Another benefit of running a local newsletter that I’m starting to appreciate is that it offers you (as the writer) a very neat focusing lens through which to view your to-do list.
Let me give you an example…
I need new bed sheets. Typically, that’s a trip to Big Lots, or Ikea for some no-name option. But now, as the creator of a local newsletter, my first thought is whether there’s a local brand that might be a better choice?
A little quick Googling reveals at least one option – a store named Feather Your Nsst, which has sold luxury linen in Austin for 30+ years.
If you’re wondering how a store like that could survive for three decades, through the arrival of big-box stores, the internet, and more, the answer is that they charge a truly stunning amount of money for stuff.
The prices are not listed on product pages, but a queen-size duvet cover I chose randomly (because it’s from something called The Austin collection) turns out to be $814.
Maybe that’s over-indulgent. Or maybe, it’s just the cost of fine craftsmanship. After all, when you think about the value of sleep in your life week-to-week, spending $5k or even $10k on an incredible experience (sheets, pillows, comforter, etc.) seems like it could pencil out.
Regardless, I like knowing this place exists. I instantly feel a tiny bit more connected to the area, and I think there could be an interesting interview in this.
It also transforms this thing on my to-do list from a chore of drudgery to something more interesting.
And you can do the same with lots of other things…
For example, my diet has gotten a lot simpler since I’ve started cooking more, and I’m looking for places to bulk-buy beef. What are my local options?
What about candles? I’ve been burning through these coffee candles I like too fast. I like to have them lit while I work early in the morning, or on cold winter days. At some point, I’m gonna need to learn to make them myself. Is there a local brand? Or a class I could take and write about?
Before, all these little things got ignored because they were “outside” work and I just didn’t have the time.
But when you start writing a local newsletter, at the meta level, you’re writing about how to live well in your area. So all of these suddenly become content opportunities, potential advertisers, etc.