Virginia Nuta has discussed the problems of newsletter mailings, especially by bulk mail. At the Delaware Photographic Society, where Eleanor and I are officers-members, we send 80% of our newsletters by email. The letter is done as a portable document format (pdf) which can even include color. This pdf document is an attachment to the email. This is much speedier, lower in cost, and can include color. There is hardly any excuse for not using electronic distribution. The exception is the person who does not have a computer and there are a few of these. -- John.Blankenbaker@comcast.net

I think the pdf file would be a great way to save money. I received the last letter both ways. The electronic version was excellent. Anyone who wishes to read it somewhere else can easily print it. And we could receive it in a timely fashion. Those who do not use the computer could still receive the mail copy. I would be glad to be placed on a list for "e-mail only." How about a show of interest for those of us who would be happy with the e-mail version. J. Watkins john.blankenbaker@comcast.net wrote: Virginia Nuta has discussed the problems of newsletter mailings, especially by bulk mail. At the Delaware Photographic Society, where Eleanor and I are officers-members, we send 80% of our newsletters by email. The letter is done as a portable document format (pdf) which can even include color. This pdf document is an attachment to the email. This is much speedier, lower in cost, and can include color. There is hardly any excuse for not using electronic distribution. The exception is the person who does not have a computer and there are a few of these. -- John.Blankenbaker@comcast.net ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to GERMANNA_COLONIES-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

One of the problems with the delay of bulk mail is that the Post Office can hold items mailed in bulk for 3 days at any place it stops. My mom told me this, she used to be our church secretary and they mail the church newsletter via bulk mail. For our church newsletter this isn't as big of a problem because the geographic area of the mailing is smaller. As the Germanna newsletter is mailed all across the country there are many more potential places for the delay. This past newsletter was mailed in Virginia July 3 but I had not received mine before I left home in Oregon for the reunion on July 15. Someone asked how to become a member in order to receive the newsletter. There is no proof of lineage required as in some other societies for descendants. The Germanna Foundation is open to anyone with an interest in the Germanna Colonies. Members of the Germanna Foundation automatically receive the newsletter. Information on dues is on the Foundation website http://www.germanna.org/join.cfm. FYI the 2009 reunion will be July 17-18-19. We'd love to see all of our cousins there! Cathi