heck, ListBot was run by Microsoft. If Microsoft couldn't make it work, how much longer do you think these other services will remain free?

FEE-BASED LIST HOSTS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While searching for a solution to my 'ListBot dilemma', I came across a large number of list hosts. What I was looking for was a host that could provide all usual newsletter management features, along with reliability and a strong dedication to customer service.

In terms of money, fee-based list hosts usually work on a subscription basis. You pay a fee periodically (every month, quarter, or year, for example) in exchange for ability to send a certain number of messages each month. Some list hosts will charge you based on how many messages you send (for example, $1 for every 1000 messages).

Two list hosts that were highly recommended to me are:

== SparkList, http://www.sparklist.com/services/hosting/ == ListChannel, http://buildyourhomebiz.com/listchannel.html

I finally chose to go with ListChannel (SparkList has a minimum of $50/month, which is more than I want to spend). So far I'm happy with ListChannel: it's fast, reliable, and their customer service is consistently prompt and helpful.

If you're a 'ListBot Refugee', ListChannel has set up a special discount for you (good only until August 20, 2001): http://buildyourhomebiz.com/listbotspecial.html

When typing in your text you need to keep your line length at 65 characters per line and hit a hard return at end of each and every line. This is imperative. If you allow words to wrap automatically, ezine your readers receive may have lines chopped off mid sentence and will look terrible. By using hard return you'll be ensuring that your newsletter will be readable and attractive in majority of email clients. Never type your ezine in all caps as this is equivalent to screaming.

2. CONTENT

I highly recommend you write at least one original article a month for your newsletter; more if you can. It's OK to include work by others on an occasional basis or for filler, but your ezine will carry more weight if you take time to write your own material.

When you do need outside content, here are some excellent sources:

http://www.EzineArticles.com http://www.IdeaMarketers.com http://www.Certificate.net

You may also download this free e-book "400 Articles You Can Use in Your Ezine" at http://www.web-source.net/web/Free_Ebooks/Writing_Publishing/ You'll also find two other very handy ebooks for publishers at above site you may want to download as well.

Another idea for getting original articles to reprint in your ezine is to go to Egroups and subscribe to article announcement lists like this one: or http://www.website101.com/freecontent.html http://www.web-source.net/articlesub.htm They will supply you with a steady stream of new articles you can publish on a daily basis.

Don't forget to visit this site which is a fantastic resource for online publishers: http://www.worldwidelearn.com/ezine-publishing.htm

As you can see, there are many online sources that exist solely for purpose of helping ezine publishers succeed. With massive amount of information available to you, there's really no reason you haven't started your own ezine. So come on, what are you waiting for? Your Net fame awaits!