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bravecompanynews · 2 months

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How to start a newsletter in 2024: tips, tricks and things to avoid - Information Important Internet - #GLOBAL https://www.merchant-business.com/how-to-start-a-newsletter-in-2024-tips-tricks-and-things-to-avoid/?feed_id=140157&_unique_id=669f0eab80209 Let’s face it: Reaching and engaging your audience has become more difficult than ever in the 2020s.Social media platforms like Instagram have betrayed us, putting their algorithm before our interests, which means that even the people who’ve chosen to follow us often don’t get served our content. Even Google, it seems, no longer indexes everything on the web, making it harder for potential clients and fans to discover your work that way too.In short, you can no longer rely solely on third-party platforms to showcase your work and build your personal brand. So, it’s more important than ever to build your own website and drive people to it. One of the most effective ways is to start your own newsletter.A well-crafted newsletter may sound like work (and it is!), but it does offer numerous benefits to creatives:Direct connection with your audience: Unlike social media posts that get lost in crowded feeds, newsletters land directly in your subscribers’ inboxes.Control over your message: You’re not at the mercy of platform algorithms, shadow bans or content restrictions.Building a loyal community: Regular communications help your audience feel deeply connected with you and your workTraffic to your website: Including links in your newsletter can boost visits to your portfolio, website or online store.Money-making potential: As your subscriber list grows, you may be able to offer paid subscriptions or sponsored content.So that’s the ‘why’. Let’s move on to the how. How can you set up a newsletter and make it successful in 2024?Google News Choose your platformThe first step in creating a newsletter is selecting the right platform. There are numerous options available, each with its own strengths and features. Some popular choices include:MailChimp: Known for its user-friendly interface and robust analytics, this is a great option for beginners and experienced marketers alike.ConvertKit: Specifically designed for creators, this platform offers advanced automation features and easy-to-use design tools.Substack: This is the ideal platform for writers and other creatives who write – especially if you’re looking to monetise your newsletter, as this platform offers a simple way to offer both free and paid subscriptions.Flodesk: Known for its beautiful templates and intuitive design features, Flodesk is popular among visual creatives.Yes, we know you’re full of excitement and want to get started as soon as possible. But rather than diving into the first thing you find, it’s worth taking some time to choose the right platform because, let’s face it, you’re going to be stuck with it for some time to come.So, carefully consider factors such as ease of use, design capabilities, analytics features and pricing. Also note that many platforms offer free plans for small subscriber lists, allowing you to start without a significant upfront investment.Google News Craft your content strategyOnce you’ve chosen your platform, it’s time to think about what you’ll actually include in your newsletter. And bear in mind what artist agent and creative producer Bianca Bramham says about email marketing in general. “My best advice is to approach it with the expectation that you probably won’t get a response.”That may sound harsh, but it is fair. Most of the time, even people genuinely interested in your newsletter probably won’t get around to opening it.Think about it: when we stare at our own inboxes each morning, there are so many urgent messages we have to deal with. It’s natural to kick the can down the road with things that are not urgent. And how many of us have stuffed newsletters into “To read” folders, only for them to be ultimately forgotten about?Once you start to think in these realistic terms, it’ll help hone your mind on how to make your newsletter as appealing as possible.

And that means providing real value to your subscribers while showcasing your unique voice and perspective.In short, as designer Berenice Howard-Smith explains: “You need to write for your audience, not yourself.” What might that look like? Marketing expert Nina Clere suggests you: “Give up-to-date, valuable info and offer a longer checklist or primer if they reply; no strings attached. Also, share things that show you’re human, with a life outside of business.”Shopify expert Elle adds: “Give more than you take! People won’t open and read your emails if you’re not offering them something worthwhile that they’ll benefit from. The easiest way to do this is by creating an email series you can commit to regularly sending.”And Ben Steers, co-founder of Fiasco Design, offers this note of caution. “Avoid the urge to sell,” he warns. “Focus on offering something of value to your audience without asking for anything in return.”Example of a great newsletter, via Fiasco DesignIf you’re stuck, here are some broad content ideas to help you get started:Behind-the-scenes looks at your creative processTutorials or tips related to your craftShowcases of new work or projectsIndustry news and trendsPersonal stories or reflections on your creative journeyCurated resources or inspirationExclusive offers or early access for subscribersAnd remember, consistency is key when it comes to newsletters. Career and job happiness coach Jenny Holliday found this out the hard way. “I used to post a Substack newsletter monthly, and that worked well,” she recalls. “I then went sporadically, and people engaged less. Now it’s weekly, and that shows in subscriptions. It also helps me stay focused and get my messages out there to potential new clients.”Google News Designing your newsletterMost email platforms offer customisable templates, so don’t be afraid to inject your own style. As a creative, it stands to reason that as your ‘shop window’, your newsletter should visually reflect your aesthetic and brand identity. Things to think about here include:Mobile responsiveness: Ensure your newsletter looks good on both desktop and mobile screens. And don’t assume that if it looks good on one, it’ll look good on all of them. Actually try it out on your own devices, those of friends and family, heck, even the ones in your nearest Apple Store.Consistent branding: If you haven’t already, devise your own brand colours, fonts and logo. This all helps with engagement on a subliminal level.Clear hierarchy: Don’t assume people will read everything from start to finish. They won’t: 99 per cent of people will scan. So, make it easy for them to find the information they’re looking for.Engaging visuals: Include high-quality images of your work or relevant graphics. It doesn’t matter how clever or engaging your words are; people like eye candy.White space: Just as you’d do in your normal work, don’t overcrowd your design; instead, give your content room to breathe.Google News Growing your subscriber listEven if you already have an established social media following, building a substantial email list takes a lot of time and effort. Here are some strategies to attract and retain subscribers.Offer a lead magnet: Create a valuable freebie, such as a downloadable guide, printable artwork or mini-course, in exchange for email sign-ups.Promote the newsletter on your website: Place sign-up forms prominently on your site, including the homepage and blog posts. This might sound obvious, but it’s surprising how few people actually do this!Leverage social media: Regularly remind your followers about your newsletter and its benefits. Don’t elevate this to the level of spam, but also, don’t hide your light under a bushel. Be confident speaking about your newsletter and its benefits; that confidence will come across to others.Collaborate with others: Partner with other creatives for cross-promotions or guest features. These situations are usually win-win for both of you, so make the most of the opportunity.

Optimise your sign-up process: Make it as easy as possible for people to subscribe. Again, this might sound obvious, but it often doesn’t happen in practice.That said, getting people to open and read your newsletter is only half the battle. To truly build a community, you need to encourage engagement. Comms expert Hannah Isted shares this advice.“My best tip for getting more replies as engagements is to give them something they actually want to reply to,” she explains. “I’ve asked people to vote on my book cover; reply a number 1-90 for a marketing prompt; send me your Instagram page for three ways to improve it. It helps to build a connection with your audience, start more personal conversations and gives you some great feedback to use, too. Sometimes, it needs to be more than just a question, which is actually giving them more work to do!”Common engagement strategies include:Asking questions or soliciting feedbackRunning contests or giveawaysEncouraging readers to share your newsletterResponding promptly to replies and feedbackGoogle News Launch strategyOnce you’re ready to start your newsletter, artist and curator Michelle I Gomez recommends you work to create some buzz around its launch. “When you are new in business and about to start a new newsletter, actually ‘launch it’!” she urges. “Think about a marketing strategy to create anticipation for the newsletter before it actually drops. Then, when you launch it, keep promoting it regularly.”As part of this strategy, you might consider:Teasing content on social mediaOffering an exclusive launch bonus for early subscribersCollaborating with influencers or peers to spread the wordCreating a landing page that highlights the benefits of your newsletterThen, once your newsletter is up and running, it’s important to maintain momentum. “A tip that’s saved my bacon over the past few months is setting up a multi-campaign welcome series,” says Aime at Studio Cotton. “I haven’t been able to prioritise email marketing for a few months, but knowing that new subscribers are getting a few weeks of emails gives me breathing space whilst keeping the audience more engaged.”This approach to creating evergreen content can help you maintain consistency even during busy periods.Google News Finding your voiceUltimately, the key to newsletter success is finding your unique voice. As a creative professional, your unique perspective is one of your greatest assets. So, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your newsletter. In fact, that’s ultimately the only reason people will wish to subscribe to it.As creative entrepreneur Reesarecommends: “Being honest and less ‘professional’. I write my emails in the same tone I write my social media posts. Which is the same tone I use for my product descriptions, etc. And the best part is, it’s just my personality, so it comes easy! And I think people can tell when you are being authentic.”Google News ConclusionStarting a newsletter in 2024 is more than just a marketing tactic; it’s an investment in building a direct, meaningful connection with your audience. As search engines and social media platforms become less reliable for discovery, your newsletter will become an increasingly valuable asset.By following these tips and staying true to your unique voice, you can create a newsletter that not only survives but thrives in the ever-changing digital landscape of 2024 and beyond. So take that first step, choose your platform, and start connecting with your audience in a more direct and meaningful way. Your future self and your creative business will thank you.“Build a loyal audience and showcase your work effectively with these essential tips for starting a newsletter in 2024. Let’s face it: Reaching and engaging your audience has become more…”Source Link: https://www.creativeboom.com/tips/starting-a-newsletter-in-2024-tips-tricks-and-things-to-avoid/ http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/51032609768_4962ed623b_o.jpg

BLOGGER - #GLOBAL

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boldcompanynews · 2 months

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How to start a newsletter in 2024: tips, tricks and things to avoid - Information Important Internet - BLOGGER https://www.merchant-business.com/how-to-start-a-newsletter-in-2024-tips-tricks-and-things-to-avoid/?feed_id=140156&_unique_id=669f0ea80ad6f Let’s face it: Reaching and engaging your audience has become more difficult than ever in the 2020s.Social media platforms like Instagram have betrayed us, putting their algorithm before our interests, which means that even the people who’ve chosen to follow us often don’t get served our content. Even Google, it seems, no longer indexes everything on the web, making it harder for potential clients and fans to discover your work that way too.In short, you can no longer rely solely on third-party platforms to showcase your work and build your personal brand. So, it’s more important than ever to build your own website and drive people to it. One of the most effective ways is to start your own newsletter.A well-crafted newsletter may sound like work (and it is!), but it does offer numerous benefits to creatives:Direct connection with your audience: Unlike social media posts that get lost in crowded feeds, newsletters land directly in your subscribers’ inboxes.Control over your message: You’re not at the mercy of platform algorithms, shadow bans or content restrictions.Building a loyal community: Regular communications help your audience feel deeply connected with you and your workTraffic to your website: Including links in your newsletter can boost visits to your portfolio, website or online store.Money-making potential: As your subscriber list grows, you may be able to offer paid subscriptions or sponsored content.So that’s the ‘why’. Let’s move on to the how. How can you set up a newsletter and make it successful in 2024?Google News Choose your platformThe first step in creating a newsletter is selecting the right platform. There are numerous options available, each with its own strengths and features. Some popular choices include:MailChimp: Known for its user-friendly interface and robust analytics, this is a great option for beginners and experienced marketers alike.ConvertKit: Specifically designed for creators, this platform offers advanced automation features and easy-to-use design tools.Substack: This is the ideal platform for writers and other creatives who write – especially if you’re looking to monetise your newsletter, as this platform offers a simple way to offer both free and paid subscriptions.Flodesk: Known for its beautiful templates and intuitive design features, Flodesk is popular among visual creatives.Yes, we know you’re full of excitement and want to get started as soon as possible. But rather than diving into the first thing you find, it’s worth taking some time to choose the right platform because, let’s face it, you’re going to be stuck with it for some time to come.So, carefully consider factors such as ease of use, design capabilities, analytics features and pricing. Also note that many platforms offer free plans for small subscriber lists, allowing you to start without a significant upfront investment.Google News Craft your content strategyOnce you’ve chosen your platform, it’s time to think about what you’ll actually include in your newsletter. And bear in mind what artist agent and creative producer Bianca Bramham says about email marketing in general. “My best advice is to approach it with the expectation that you probably won’t get a response.”That may sound harsh, but it is fair. Most of the time, even people genuinely interested in your newsletter probably won’t get around to opening it.Think about it: when we stare at our own inboxes each morning, there are so many urgent messages we have to deal with. It’s natural to kick the can down the road with things that are not urgent. And how many of us have stuffed newsletters into “To read” folders, only for them to be ultimately forgotten about?Once you start to think in these realistic terms, it’ll help hone your mind on how to make your newsletter as appealing as possible.

#GLOBAL - BLOGGER Let’s face it: Reaching and engagin... BLOGGER - #GLOBAL

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technologycompanynews · 2 months

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How to start a newsletter in 2024: tips, tricks and things to avoid - Information Important Internet - BLOGGER https://www.merchant-business.com/how-to-start-a-newsletter-in-2024-tips-tricks-and-things-to-avoid/?feed_id=140155&_unique_id=669f0ea67a5d9 Let’s face it: Reaching and engaging your audience has become more difficult than ever in the 2020s.Social media platforms like Instagram have betrayed us, putting their algorithm before our interests, which means that even the people who’ve chosen to follow us often don’t get served our content. Even Google, it seems, no longer indexes everything on the web, making it harder for potential clients and fans to discover your work that way too.In short, you can no longer rely solely on third-party platforms to showcase your work and build your personal brand. So, it’s more important than ever to build your own website and drive people to it. One of the most effective ways is to start your own newsletter.A well-crafted newsletter may sound like work (and it is!), but it does offer numerous benefits to creatives:Direct connection with your audience: Unlike social media posts that get lost in crowded feeds, newsletters land directly in your subscribers’ inboxes.Control over your message: You’re not at the mercy of platform algorithms, shadow bans or content restrictions.Building a loyal community: Regular communications help your audience feel deeply connected with you and your workTraffic to your website: Including links in your newsletter can boost visits to your portfolio, website or online store.Money-making potential: As your subscriber list grows, you may be able to offer paid subscriptions or sponsored content.So that’s the ‘why’. Let’s move on to the how. How can you set up a newsletter and make it successful in 2024?Google News Choose your platformThe first step in creating a newsletter is selecting the right platform. There are numerous options available, each with its own strengths and features. Some popular choices include:MailChimp: Known for its user-friendly interface and robust analytics, this is a great option for beginners and experienced marketers alike.ConvertKit: Specifically designed for creators, this platform offers advanced automation features and easy-to-use design tools.Substack: This is the ideal platform for writers and other creatives who write – especially if you’re looking to monetise your newsletter, as this platform offers a simple way to offer both free and paid subscriptions.Flodesk: Known for its beautiful templates and intuitive design features, Flodesk is popular among visual creatives.Yes, we know you’re full of excitement and want to get started as soon as possible. But rather than diving into the first thing you find, it’s worth taking some time to choose the right platform because, let’s face it, you’re going to be stuck with it for some time to come.So, carefully consider factors such as ease of use, design capabilities, analytics features and pricing. Also note that many platforms offer free plans for small subscriber lists, allowing you to start without a significant upfront investment.Google News Craft your content strategyOnce you’ve chosen your platform, it’s time to think about what you’ll actually include in your newsletter. And bear in mind what artist agent and creative producer Bianca Bramham says about email marketing in general. “My best advice is to approach it with the expectation that you probably won’t get a response.”That may sound harsh, but it is fair. Most of the time, even people genuinely interested in your newsletter probably won’t get around to opening it.Think about it: when we stare at our own inboxes each morning, there are so many urgent messages we have to deal with. It’s natural to kick the can down the road with things that are not urgent. And how many of us have stuffed newsletters into “To read” folders, only for them to be ultimately forgotten about?Once you start to think in these realistic terms, it’ll help hone your mind on how to make your newsletter as appealing as possible.

BLOGGER - #GLOBAL Let’s face it: Reaching and engaging your audience has become more difficult than ever in the 2020s. Social media platforms like Instagram have betrayed us, putting their algorithm before our interests, which means that even the people who’ve chosen to follow us often don’t get served our content. Even Google, it seems, no longer indexes … Read More

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onlinecompanynews · 2 months

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How to start a newsletter in 2024: tips, tricks and things to avoid - Information Important Internet https://www.merchant-business.com/how-to-start-a-newsletter-in-2024-tips-tricks-and-things-to-avoid/?feed_id=140154&_unique_id=669f0d8911c0f Let’s face it: Reaching and engagin... BLOGGER - #GLOBAL Let’s face it: Reaching and engaging your audience has become more difficult than ever in the 2020s.Social media platforms like Instagram have betrayed us, putting their algorithm before our interests, which means that even the people who’ve chosen to follow us often don’t get served our content. Even Google, it seems, no longer indexes everything on the web, making it harder for potential clients and fans to discover your work that way too.In short, you can no longer rely solely on third-party platforms to showcase your work and build your personal brand. So, it’s more important than ever to build your own website and drive people to it. One of the most effective ways is to start your own newsletter.A well-crafted newsletter may sound like work (and it is!), but it does offer numerous benefits to creatives:Direct connection with your audience: Unlike social media posts that get lost in crowded feeds, newsletters land directly in your subscribers’ inboxes.Control over your message: You’re not at the mercy of platform algorithms, shadow bans or content restrictions.Building a loyal community: Regular communications help your audience feel deeply connected with you and your workTraffic to your website: Including links in your newsletter can boost visits to your portfolio, website or online store.Money-making potential: As your subscriber list grows, you may be able to offer paid subscriptions or sponsored content.So that’s the ‘why’. Let’s move on to the how. How can you set up a newsletter and make it successful in 2024?Google News Choose your platformThe first step in creating a newsletter is selecting the right platform. There are numerous options available, each with its own strengths and features. Some popular choices include:MailChimp: Known for its user-friendly interface and robust analytics, this is a great option for beginners and experienced marketers alike.ConvertKit: Specifically designed for creators, this platform offers advanced automation features and easy-to-use design tools.Substack: This is the ideal platform for writers and other creatives who write – especially if you’re looking to monetise your newsletter, as this platform offers a simple way to offer both free and paid subscriptions.Flodesk: Known for its beautiful templates and intuitive design features, Flodesk is popular among visual creatives.Yes, we know you’re full of excitement and want to get started as soon as possible. But rather than diving into the first thing you find, it’s worth taking some time to choose the right platform because, let’s face it, you’re going to be stuck with it for some time to come.So, carefully consider factors such as ease of use, design capabilities, analytics features and pricing. Also note that many platforms offer free plans for small subscriber lists, allowing you to start without a significant upfront investment.Google News Craft your content strategyOnce you’ve chosen your platform, it’s time to think about what you’ll actually include in your newsletter. And bear in mind what artist agent and creative producer Bianca Bramham says about email marketing in general. “My best advice is to approach it with the expectation that you probably won’t get a response.”That may sound harsh, but it is fair. Most of the time, even people genuinely interested in your newsletter probably won’t get around to opening it.Think about it: when we stare at our own inboxes each morning, there are so many urgent messages we have to deal with. It’s natural to kick the can down the road with things that are not urgent. And how many of us have stuffed newsletters into “To read” folders, only for them to be ultimately forgotten about?Once you start

to think in these realistic terms, it’ll help hone your mind on how to make your newsletter as appealing as possible. And that means providing real value to your subscribers while showcasing your unique voice and perspective.In short, as designer Berenice Howard-Smith explains: “You need to write for your audience, not yourself.” What might that look like? Marketing expert Nina Clere suggests you: “Give up-to-date, valuable info and offer a longer checklist or primer if they reply; no strings attached. Also, share things that show you’re human, with a life outside of business.”Shopify expert Elle adds: “Give more than you take! People won’t open and read your emails if you’re not offering them something worthwhile that they’ll benefit from. The easiest way to do this is by creating an email series you can commit to regularly sending.”And Ben Steers, co-founder of Fiasco Design, offers this note of caution. “Avoid the urge to sell,” he warns. “Focus on offering something of value to your audience without asking for anything in return.”Example of a great newsletter, via Fiasco DesignIf you’re stuck, here are some broad content ideas to help you get started:Behind-the-scenes looks at your creative processTutorials or tips related to your craftShowcases of new work or projectsIndustry news and trendsPersonal stories or reflections on your creative journeyCurated resources or inspirationExclusive offers or early access for subscribersAnd remember, consistency is key when it comes to newsletters. Career and job happiness coach Jenny Holliday found this out the hard way. “I used to post a Substack newsletter monthly, and that worked well,” she recalls. “I then went sporadically, and people engaged less. Now it’s weekly, and that shows in subscriptions. It also helps me stay focused and get my messages out there to potential new clients.”Google News Designing your newsletterMost email platforms offer customisable templates, so don’t be afraid to inject your own style. As a creative, it stands to reason that as your ‘shop window’, your newsletter should visually reflect your aesthetic and brand identity. Things to think about here include:Mobile responsiveness: Ensure your newsletter looks good on both desktop and mobile screens. And don’t assume that if it looks good on one, it’ll look good on all of them. Actually try it out on your own devices, those of friends and family, heck, even the ones in your nearest Apple Store.Consistent branding: If you haven’t already, devise your own brand colours, fonts and logo. This all helps with engagement on a subliminal level.Clear hierarchy: Don’t assume people will read everything from start to finish. They won’t: 99 per cent of people will scan. So, make it easy for them to find the information they’re looking for.Engaging visuals: Include high-quality images of your work or relevant graphics. It doesn’t matter how clever or engaging your words are; people like eye candy.White space: Just as you’d do in your normal work, don’t overcrowd your design; instead, give your content room to breathe.Google News Growing your subscriber listEven if you already have an established social media following, building a substantial email list takes a lot of time and effort. Here are some strategies to attract and retain subscribers.Offer a lead magnet: Create a valuable freebie, such as a downloadable guide, printable artwork or mini-course, in exchange for email sign-ups.Promote the newsletter on your website: Place sign-up forms prominently on your site, including the homepage and blog posts. This might sound obvious, but it’s surprising how few people actually do this!Leverage social media: Regularly remind your followers about your newsletter and its benefits. Don’t elevate this to the level of spam, but also, don’t hide your light under a bushel. Be confident speaking about your newsletter and its benefits; that confidence will come across to others.Collaborate with others: Partner with other creatives for cross-promotions or guest features.

These situations are usually win-win for both of you, so make the most of the opportunity.Optimise your sign-up process: Make it as easy as possible for people to subscribe. Again, this might sound obvious, but it often doesn’t happen in practice.That said, getting people to open and read your newsletter is only half the battle. To truly build a community, you need to encourage engagement. Comms expert Hannah Isted shares this advice.“My best tip for getting more replies as engagements is to give them something they actually want to reply to,” she explains. “I’ve asked people to vote on my book cover; reply a number 1-90 for a marketing prompt; send me your Instagram page for three ways to improve it. It helps to build a connection with your audience, start more personal conversations and gives you some great feedback to use, too. Sometimes, it needs to be more than just a question, which is actually giving them more work to do!”Common engagement strategies include:Asking questions or soliciting feedbackRunning contests or giveawaysEncouraging readers to share your newsletterResponding promptly to replies and feedbackGoogle News Launch strategyOnce you’re ready to start your newsletter, artist and curator Michelle I Gomez recommends you work to create some buzz around its launch. “When you are new in business and about to start a new newsletter, actually ‘launch it’!” she urges. “Think about a marketing strategy to create anticipation for the newsletter before it actually drops. Then, when you launch it, keep promoting it regularly.”As part of this strategy, you might consider:Teasing content on social mediaOffering an exclusive launch bonus for early subscribersCollaborating with influencers or peers to spread the wordCreating a landing page that highlights the benefits of your newsletterThen, once your newsletter is up and running, it’s important to maintain momentum. “A tip that’s saved my bacon over the past few months is setting up a multi-campaign welcome series,” says Aime at Studio Cotton. “I haven’t been able to prioritise email marketing for a few months, but knowing that new subscribers are getting a few weeks of emails gives me breathing space whilst keeping the audience more engaged.”This approach to creating evergreen content can help you maintain consistency even during busy periods.Google News Finding your voiceUltimately, the key to newsletter success is finding your unique voice. As a creative professional, your unique perspective is one of your greatest assets. So, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your newsletter. In fact, that’s ultimately the only reason people will wish to subscribe to it.As creative entrepreneur Reesarecommends: “Being honest and less ‘professional’. I write my emails in the same tone I write my social media posts. Which is the same tone I use for my product descriptions, etc. And the best part is, it’s just my personality, so it comes easy! And I think people can tell when you are being authentic.”Google News ConclusionStarting a newsletter in 2024 is more than just a marketing tactic; it’s an investment in building a direct, meaningful connection with your audience. As search engines and social media platforms become less reliable for discovery, your newsletter will become an increasingly valuable asset.By following these tips and staying true to your unique voice, you can create a newsletter that not only survives but thrives in the ever-changing digital landscape of 2024 and beyond. So take that first step, choose your platform, and start connecting with your audience in a more direct and meaningful way. Your future self and your creative business will thank you.“Build a loyal audience and showcase your work effectively with these essential tips for starting a newsletter in 2024. Let’s face it: Reaching and engaging your audience has become more…”Source Link: https://www.creativeboom.com/tips/starting-a-newsletter-in-2024-tips-tricks-and-things-to-avoid/ http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/51032609768_4962ed623b_o.jpg

#GLOBAL - BLOGGER Let’s face it: Reaching and engaging your audience has become more difficult than ever in the 2020s. Social media platforms like Instagram have betrayed us, putting their algorithm before our interests, which means that even the people who’ve chosen to follow us often don’t get served our content. Even Google, it seems, no longer indexes … Read More

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emmypess-sims · 11 months

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Bianca hadn't been inspired to paint anything in months. She had an entire room to herself dedicated to being a studio. She had more supplies than a Michael's craftstore. Her parents even paid for her all of her drawing tablet subscriptions. She found zero joy in the one hobby that let her escape the most and she had no idea how to fish herself back out of these low depths.

Waking up early didn't help. Taking new vitamins, talking to a therapist, even finding new hobbies felt all like chores on a list of things to do that she didn't ever want to do. Deep down, she felt completely unfulfilled. She was thirty-two and felt like a shell of who she used to be. There was no reason for her to feel this way, or at least, she thought this to be true.

A soft knock to the studio wiped her out of her trance. "Dear, it's me, your mother..."

Damn it. Bianca already knew where this was going to go.

#thesims4 #sims #story #the monty family

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siiinfilled · 2 years

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“ i can make your heart beat faster than a haunted house. “ from the Halloween meme for any queer girl interested in Wednesday from @wednesdaysdance

“Not with fear,” was her deadpan response. “You’re as scary as a raven on my shoulder.” Scarlet wasn’t afraid of anything or anyone: that was a side effect of being the daughter of the devil. She’d seen demons of all shapes and sizes, but despite her infernal connections, her dad found it fit to send her to Nevermore Academy to receive a proper ‘human’ education.

Although she expected to be the prime outcast in the school, it all changed when Wednesday arrived. Two outcasts lumped in one room could be a recipe for disaster…until she realized they liked the same things, down to using typewriters to encode their thoughts ( in her case, finish her novel ). Their use of deadpan sarcasm to deflect anything and everything, including insults from the so-called queen bee, Bianca.

She rolled onto her side and flipped through the next page of one of her favorite subscriptions, Serial Killer Quarterly, while making sure that she didn’t end up knocking Thing to the floor. “So how’s the investigation coming along? Still think you’ll be the one to destroy the entire school?”

#scarlet morningstar ( meme reply )#wednesdaysdance #( oh she jumped up so fast to reply to this one!! )

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dereksmcgrath · 2 years

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On today’s stream: Why talk about the importance of leftwing politics and activism, and anti-bigotry education, in a manga livestream? Plus, a live-reaction to Chapter 104 of Bungo Stray Dogs!

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Video Description

On today’s stream: Why talk about the importance of leftwing politics and activism, and anti-bigotry education, in a manga livestream? Plus, a live-reaction to Chapter 104 of Bungo Stray Dogs!

Read “Bungo Stray Dogs” Chapter 104: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BL1SX89B

Read “Ginka and Gluna”: https://www.viz.com/shonenjump/chapters/ginka-and-gluna

A transcript and links to content discussed are available at http://www.dereksmcgrath.wordpress.com.

Support this livestream at http://ko-fi.com/dereksmcgrath (and get access to my Discord, too!)

Donate to the University of California Academic Workers Strike Support and Hardship Fund: https://givebutter.com/uc-uaw

Donate to Raphael Warnock: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/warnock-for-georgia-1

Save 40 percent on “Lessons Drawn” or other McFarland Books with promo code Holiday22 at https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/lessons-drawn/

Promotions:

Check out GoldenSunDeer’s “Mega Man 11” artwork: https://twitter.com/GoldenSunDeer

Support Jeff Harris: http://paypal.me/nemalki https://bio.link/nemalki

Professional Left Podcast: https://professionalleft.blogspot.com/

Black Comics Chat: https://www.twitch.tv/blackcomicschat

Check out “Sudden Death, Sudden Life”: https://www.patreon.com/painapplestudio

Irregulars Productions “Soul Eater” content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbepqcHtthJnp2uTriH8wIw

Join more ethical social media platforms

Music:

“Los Angeles” by Muzaproduction: https://pixabay.com/music/motown-old-school-rnb-los-angeles-20922/

“Sunshine” by lemonmusicstudio: https://pixabay.com/users/lemonmusicstudio-14942887 https://open.spotify.com/artist/4XWZhZ32YrVV5lvpF7cr1E?si=tnbSklR7SJyPNKiHP4MbHA

Intro

Let’s get started. Today is November 27, 2022. This is Sunday Morning Manga. I am Derek S. McGrath, my pronouns are he/him/his. I’m here every Sunday, 11 AM Eastern on Twitch and YouTube. You can read my writing on Tumblr and WordPress, @dereksmcgrath, and email me at [email protected].

If you like what you’re hearing, consider a monetary contribution. A lot of spending has been happening nationwide, from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. And putting together this stream takes a bit of work, and your tips help pay down costs for setup and subscriptions. You can tip me Ko-Fi, ko-fi.com/dereksmcgrath. Thank you for your consideration.

The views and opinions expressed on this livestream are those of the speaker–me–and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent or any other person mentioned.

Content Warnings

Content warning for today’s discussion, regarding mentions of death, suicide, bigotry in various forms, and recent news.

Today’s Live Reaction: Bungo Stray Dogs

As with every Sunday, there is a live-reaction to a new manga chapter–although, for Thanksgiving weekend, it’ll be something not released today but quite awhile ago. This time we’re looking at Chapter 104 of Bungo Stray Dogs!

(I had said it would be Chapter 103.5, but looks like I missed that Chapter 104 was already out on Amazon.)

The series is written by Kafka Asagiri and illustrated by Sango Harukawa (among numerous other illustrators), with translation by Kevin Gifford and lettering by Bianca Pistillo. Bungo Stray Dogs is distributed in English in the United States by Yen Press, available as an ebook at multiple vendors–a full list is at https://yenpress.com/9781975364144/bungo-stray-dogs-chapter-104.

Accessibility and Links (and Mask Up!)

Links to this chapter and other content from today’s stream are available on my web site, dereksmcgrath.wordpress.com. There’s also a script for today’s stream and all images for greater accessibility.

(And as annoyed as you are hearing it, I’m just as annoyed seeing it: we’re not out of this pandemic, people, please mask up when going out or indoors.)

Donations

And I’ll return to this later in the livestream, but please consider donations at this time of year to political and social causes. Any amount of bigoted nonsense is too much, but I am sick of it: after a shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado, that Republican senatorial candidate in Georgia releases an anti-trans ad. The Republican Party is full of bigots and does not deserve one vote at all. Donate to the incumbent Democrat Raphael Warnock in his Senate runoff race in Georgia at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/warnock-for-georgia-1.

Also, donate to the National Network of Abortion Funds at https://abortionfunds.org, and the University of California Academic Workers Strike Fund at https://givebutter.com/uc-uaw. Speaking of which, some news on that strike: on Tuesday, the State of California filed numerous unfair labor practice complaints against UC in its negotiations with the Academic Workers Union–so, I hope that means this strike will be on labor’s side.

Why Talk News in a Manga Livestream?

And sticking to this topic, of leftwing activism and education, I want to touch upon something with regard to why I bring these topics up in a livestream otherwise focused on manga.

I have my lazy answers: this is my livestream, so I’ll do what I want–and these are important topics that deserve attention and work, and this is the least I can do to at least mention these problems, point to solutions, and I hope encourage you to take additional effort and vote accordingly.

But there is a more complicated reason why I bring up these topics: they are already in the works covered.

What MHA Says about America

The cliche saying is that any work of art is political, that living is a political act. There is a post I have struggled to outline, regarding politics in manga, in particular, what My Hero Academia has to say about the United States. And it’s a lot more than I can stomach right now, not only due to the serious issues to address with a certain amount of solemnity but more importantly accuracy and honesty, but also because, good God, did you see My Hero Academia’s new chapter this morning?

Spoiler Warning Starts Here

What a freaking mess of bad writing.

And no, I don’t mean the mutant arc (which, while very flawed and needs a re-write to avoid so many unfortunate implications that seem to demonize marginalized people and that treat such marginalized people as easily duped).

No, what I mean is “All For One hid a chip inside Nana Shimura’s hand before Spinner picked it up and that was what turned on Kurogiri’s programming.” This is bad writing. No, you can’t write that away as All For One being smart: the manga has shown too many times, no, he is not smart, he is just lucky and without restraints. No, you can’t write that away as some future tech that Skeptic made: that’s too easy and could be stated outright, chapters earlier than this. This is not the slow build up to what the League of Villains was going to do with the Eri bullets. This is not the slow reveal as to who All For One and Shigaraki and Dabi really are.

What MHA Says about the News and America, Continued

So, what is the other reason that delays me from finishing a post about MHA and what it says about the United States? The other reason is that there is so much. MHA speaks to marginalized, not just racially and by appearance (as with the new mutant arc) but also in terms of disability and economic class (this is more apparent in the spinoff series Vigilantes, in which being too big in size is not only a matter of lacking accessible housing and transportation but a refusal by communities to allow such people to live there, seeing such larger housing as NIMBYs). There are cases of what the on-air broadcaster Daikaku Miyagi goes through, as shown in this slide, where he had to slice off part of his own body, his horn, to not block something as simple as a TV monitor. Or Izuku bullied for lacking a Quirk. Or mutants getting assassination attempts for their appearance and abilities. Or the United States refusing intervention–but seeking to manipulate events to their advantage. Or how, while I was reading the earlier war arc and thinking, “How could the government not anticipate the Villains being this awful in their attack?” we had a freaking rightwing insurrection take place at the US Capitol.

It is naive to look at any work of popular culture and not see the influence of its time period on that work–whether the political circumstances for the creator at the time they produced their work, or the experiences you the reader are having right now, in your time, even in another culture and another nation. That doesn’t mean we should ignore how, in my case, my perspective as someone in the United States is reading a Japanese text in a much different national context, but it is important to acknowledge that perspective I have when it comes to what I can do with this text to speak to matters in my place and in my time.

(I just wish the manga was better written. Again, microchip in Nana Shimura’s hand. Good God–it’s the “a Bat-Credit Card” reaction for me…minus the shittiness of Channel Awesome and its toxic legacy.)

Today’s Live Reaction: Bungo Stray Dogs

And moving onto discussions that still bring the political in the manga, and vice versa, onto today’s live-reaction.

As with every Sunday, there is a live-reaction to a new manga chapter released this morning, this time looking at Chapter 104 of Bungo Stray Dogs.

The Concept

What is Bungo Stray Dogs? It’s a mix of Japanese and English in that title. “Bungo” pretty much means “literary,” so it’s a tale about some outcasts in society who all happen to have ties to major works of literature, those in Japan as well as in North America and Europe.

Basically, imagine if the world’s most famous authors all had superpowers that had something to do with the plots or titles of their most famous works. That’s pretty much this series.

The Story

But that’s just the concept. What is the story?

Atsushi Nakajima is an orphan. Upon turning 18 he is kicked out of the orphanage, homeless. But what he doesn’t understand is that he has a power: this power is called Beast Beneath Moonlight, which turns him into a mindless tiger. It is only by the intervention of a group of superpowered investigators, known as the Armed Detective Agency, that Atsushi controls his ability and gets to work helping protect others from those who would abuse these kind of gifted abilities.

Atsushi is aided–and hampered–by Osamu Dazai, whose ability called No Longer Humans lets him negate the powers of others, and Agency president Yukichi Fukuzawa, whose ability All Men Are Created Equal lets him help manage the abilities of those in his employment–such as controlling Atsushi’s beastial power.

Along the way Atsushi is opposed by the Port Mafia, including Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, a former student of Dazai who is not too happy to see Atsushi as the new teacher’s pet.

Where We Are Right Now

Where are we in the manga so far? Bungo Stray Dogs has already had more than 100 chapters, as well as three seasons of an anime (a fourth season coming soon), some audio dramas, stage plays, and novels. (That’s not getting into stories that take place in alternate dimensions, but this isn’t Spider-Verse, so we’ll skip that for now.)

But where are we in the story right now? Well, we can’t talk about that without getting spoilers, so if you haven’t watched up to the end of Season 3 of the anime and don’t want to be spoiled about the unreleased fourth season (and maybe even an unannounced fifth season?), skip the rest of this stream, I’ll see you next Sunday.

Okay, still there? Let’s go.

In this current arc of the manga, Atsushi and his colleagues have been wrongfully accused of assassinating government officials. The Japanese government sends its elite military superhuman force, the Hunting Dogs, to bring in the agency members. But as Atsushi and the others learn, it is actually the leader of the Hunting Dogs, Ochi Fukuchi, who framed the Agency.

This is where we get to the politics in the manga. And a lot of spoilers into Seasons 4 and potentially 5 of the anime.

Fukuchi is a war veteran. He is aghast at what atrocities he has been asked to commit for his government. And his decision to stop all war means to destroy the very thing that he thinks causes wars–national boundaries. We can debate that point, philosophically but I don’t think practically right now–but, really, Fukuchi is not an anarchist, he is a fascist, because he sees himself as leading this new world.

Oh, and Fukuchi is using vampires to do it.

Vampires.

You may think that sounds really silly. And I have read fans complaining about that twist. But, really, go read the manga, it fits, and it’s no more bizarre than anything else. It may come across as a “jump the shark” moment–but that ignores that the phrase “jump the shark” means “this is the best the story will ever get and can’t top itself,” whereas this seems more like, “this is amazingly weird and awesome, and I hope the story can pull off something even more amazing later.”

What Happened in Chapters 102 and 103?

Before we jump into Chapter 104, let’s talk about what happened in the previous four chapters–Chapters 102, 102.5, 103, and 103.5.

In Chapter 102, Aya, a girl who has been involved before with Atsushi’s group, is trying to escape Fukuchi, because she discovered what is controlling Fukuchi’s vampires: none other than Bram Stoker himself, who is reduced to a bisected torso and head. And Fukuchi sends Akutagawa, now possessed as a vampire, to retrieve Stoker.

Meanwhile, Atsushi is held captive by the Hunting Dogs, and he’s desperately trying to convince them that Fukuchi is the bad guy–but one Hunting Dog, Teruko Okura, already knows that–and explains that she has given up trying to oppose Fukuchi.

Elsewhere, Fukuchi has kidnapped Atsushi’s allies Kunikida, Tanizaki, and Ranpo in order to lure his real target: his childhood friend and Atsushi’s boss, Fukuzawa. Now we see Fukuzawa and Fukuchi in a sword duel, with a flashback to their childhood first meeting.

Live-Reaction: Bungo Stray Dogs Chapter 104

And that’s where we pick up. So let’s get started with Page 1 of Chapter 104 of Bungo Stray Dogs! Read along at https://yenpress.com/9781975364144/bungo-stray-dogs-chapter-104–link is in the video description and on screen.

[Transcript of the live-reaction to be included later]

Contact Info and Credits

I’ll wrap up there. Thanks for listening to this week’s stream of Sunday Morning Manga! What did you think of the new chapter of Bungo Stray Dogs? Please share your remarks in the comments section or send me an email: [email protected].

Music today included the tracks titled “Los Angeles” by Muzaproduction and “Sunshine” by lemonmusicstudio. These songs are royalty free and available at Pixabay–links are in the video description.

And if you did like what you heard, let me know! Contributions at ko-fi-com/dereksmcgrath are appreciated: please include a note to let me know what you liked in the livestream and what you would like to hear more of.

And if you thought anything in today’s livestream would suit your web site needs–such as news, commentary, or analysis of comics, anime, or larger pop culture, please reach out to me via email, [email protected], and I can adapt remarks from today’s livestream into an article for your site! Additional job leads in writing, commentary, and online broadcasting are welcome: please email them to [email protected].

If you have a request of something for me to talk about in the Sunday livestream, drop me a contribution in the Ko-fi tip jar–$1 minimum–and if it’s something I’m comfortable covering here and is pretty much the same kind of content warnings as anything else I cover here, I’ll consider it or talk with you until we find something I’m up for talking about.

Other People’s Awesome Stuff

And if you like what you heard–or didn’t like what you heard–check out other people’s awesome stuff! There’s the Pro Left Podcast, Black Comics Chat on Twitch, there is the writing of Jeff Harris (please support his work in media criticism on Paypal–he is raising money right now for a new computer).

GoldenSunDeer

And there are illustrations by the talented GoldenSunDeer (please commission them: their rates are listed on their social media). Here is one of their latest pieces: this is Tundra Man from the Mega Man series, as he is giving a dazzling ice skating performance. A bit of trivia I learned this week: according to game lore, Tundra Man was built with a more imposing figure–but because of his love of ice skating, he modified his own body for better performance. If you like this art by GoldenSunDeer, please commission them at https://twitter.com/GoldenSunDeer.

Irregulars Productions

And check out the YouTube channel Irregulars Productions for Soul Eater fan content.

Sudden Death, Sudden Life

And while they are not accepting December Patreon contributions for December, check out Sudden Death, Sudden Life, a DND-style isekai illustrated audio drama by voice actors, directors, and illustrators Micah Solusod and Ayu. Episode 1 of Sudden Death, Sudden Life is available for $5 patrons at https://www.patreon.com/painapplestudio.

McFarland Sale on Lessons Drawn

And, shameless plug: McFarland Books has the promotional code Holiday22 to get a 40-percent discount on a book order, such as the book Lessons Drawn, which I happen to have a chapter in, about teaching anime and manga in the classroom and at conventions. Visit https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/lessons-drawn to check out and purchase that book. (And, disclaimer: I’m not getting a buck from this promotional code or talking about it–this is just a book I appear in, and if you want the book, you can save 40 percent with the code.)

Next Time

There will be a live-reaction next Sunday. And with this season already dumping a ton of snow in parts of the United States, let’s turn back to our new favorite snowman and his witch student. Next time, we return to one of my new favorite manga, Chapter 13 of Ginka and Gluna!

Until next Sunday, I’ve been Derek S. McGrath. You have a good afternoon. Bye.

Links from Today’s Stream

My Links

Twitch

YouTube

Tumblr

WordPress

Ko-fi

Donations

Donate to Democrats at Act Blue

Donating to Raphael Warnock’s runoff campaign

Donate to the National Network of Abortion Funds

Series and Films Discussed

Bungo Stray Dogs Chapter 104

Ginka and Gluna

Music

“Los Angeles” by Muzaproduction

“Sunshine” by lemonmusicstudio

Other People’s Awesome Stuff

Professional Left Podcast with Driftglass and Blue Gal

Black Comics Chat

Support Jeff Harris (Paypal / Social Media)

Commission artwork from GoldenSunDeer

Irregulars Productions Soul Eater fan content

Painapple Studio (Patreon / Tumblr / Twitch)

#livestream #sunday morning manga #bungo stray dogs #Youtube

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