FIO Newsletter Development Discussion

Stocktrading101 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-07-06, 01:14 PM

As some of you may or may not know, I am working on putting together a sleak and efficient newsletter for all FIO Community Members and Stocktrading 101 readers that will accomplish the following tasks:

1. Give Organization Updates - This basically includes any major news that we feel you should know about.

2. Encorporate our Stock Competitions - Now, how this will be broken up is still TBD, but every month from now on there will be a random prize eligible contestant that will win a gift certificate. For one that name will be listed in this area. Perhaps the top 5 current contestants or so will also be listed. Any ideas post them up.

3. Have a Link to a Guest Writer - Some of you may recall when we had a guest writer write for the FIO every month. It was an excellent resource for all members regardless of experience and I want to bring it back. For all of those who may want to guest write and promote your website, blog, business, etc. This is a great opportunity for you and if you are interested please contact me.

4. Product Promotions/Offers - This is a way to bring in revenue for the FIO, and is basically a palce for us to promote 2 or 3 products from sites we think you should check out. Any purchase will result in a commission for the FIO.

5. Section for Beginner Traders - With the FIO based on investor education, I want to create a section that perhaps lists each month a couple tips up for new traders, or lists timeslots for free lessons from myself and other FIO volunteers, etc. Any ideas please post them up.

6. Section for ST101 (my blog) - Not sure what I want to do with this yet, but I want to encorporate my blog to not only promote it but also put up some userful information.

This is open for discussion and I look forward to reading everyone's input. Also, I am looking for a good inexpensive mailing service that will allow me to utilize html in the newsletter. If you know any sites post them up. Thanks.

MDZ · #2 (**permalink**) 07-08-06, 09:48 PM

That guest writer was a great idea/time when we had it. I enjoyed reading different views from members/guest writers, and I think that they really enjoyed to opportunity to write. I think that it would be kind of fun to take a vote like once a month (or something) and see if we cannot eventually get some famous individual on here (no offense to past writers) They would not have to be stock related, but maybe a sports icon, or a popular speaker like Zig Ziglar.

FirstConsul · #3 (**permalink**) 07-10-06, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDZ

That guest writer was a great idea/time when we had it. I enjoyed reading different views from members/guest writers, and I think that they really enjoyed to opportunity to write. I think that it would be kind of fun to take a vote like once a month (or something) and see if we cannot eventually get some famous individual on here (no offense to past writers) They would not have to be stock related, but maybe a sports icon, or a popular speaker like Zig Ziglar.

Right right..
"And now.. the moment you've all been waiting for... MDZ is our guest writer for the month!"
MDZ:Hi. Today I'm going to show you some basic knowledge about the wilderness. You see, this is a birch tree, that is an ashwood, that is a redwood, birch burns the best...(in all due seriousness, I don't know how to differentiate different trees

)
After that get some guy from a hockey team at WMU

Still it would be motivating so it would be interesting.

Stocktrading101 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-11-06, 12:42 PM

Quote:

MDZ:Hi. Today I'm going to show you some basic knowledge about the wilderness. You see, this is a birch tree, that is an ashwood, that is a redwood, birch burns the best...(in all due seriousness, I don't know how to differentiate different trees )

lol.

Quote:

That guest writer was a great idea/time when we had it. I enjoyed reading different views from members/guest writers, and I think that they really enjoyed to opportunity to write.

BuMp to that.

Quote:

I think that it would be kind of fun to take a vote like once a month (or something) and see if we cannot eventually get some famous individual on here (no offense to past writers) They would not have to be stock related, but maybe a sports icon, or a popular speaker like Zig Ziglar.

This doesn't make sense to me. IMO the purpose of an investing newsletter is to talk investing, not sports. I think its an excellent thought, but maybe not exactly in line with the image we want to tie in. Perhaps pulling strings to have prominent investors guest write may be more within our grasp. I know some great bloggers who may be interested.

MDZ · #5 (**permalink**) 07-11-06, 08:40 PM

LoL, good stuff First ;-)

My thoughts Blain are that no matter how stock obsessed someone is, they still do need some variety. I personally think that having the occasional big time speaker, no matter WHO they are, would add some spice to what would be a very interesting (but possibly redundant investing newsletter.) We have a general discussion forum, and if we could have someone talk how they feel that bike riding relates to investing in some way, I would be more than happy to read it.

fundomax · #6 (**permalink**) 07-11-06, 11:41 PM

I'm new here so my oppinion isn't hold any sway, but, I think people who come here are here for the trading and investing ideas. If you start getting into other things, this forum looses it's real intent. My 2 cents.

Has anyone else on this board been Gold or Silver lately? They are in a strong up move. It also looks like the markets may have started a tradable rally today. Good trading to all.

dbacks2008 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-12-06, 04:40 PM

I agree but I dont think its a bad thing to constantly be looking for new ideas to generally improve the site. As long as the site doesnt lose focus on its central mission I feel its fine to also explore new areas.

Brandon_R3I · #8 (**permalink**) 07-12-06, 05:05 PM

I would recommend that the news letter be simple and to the point for the time being. It should also only be sent out once every month on, for example, the first of that month, or once every quarter.

It should address the following"

-new updates to the FIO as an organization and the site/forum itself
-an update on the top 10 for the current quarter stock challenge (exclude the ongoing one) (also, when a contest ends, recognition of the winners)
-recognize anyone/entities that have donated monies (do not list amounts) for the FIO and/or the FIO competitions
-the top 3 NEW books out with amazon links (moderators will decide beforehand each month, it doesnt need to get super complicated)

no other links or anything should be in there. If neccessary, there should always be a reminder to "check out" the fio blog, stktrdg101 blog, etc etc

Once the organization grows and a some trial and error has occured with the whole news letter concept can you then go in and start modifying and beefing it up.

I'll get off the soap box now...