Putting It Together

I recommend structuring your report similar to a book report. Remember writing those in school? Why a book report? The focus here is short and informative. This isn't creative writing. You don't want to go off on some tangent about literary prose. Short, concise, and highly informative information to guide others is what works here.

Format And Packaging

Format is somewhat of a personal preference. But, keep computing platform in mind. There are numerous e-book compilers, many free, that can be used to create a small exe file of your report. The advantage here is that it can be created in web page format and then compiled with links that when clicked will actually open in e-book window. One downside however is that as far as I have been able to tell they only compile in PC format. So, anyone with a Mac will not be able to view file.

I have used Easy e-Book Creator for several short reports. It is simple and easy to use. I create pages in HTML format using Microsoft Frontpage and then compile. If you want full version without Easy e-Book Creator logo and with added security features, you can purchase a license for about $20. The resulting e-book is in exe format. e-Book Compiler also has a free trial version. I however was not as happy with it.

PDF is essentially universal. Just about anyone these days can open a pdf. The problem is that pdf file creators are rather pricey. An alternative is Microsoft Reader plug-in for Word. Microsoft is attempting to compete with Adobe in creating a new standard. The software is free to download from Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/reader/developers/downloads/rmr.asp .

Distribution

After all else is done, its time to get your report to market. Now, there is not a single definitive way to do this. I use e- zine advertising, classified ads, pay-per-click, and traffic exchanges to advertise short reports in hopes of pulling interested readers to sign up for e-Kinetic E-Zine. What is great about this method is that it truly is win-win. I gain new subscribers who I get to share interact with through e-zine, and subscribers receive valuable information at zero cost.

(5) Do you offer advertising to third parties in your publication? If so you must inform your subscribers. They are agreeing to receive mail from you. Make sure they understand that subscribing also means possible third party advertisements.

I personally prefer to itemize my intentions and devotion to not spamming. Each primary point is then laid out.

Its important to keep in mind that you are building a business relationship with your subscribers. You must explain to them at sign up how your publication is dispersed. How many times per week should they expect to receive email from you? Do you anticipate this changing in near future? Will they be getting third party advertisements?

As a final remark, your spam policy is also protection for you. People may forget what you have told them at sign up and report you all of a sudden as a spammer. I recommend putting up your spam policy, with a check box such that they must read in it order to process their subscription. In advent that you are accused of any form of spam, your policy is testament to your intentions. If you have strictly followed key elements laid out for your subscribers you should then have nothing to worry about.

For more references on current law and problems check out:

http://www.spamlaws.com/federal/108s877.html http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/04/28/internet.spam.ap/ http://www.spamhaus.org/news.lasso?article=150