Newsletters read all over (part 2)
As a writer, I was proudest of the fact that we never had to issue a retraction. People liked the humor--the snark and confidence of the times was reflected in the copy, and it helped calm the nerves of tech employees on the coasts and in Europe, who were convinced they’d been taken over by hic Midwesterners.
From the feedback I got, I’m convinced it was widely read because it was clear and respected people’s time. In 18 months I received only one complaint and dozens of complimentary emails—rare for corporate communications. Late in its existence I measured readership at 75% within a few days, and more than 80% within a week. These are very good numbers for internal communications, and given the disjointed nature of the company culture at the time, phenomenal.