so this may be a non-starter.... Here goes. We have a community. We have a gallery. We have free stuff but there's nothing in it. So here's my offer. I have a program that allows me to create a newsletter in a PDF format fairly easily (PrintMaster). Anyone interested in contributing poetry/art/short prose or your challenge contributions or ???? so that we can put together a Writer's Forum newsletter that we could post it in the Free Stuff? Remember, this would be completely voluntary and there's no guarantees of safety to your material. And if no one contributes, I'll think nothing of stopping production immediately. But if you'd like to have a little fun with your writing, I'm willing to do my part. There's no pay...of course...but you can have all the copies you can download. :) I've got all kinds of newsletter templates...or we could make up our own. I'm willing to give it a test run for a couple of months to see if there is any interest in people downloading it. Feedback? Ideas? Problems? No interest? Interest???

"and there's no guarantees of safety to your material." Well, as to my poetry and challenge contibutions they are already "unsafe" in that they have been posted to this forum already. I think it's an idea of merit and you are free to use any of the stuff I've posted here for such a newsletter. I would even chip in now and then with some new stuff, if you ever need more filler. Maybe someday you can even have a section listing members that have sold thier stuff to a publiher! jon

I think that would be grand. :) I know you'll be on that list. :)

I don't know how much I'd be able to contribute, but I'd like to see what everyone else is up to! And anything that I post on this forum (which ain't too much just yet!) can be used if you want it. Sounds like a great idea. Mike

Well, I won't tell Crescent, but I think somehow she'll find out lol If you find anything I've posted here, or on my homepage that you would like to use dialyn, you have my permission. Or did you mean new stuff? Shanna :-) I'd like to receive that newsletter.

I'm thinking, if Crescent is okay with the idea, that I'll make an announcement and you all can decide what you would like to submit for the first issue. I'll package it up in a pdf file, and post on the Free Stuff area so anyone who wants to download it can, and we'll see how it goes from there. :) I'm open to ideas. What would you all like to see in a newsletter? What would you like to share with others? I've done newsletters before. They are a lot of work, but they are a lot of fun too.

Sure, if you'd like to put it together, that would be great! I could put it in the library for hosting and put it in the Community links area. Thanks for the great idea, Cres

You're very welcome to use anything of mine. A first-class idea indeed.

That's very kind of you. I'll try to work on a first issue this week. It's been very hot...makes me kind of sluggish...but I'll see if I can come up with anything that would make you proud. :)

I love the idea. I'm just wondering if it would scatter my time, or keep me from periodically checking "what's new" elsewhere. Already, surf time has become an issue for me. Has the new (and wonderful!) gallery stopped people from posting WIP's ? It seems to me that it hasa bit, and I rather miss that. Though, of course, much scrolled by without being seen. Regardless, I'd like to see an issue. I think having it done as free-stuff might draw a lot more eyes to the writer's forum/gallery. And, of course, help yourself to my limited offerings here. I'm anxious to see what you create ala pdf! (even though I can't open those files in my browser /-;)

Attached Link: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

You can get free Acrobat readers for opening up pdf files which can be viewed by PC or Mac users. It's not browser dependent (thankfully). I've not given up on the idea...I'm having some of my time chewed up (literally) by my new doggie Bella. She's what they call a "busy" dog. She certainly keeps me busy!! Can't tell you about the gallery. I think things naturally slow down during the summertime, but that could just be me (not Bella, however).

Ah, well, I have acrobat reader (old) - but it won't open up automatically in Netscape. I can save the link target, though, and open it here. We should introduce Bella to Murray - $225 to the vet a couple days ago, just to be told he is perfectly healthy for his age, a great bit spoiled, and has me manipulated, lol. But, when all else fails, he is there for me! Enjoy your new friend - I'll look forward to seeing a newsletter whenever you find the time. Time is limited here, too. (another funeral, and a few days away)... Have fun - (-:

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?ForumID=12357&Form.ShowMessage=1359599

There's a glitch in the system. The other problem is the file may be too large for anyone to comfortable download. We'll see if I ever get it up.

Comfortably.... I am so tired. Proof before post. Proof before post. Proof before post.

Attached Link: Write Around the Block - July, 2003

While I'm waiting for the Free Stuff to open for the Writers Community (see glitch message above), would anyone be courageous enough to download my newsletter? Not advised for slow modem connections...the file is large. I will try a different apprpoach if I create a second issue. Meanwhile, my great thanks to those who let me print their works in this newsletter. It was very kind of you.

I'm downloading it now. jon

Good luck...I had a terrible time with the cranky thing. ;)

All ready got it and took a quick look. God, I love DSL. I'm honored that I made the premier issue. :-) Too late to give it a proper read and feedback. Hope too soon. jon

Hey, I'm honored you allowed me to use your material. I kept it basic...had to start somewhere. Enjoy and thanks!

Terrific job of work, dialyn. Must have quite some time to process - and the painstaking care you've taken shows. You have my complete admiration and thanks.

I'm so glad you liked it. My thanks go to you and everyone who let me borrow their material. It was most gnerous of you. :)