A suggestion for those who want to upgrade their subscriber bases to newsletters: I use a combination of methods. For one, I purchase the annual ProCD disks with names, addresses and telephone numbers across the US. From this I create mailing lists on a state by state or zip code basis (however you want it) downloading the surname I want to reach. I then use an introductory letter, a couple of pages of a recent newsletter, and a subscription offer page. I will usually get 1% to 2% returns in bad addresses but if you mail first class you can request address correction. My subscription return has averaged 3% to 5% which is well over the average return for direct mail response. Your envelope should have the name of the surname newsletter and address for the return address or you will fall into the junk mail catagory. I also use regular postings on NGS and on the genealogical newsgroups on the Internet. As you all well know, I also post announcements on Roots Web and will usually get 1 or 2 subscribers each time I post. You should use postings on your surname group on Roots also. The secret of the whole approach is to create a REGULAR mailing campaign and stick to it. You can get 1000 letters printed almost a cheaply as 500 and you simply mail X number EVERY month. You also might consider packaging a reply envelope with your mailing. I take CC and checks by fax,phone and mail which really helps. I had a new subscriber call last night and provide a CC number by phone. I got a check by fax yesterday afternoon. This way you are not waiting for the check in the mail. For those who are doing freebie mailings, you should have no problems building your mail list especially online newsletters. I created a online mail group separate from the GRIGGS-L on Roots and it has a growing subscriber list. I use this list to promote the newsletter, research and other tips and suggestions. You do not want to use your mail list for total self-promotion because you will lose subscribers. You have to have regular contributions of good information usable by your subscribers if you want to maintain interest. Lastly, I have also used cheap postcard mailings to promote the newsletter. This cuts your cost to around.28c per mailing including postage, card and printing. You can use many different computer packages to prepare your own mailings and print out 25 or more cards every week for mailing. This is the least expensive way to go and it gets around a 1 1/2% to 2% regular response. More tips if you want them. Lee Griggs -- MultiServ Enterprises, Inc. PO Box 1536 Camden, SC 29020-8536 Tel: 803-432-9008 Fax: 803-424-0450