At first, concept of "newsworthiness" may appear both abstract and subjective. Fortunately, in century since Joseph Pulitzer began to define journalism as we know it today, patterns have emerged in how news media define "newsworthiness."

We may disagree with these patterns. We may find them trivial, irrational and even offensive. But they exist nonetheless and we ignore them at our peril.

These patterns fall into three basic categories: identification, significance and fascination. The more of these patterns that appear in your story, more likely media are to recognize your story as newsworthy.

1. Identification: Will public you are targeting recognize at least one major element of your story? (Now word "public" will change meaning with context. For example, "ABC World News Tonight" targets a very broad general public, while "Field & Stream" targets a very narrowly defined public.)

a. Awareness: Does public possess a basic understanding of issue around which your story revolves?

b. Celebrity: Does public recognize spokesperson delivers your message?

c. Fashion: Does your story fit in with a recognized trend that is rising or peaking?

d. Proximity: What is geographical reach of your story? Exactly whom does it affect in an immediate, tangible way?

It's very easy to get accused of spamming nowadays. Add to that filters ISPs are using, and your message may not get through.

If you do it right, email marketing can become a very effective method of marketing your business.

Before you consider this method, there are three tools I consider absolutely crucial to your success.

1. Educate yourself. Get accused of spamming and you could destroy your reputation forever.

Learn everything you can about email marketing and implement those strategies in your marketing campaign.

Here are two sites you can use to educate yourself about email marketing:

Email Results - http://www.emailresults.com/ - This site offers a newsletter, a directory of lists, and plenty of articles.

Email Education - http://www.emaileducation.com - Also offers articles to help you learn how to use email to market your business. You'll also get information on latest trends in email marketing as well as latest news.