Newsletter – Vol. 1, No. 4

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OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS...

...are with everyone affected by the cowardly and despicable terrorist attacks against innocent U.S. citizens that took place on September 11, 2001. Our deepest condolences go to those who lost loved ones and friends during this horrible tragedy.

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THIS IS YOUR LAST ISSUE...

...of Bob Bly’s Direct Response Letter -- at least, your last issue you will receive on paper via “snail mail.” Starting next month, the Direct Response Letter will be distributed via e-mail only. And we can’t e-mail it to you unless we have your e-mail address. The easiest way to make sure you continue to receive this newsletter in the new electronic format is to go to www.bly.com and type in your e-mail address in the space provided. (The electronic version is free!)

 

What’s your opinion of this whole Internet thing? We’re following the trend of transforming our newsletter from print to electronic, as so many other publishers are doing. Are you in favor of it? Would you prefer to keep getting your Direct Response Letter as ink-on-paper in the mail? Drop us a line and let us know your thoughts, or fax 201-385-1138, or e-mail rwbly@bly.com.

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IDIOT ON THE LOOSE!

I’ve joined the roster of Idiot’s Guide authors with The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Direct Marketing, available in your local bookstore or on www.amazon.com. Agora Publishing President Bill Bonner, who wrote the foreword, says this book “surveys the vast world of direct marketing to tell us -- simply and directly -- what works. You will find much helpful, practical information in this book.”

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HOW TO WRITE E-COPY THAT SELLS

Want to get better response to your e-mail marketing campaigns, landing pages, Web sites, e-zines, and other Internet marketing efforts? Bob’s new book -- The Online Copywriter’s Handbook -- tells how to write e-copy that sells! The book is scheduled to be published by McGraw-Hill in March 2002. To be notified via e-mail when it’s available, go to www.bly.com and subscribe to the electronic version of the Direct Response Letter today.

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BUMPER STICKER WISDOM

People all over the country are sending me bumper sticker slogans for a writing project. Some recent arrivals: “It’s not how you pick your nose, it’s where you put the boogers.”  “I tried to contain myself, but I escaped.” “The more you complain, the longer God lets you live.” Send me your favorite bumper sticker slogan and your address, and I’ll send you a free bumper sticker -- “Everything I need to know I learned from bumper stickers.” Mail your slogan to: Bob Bly, 22 E. Quackenbush Avenue, Dumont, NJ 07628.

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BOB SPEAKS!

I will be leading a panel on “Improving Your E-Mail Marketing Results” on December 3 in Philadelphia at a meeting of the Newsletter & Electronic Publishers Association (NEPA). You’ll get proven tips for boosting e-mail response rates and the latest on what’s working in tests right now. For more information, call NEPA at 800-356-9302.

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E-BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

If you have a specific Web marketing requirement but can’t find a vendor to handle it, visit www.evendorsonline.com, Bob’s new Web site. Need help finding e-lists or e-mail distribution services? Want to add audio or rich media to your Web site? Visit www.evendorsonline.com today. You’ll find vendors who can tailor a customized solution or provide an off-the-shelf package to handle the job. Vendors: Evendorsonline.com can help you reach thousands of potential customers. Visit www.evendorsonline.com for a free listing today.

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NEW FREE STUFF FOR YOU ON WWW.BLY.COM

If you haven’t been to my Web site in a while, take a moment to browse www.bly.com now. It’s been significantly updated with lots of new goodies for you. The Portfolio page has a lot more examples of successful marketing promotions including many new categories. There are new how-to articles on the Articles page ... and some interesting interviews I did on various subjects -- from effective business writing to increasing your personal productivity -- on the About Bob page.

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RECENT COPYWRITING & CONSULTING PROJECTS (JUST A SAMPLING)

Direct mail package for Jane’s Defence Weekly magazine ... direct mail package for PIPEFLO engineering software ... e-mails for Megamooch and Target Direct Marketing ... consulting for The Wall Street Reporter ... Web sites for Starling Group and business coach Howard Lewinter ... health-product space ads for Cat Media in Australia ... e-mails and landing pages for Boardroom ... direct mail package for The Dan Ferris Power Report.

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60-SECOND COMMERCIAL FROM FERN DICKEY, OFFICE MANAGER:

Bob is available on a limited basis for copywriting of direct mail packages, sales letters, brochures, ads, e-mail marketing campaigns, PR materials, and Web pages. We recommend you call for a FREE copy of our updated Copywriting Information Kit. Just let us know your industry and the type of copy you’re interested in seeing (ads, mailings, etc.), and we’ll tailor a package of recent samples to fit your requirements. Call Fern Dickey at 201-797-8105 or e-mail dickeybf@aol.com.

 

Bob Bly
Copywriter, Consultant and Seminar Leader
22 East Quackenbush Avenue, 3rd Floor, Dumont, NJ 07628
Phone (201) 385-1220, Fax (201) 385-1138

email: rwbly@bly.com