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Despite often annoying on-line advertising, and even an ever growing crop of pay-per-view sites, the web is still a tremendous source of free information for thrifty surfers.
And what's even better: sometimes you don't even need to surf to find what you're looking for. Sometimes, it comes directly to your email inbox. Regularly. And for free. There are thousands of electronic newsletters and magazines available just for the asking, on pretty much any topic. The quality can vary greatly; they can be complicated, or simple. They can be delivered on regular daily, weekly, or monthly schedules, or even at the irregular whim of the publisher. According to writer Brian Alt, at A Beginner's Guide to Ezine Publishing, the word ezine is generally thought to be derived from fanzine, non-commercial magazines catering to a specific interest. Today, however, the word ezine is often used to refer to any and all electronic magazines and newsletters, commercial and non-commercial, and can be targeted to a general audience or a very specific readership. If you're looking for an ezine, you can try online ezine directories and review sites like NewJour or Ezine Links. They provide lists and/or reviews of ezines and newsletters that are available, with links to connect you. I've found most of my favorite newsletters by accident: I stumble into a website I like, and sign up for the newsletter. For many, the subscription sign-up requires only your email address; for others, the sign-up sheet reads more like a loan application. Whenever I sign up for a newsletter, I fill out only the minimum required information. To try and keep a lid on spam, I read the privacy policy to see if the publisher promises not to share or sell my address. I also make sure that I'm signing up only for the newsletter. Sometimes this means I have to uncheck a few boxes on the application, since I've noticed that some automated online forms try to sign me up for a host of other email notices and services. Whenever you sign up for a free newsletter, I think you have to accept some risk. You may sometimes find that you get more than you bargained for, by way of unsolicited advertising notices. If I have any doubts about the privacy policy, I'll sometimes use a secondary email address just for the newsletter. Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article The New News in Thrifty Living is owned by Donna Dunn. Permission to republish The New News in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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