Re: [epub] Re: Asking subscribers

["Dr.MANI Sivasubramanian, M.D." <sivaraj@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

From: "Dr.MANI Sivasubramanian, M.D." <sivaraj@giasmd01.vsnl.net.in>

Hi UKJ and others.

I had a recent experience with a survey of my ezine
subscribers, and so have to jump into the ring with my
two bits worth :)

David Carter wrote:
> > I had to smile at this:
> >  >>UKJ had written:  You know your own subscribers & the subject
>>matter. ASK THEM..Listen to
> > what they have to say, I did & it worked bigtime.<<

> > The only issue I've ever  published where I didn't get a single email in
> > response was when I did just that,

Well, I've had both experiences, and have something to add.  The
differences between the survey which netted close to zero replies,
and the latest one where almost 20% responded, were that this time:

- my survey was shorter (only 8 questions)
- 6 of them were YES/NO choices or rankings on a scale of 1 to 5
- all were relevant to my planned modifications
- I offered a "valuable" freebie (I think this was the most important factor)

> something somewhere, so I already have a 2-way conversation-type 
> relationship with them.

Yes, absolutely, this plays a tremendously important role in determining the
response rate.  Your ezine, if it communicates effectively with your
readership, will definitely elicit some kind of response from them when
you ask for help.  The same is true of discussion groups.  Another
personal example.  I post frequently to the LINKEXCHANGE DIGEST.
When I needed help with installing a CGI script, and asked the list,
I was flooded with helpful replies.  When you connect with readers,
they'll generally help you when you ask.

> *Send me your feedback on how to improve this ezine, but i might not
> take any notice*

Is that copyrighted ????  I'd like to include it in my zine too :)

> Style of writing or presentation is different for everyone I spose.
> I can only say what works for me.
> & as always am the 1st to admit that with mine you either love it or
> hate it.
> No room from grey there, & that suits me :)

Sounds pretty much like what Bob Serling says in his Reverse
Marketing ezine.  Your zine should concentrate on reaching
the most targeted prospects you are addressing.  There isn't
much use in attracting the tire-kickers who won't ever become
customers or loyal readers. 

Know whom you want as your readers.  Define what you want
your relationship with them to be.  Ask for feedback and
suggestions from them.  Chances are that many, if not most,
will respond with helpful ideas and comments.

> Back under my rock.

Hey, UKJ, that seems to be a mighty tiny rock.  You're
poking your head out from under quite often these days :)
Hope to see ya soon.

Comments, anyone ?
******************************

Dr.Mani Sivasubramanian, MD
Editor, THE HEART BEAT
http://www.drmani.com/ezine.shtml
mailto:editor@drmani.com

******************************

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