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I think that the articles in the newsletters should be significantly shorter than the entire newsletter. The complexity of the article also determines the article's length. I probably shouldn't write "short" articles because I'll crank out 1000 words when only 250 are required. An office newsletter that is printed double-sided on one sheet of paper may have 3 or 4 "articles" that can range from minor changes in systems or policies to promotions and anniversaries. The newsletter may require a total of 750 words, but the articles would need to be 200-250 words to allow room for other content, depending on the font size. A larger quarterly or so newsletter will have more room for articles and may require magazine length articles, which can be 750-1000 words. On slow news days, an article may have essay-length requirements.
Answering the question, "[what is the] Average/best length of newsletter article?" really comes down to the familiar adage, "it depends."
Personally, to determine average article length I would consider audience attention span, newsletter real estate (how much paper is available), and hours permitted to work on the articles.
"Google-fu" now and I'll bet you get answers. ;-)
Lauren
________________________________
From: techwr-l-bounces+lt34=csus -dot- edu -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com on behalf of Bill Swallow
Sent: Mon 10/29/2007 2:51 PM
To: Susan Hogarth
Cc: TECHWR-L
Subject: Re: Average/best length of newsletter article?
I always err on the side of "just right". ;-)
Actually, I've just received feedback from people that 3 pages works
well for an internal newsletter. It's enough room to convey a good
chunk of information without being info overload. Of course, these
newsletters I'm rolling out are going to be targeted, likely one or
two stories each. YMMV.
On 10/29/07, Susan Hogarth <hogarth -at- gmail -dot- com> wrote:
> Google-fu has deserted me on this question :-(
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Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
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