Whenever I read about best ways to promote an online newsletter, listing in e-zine directories is always mentioned as one of those 'no-brainer' things that every publisher should automatically do.

So I figured, why not? Everyone else seems to be doing it, I'd better do same.

Not so easy. In first place, try looking up 'ezine directories' on google. I got 1690 results. A lot of those results turned out not to be a directory, but a list of other directories. The list seemed endless.

In second place, most of lists of directories I found turned out to be hopelessly out of date.

So I decided to build my own list of e-zine directories

As I started following links I hit up against one of worst aspects of Internet. Here is a list of 14 principle reasons why so many of links turned out to be useless:

1. Site no longer exists 2. Site appears to exist, but content is all pre 1998 3. Site appears to be running, but many links are dead 4. Message says 'Site no longer maintained.' 5. Site so badly designed, navigation impossible 6. Site caused my eyes to bleed (figuratively!) 7. Site bombarded me with multiple pop-ups 8. Site not relevant (no e-zine list) 9. Site appeared to be a scam 10. Site redirected to a different URL 11. Payment required to list e-zine 12. Site offered no explanation, name or logo 13. Site no longer accepting submissions 14. Site 'under construction.'

According to my 'History' file, I have visited over 800 sites in past 3 days. My back hurts, my eyes hurt and my brain has turned to jelly. But I think that I have done it!

Empowered Parenting Ezine is enjoying it's 4th year of continuous online publication. Our mission remains same -- to provide Today's parent with information, advice and how-to articles by experts in many fields, so your parenting job is manageable while you gain respect and still have fun!

Joan Bramsch is "Parents' Cheerleader!" She's also a veteran parent, grandparent, educator, writer and publisher, and she owns and administers EP ezine which serves Parents and their families, giving encouragement, providing information, reminding all to enjoy life.

"Parenting is most adults' _other_ full-time job; it's time they were recognized and valued." She hopes to be your champion and your counselor, plus, she promises to encourage you to be Best Parent you can be.