Communication is essential for the well being and harmony of your community. Do you have a regular newsletter? Is it informative and timely? Do the owners read it? Is it worth reading? Answers to these questions vary, but more often then not, most newsletters are "throwaways". It doesn't need to be that way. With a bit of imagination, they could be both informative and fun to read.

First, what kinds of "boilerplate" information ought to be included?

• Names of Board Members
• Contact information for the management company
• Most recent Income & Expense Statement
• Committee Reports: architectural, budget, landscape, etc.
• Special Upcoming Projects, like tree trimming, are particularly appropriate.
• Rule Reminder of those being regularly violated (like barking and unleashed dogs) without being preachy
• Event Calendar: social, meetings, maintenance

Another extremely important ingredient in a readable newsletter is the layout and design. There are many software programs available with standardized templates included. Microsoft Publisher is inexpensive and user friendly. There are others more or less complicated depending on your computer sophistication. Here are some of the basics to keep in mind:

Design & Layout

• The design should be attractive, inviting and distinctive. The "look" of the newsletter attracts the reader.
• Each issue should look the same. Choose a simple format and stick with it.
• For maximum readability, use headlines and sub-headings. It's easier to read.
• Avoid continuing articles on another page.
• The newsletter title page should explain what the newsletter is about and who publishes it.
• Make the title distinctive.
• Use only standard typefaces like Times Roman, Arial and Helvetica.
• Italics can slow the reader down up to 30%. Use them sparingly.
• Body text should be 10 or 11pt. Main headlines should be 18pt - 24pt and sub-headings should be 14pt.
• Use bold type and/or italics to highlight people's names and to point out important details.
• Avoid using all caps.
• Use clipart.
• Don't put boxes around illustrations as they make the pages look cluttered.

An editor's challenge is to include copy and an attractive format that encourages residents to want to read the newsletter. Put your imagination to work and make your news fit to print.

For more information on this subject, see www.Regenesis.net.

Published: November 3, 1999

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Richard Thompson owns Regenesis, a management consulting company that specializes in condominium and homeowner associations. He is a nationally recognized expert on HOA management issues. Regenesis publishes The Regenesis Report, a monthly newsletter for HOA boards, developers and managers. To subscribe, go to Regenesis.net. He can be contacted by email at .