Newsletter Templates

Kevin · #1 02-17-2003, 09:08 PM

Does anyone know of (or have) a good newsletter template? I'm designing our first Alumni newsletter. Trying to find a good 2-sided newsletter design. If anyone has any ideas or links I'd be interested.

DGMarie · #2 02-18-2003, 12:25 AM

A program you might seriously consider is MS Publisher. It has many formats to choose from, is relatively inexpensive ($50 I think) and is professional looking. If you want to put together something to wow students and alum as well, it is worth a look. I use it at work a lot.

Kevin · #3 02-18-2003, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by almostaDGonce
A program you might seriously consider is MS Publisher. It has many formats to choose from, is relatively inexpensive ($50 I think) and is professional looking. If you want to put together something to wow students and alum as well, it is worth a look. I use it at work a lot.

It's been suggested to me by other folks. One of our alums works at a company where he has access to a free print shop. I'll have access to a free printer whatever I choose.. Might as well get the nicest stuff I can.

Your suggestion is helpful. Thank you.

DGMarie · #4 02-18-2003, 12:09 PM

If you install it on your own computer, I believe it requries somewhere around 40 meg of free space (double check) but it is a memory-intensive program so keep that in mind. My only word of caution is to save often. I use MS Picture It! as well and sometimes it crashes.

I think you will enjoy it!

GPhiBLtColonel · #5 02-19-2003, 02:30 AM

...is Printmaster Platinum (not Gold) -- I have been doing alum chapter newsletters with it and LOVE it --I can import pictures very easily from CDs, diskettes, the web etc...thereare lots of great clip arts to use (though I just tend to stick with actual photos) and there are some great fonts --lots of variety. The thing I like most is that it is VERY user friendly -- you can squeeze letters together and lines in the paragraphs if you just have a small space. You can import excel address lists into the Printmaster address book and create labels with your crets or other clip art. There are notecards, staionery, and postcards you can also create with Printmaster Platinum...I have version 12 and I think version 15 is set to be released...my version 12 cost $32 last year. I HIGHLY recommend it! Our alum chapter here also does a one page -- both sides newsletter....

SilverTurtle · #6 02-19-2003, 08:02 PM

Since you know WHERE you will be printing at, make sure they have the capability of printing whatever files you are bringing them. Microsoft Publisher is more common than Printmaster (which I've never heard of until now), for example. You can buy the best software for what you're doing and then find that no one can print it for you. (Unless you have the ability to create PDF files).
Just a word of advice from someone who works @ a copy place.

AGDZO Susan · #7 02-25-2003, 01:00 PM

I love Publisher! I'm amazed how easy it is to use and how professional my newsletters look! People think I spend hours when I don't! Alot of times I'll write the articles in Word and then when I'm ready I just cut and paste them into a Publisher document to save even more time!

Kevin · #8 02-26-2003, 09:14 PM

I've got the layout finished. I've assigned different sections, set deadlines, etc. I have photoshop so I should be able to make it into a pdf, right?

We'll have it posted on our webpage and I'll put up a link when it's done.

Thanks ya'll!

DGMarie · #9 02-26-2003, 09:44 PM

You need Acrobat Writer (not just reader). Then when you are finished you print it and when the print menu opens, choose PDF writer. It will ask you what to save the file to (give it a name) and then will save it as a pdf file. I don't believe Photoshop has anything to do with it. Photoshop will save things as jpegs etc, but only acrobat will save as a pdf.

Sistermadly · #10 02-27-2003, 12:40 AM

If you're using a Macintosh, and you have Microsoft Office X, you can create PDF files straight from Microsoft Word.

There are also shareware programs you can use that are much cheaper than Adobe Acrobat for PDF creation. Try http://www.tucows.com and search for "PDF".

texas*princess · #11 03-29-2005, 11:33 PM

I think one of the things I think is really important in collegian/alumnae relations is communication.

What is the best way to achieve this? The chapter we're near doesn't really send out newsletters to the alums, so a lot of the times, we don't really know what's going on over there, or what areas we can help them with. Is an alum. newletter a good idea?

Also, what about the alum group sending a newsletter to the chapter, so that they know we're there for them and haven't disappeared? Or to let them know what we've been up to, and to get out contact info for seniors who will be graduating soon so we can try to keep them involved as alumna?

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Little E · #12 03-30-2005, 01:23 PM

I totally agree that the alumnae may need to make sure the actives know they you all are around.

The hard part about newsletters (or this could have just been my chapter) is the gathering of info and then the sending out. It is hard to address that many newsletters, unless of course you are high-tech and have them all entered into the computer.

Maybe utilizing websites most of the year with a paper update around founder's day..??

AlphaSigOU · #13 03-30-2005, 01:51 PM

Another thing worth looking into for mailing: as a fraternity or sorority, you may be able to claim non-profit organization status with the postal service and get a break on bulk mailing newsletters. Only drawback to this is that you must sort all mailings into bundles divided into zip code mailing areas.

AlphaSigOU · #14 03-30-2005, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sistermadly
If you're using a Macintosh, and you have Microsoft Office X, you can create PDF files straight from Microsoft Word.

There are also shareware programs you can use that are much cheaper than Adobe Acrobat for PDF creation. Try http://www.tucows.com and search for "PDF".

Recommend PDF995 (www.pdf995.com) It's free to use (if you don't mind an ad pop up on program startup) or you can get the ad-free version for about $20.00.

Little E · #15 03-30-2005, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AlphaSigOU
Another thing worth looking into for mailing: as a fraternity or sorority, you may be able to claim non-profit organization status with the postal service and get a break on bulk mailing newsletters. Only drawback to this is that you must sort all mailings into bundles divided into zip code mailing areas.

We looked into bulk mailing for another project and were told we would have to pay for a bulk permit. If the college/university would let you do it on theirs it might be an option. Perhaps work through the alumni relations office for some help.