I want to start a neighborhood newsletter like we had in the old days.
By @remyyy · Need Suggestions
I'm talking about a real, printed-on-paper newsletter. Something to share birthdays, welcome new families, maybe a recipe or a gardening tip. My husband thinks I'm crazy and that nobody will read it.
The full story
When I was growing up, and even when my kids were little, our neighborhood had a monthly newsletter. It was just a single sheet of paper, mimeographed and left on everyone's doorstep. It was how you knew who was having a baby, whose kid made the honor roll, or who was organizing the block party. I've lived in my current house for over 20 years, and I feel like I barely know the people who live six doors down. Everyone just drives into their garage and disappears. There's a neighborhood Facebook group, but it's mostly people complaining about parking or lost dogs. It feels so impersonal and often negative. I have this idea to bring back the old-school newsletter. I'd gather the info, type it up, print it out at the library, and walk around and deliver it myself once a month. It wouldn't have any of the drama from the online group. Just nice things, community news. Maybe feature a local high school student who does babysitting or lawn mowing. My husband just laughs and says I'll be wasting my time and money on printer ink. they says people will just throw it straight in the recycling bin without reading it, and that I should just post on the Facebook group if I want to be the 'town crier.' I feel a little discouraged, but a part of me thinks this could be a really lovely thing that might actually bring people together, even in a small way. I miss that feeling of a real, connected neighborhood. Am I just being a sentimental old fool, or is this an idea worth trying?
How people voted
- Totally Cooked — 26% (29 votes)
- It’s Complicated — 46% (52 votes)
- You’re Fine — 28% (31 votes)
Readers say “It’s Complicated” (46%) — 112 votes and 5 comments so far.
What people are saying
@nico — People don't want to know their neighbors anymore, that's just how it is.
@brynnkay — What's the cost for printing, and have you considered asking for small donations to cover it?
@gusmaybe — You're not cooked, but I do think your husband has a point. Maybe start with a quarterly one and see what the reaction is?
@ezra — I think this is a lovely idea and you should absolutely do it. Don't let your husband discourage you.
@marahm — Please do this. I'd much rather get a piece of paper I can immediately throw away than have to scroll past it on Facebook.