Inky Trail News
Testimonials from Readers

January 2009 - Inky Trail News changed from a tabloid-sized newspaper to a digest-sized newsletter.

This page is simply comments from readers/subscribers! If I missed yours, I'm sorry! I think I caught most of them! Thanks to all of you for your support!

In Friendship, Wendy

Hi, Wendy! Just a note to say that I really LOVE your new format for INKY TRAIL NEWS! It’s compact, easy to carry, and the print is very readable. Good job! And keep up the good work!!! Mary Chandler, NV

Wendy - I LOVE IT!! It’s such a neat little booklet, and no problem reading the print sizes. Marge Nagy, NY

Hi Wendy — this is only my second copy of inkytrails by PDF and I wanted to tell you that it was much easier to read this size format on the computer! It was great! The other format I had to print out and it was very small on my 8-1/2x11 paper and too difficult to navigate the size when reading on the computer. I hope you get good feedback and keep the new size — I just read it first to last page right on my computer and enjoyed it. Thank you! Darlene Gormly

Got my ITN in the mail today and was surprised at the size, but after reading it WOW great job! All the printing is clear and readable and a person can tell you have put a lot of thought and time into the new look. Some of the older reader’s may need to use a magnifying glass, but alas that is part of maturing. I know you miss Pete so much, but you are doing a great job. I’m sure Pete is looking down on you and guiding you along. Thanks, Judy Stock, Haubstadt, IN

Hi Wendy! I just got my most recent issue of ITN and was really shocked at the new format! I THINK that I like it. It reminds me a lot of The Friendship Register when it was being printed. It certainly is easier to handle. I was happy to see The View From My Window that I sent you. I think maybe some of the print might be a little too small for some people. I was able to do fine with it. You did a really nice job and I hope that you are able to print more pictures like you hope to. Suzanne Omen, Zanesville, OH

I LOVE IT! What a great idea, its so much easier to read and you are right you can tuck it in your “TO GO” Bag  or your purse… Sandy Clarke, WA

I was quite surprised to receive the new pocket sized newsletter. Just wrote to say that I like it. The small printing is ok... that way we get more in the book. Barbara Haakenson, WI

I got my newsletter yesterday (thank you) and I really like it alot. It is so much easier to handle and hold. The print is clearer and I don’t have the problem of the pages falling out when I turn a page. - I think the font on page 24 is the best. It is small enough so that you can print more articles but not so small that it is hard to read (with my bifocals,but I’d have to use them anyway). - Bottom line is I love it and now it doesn’t take as much room to store it because I NEVER throw my Inky Trail News out. Thanks Wendy!! Molly Hair, IL

Hello Wendy - I recieved my newsletter today, and I LOVE it. and think it is going to be really nice. Mary Lou Paschall-Webster, MI

Inky Trail News fit nicely in my little mail cubbyhole. I have just begun to read it but I see no problems in reading any of the pages. Artwork and photos are attractive and I am looking forward to even more photos in future issues. - I agree the new format is more convenient to carry but also more convenient to save back issues than a stack of tabloid newspapers. These back issues are keepers and how nice to fit them in a smaller space. Yes, I like the Digest format and I’m sure Pete would have liked it too. It would have inspired him to create even more of his artwork in illustrating the words we writers put on paper. Ellie Nuxoll

Hi Wendy! I wasn't going to resubscribe because I have time to do little more than read The Inky Trail News.. and, then, seldom read it all!  But, this latest issue won me over! - The other was impressive in the way it looked like a small newspaper, but I found this smaller book-size easier to read and tote around!  This time, I read, fully, nearly every page! Lonna Kay Hill, MI

I can understand the reasoning behind the change(s)concerned. I would guess that the new format will also have some other benefits, too: it’ll probably be easier to speedily put ‘ITN’ copies into envelopes (probably no folding, etc!), it may have some cost benefits if - as here - the USPS now charges on the size of the envelope/package involved as opposed to just its’ weight (as in the past), it may be more easy for subscribers to store – if they wish to keep back issues - and may be easier to scan for electronic transmission (where subscribers wish to receive a copy via their computer). Huw, Japan

Hi, How Clever... You are too much Wendy, I know Pete is smiling down on  you for all your hard work. I have read Elinor's and Jackie's and Faith's ... Very nice ladies. I always read Wendy's (And I did) first and then skim the pages and then read the people I know and Love and then I go back and read the rest... I guess we probably all have our own ways of reading it.  People who know me know I usually read a magazine from the back. - All joking aside. We are proud of you Wendy and all your efforts. I hope to get something together soon for you to help out. Time is of the essences here...Love yah, Sue Washegesic, MI  (YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!)

The new format is okay, but some of print in certain articles are really really small – honestly I think I enjoy the paper issue better. Angie Sarantino, OH

I received my copy of the new and updated "Inky Trail News"  yesterday. What excitement! - I'm really impressed! You've somehow retained the friendly flavour of the old magazine and yet given it a whole new facelift! It feels a lot more substantial and real value for money. I love to keep the magazines and this new-look one will be easier to store and won't get so "dog earred" as my much-loved older copies are. - You can probably tell that I'm a fan already. I'm hoping that you'll get heaps of positive feedback and will be very disappointed if you don't! I'm "blown away" by all that you have done and continue to do for the wonderful hobby of penpalling. I cannot imagine how much time and effort goes into each copy of "ITN". I also think it's great that you publish the e-mail newsletter as well. I've also thought it was great that you offer the option of a PDF version for only $12. And  finally - it is wonderful to be able to make credit card payments -  especially for foreigners. - Thanks so much. I'll be praying for your ministry. Yes, you have a  ministry of bringing friendship and encouragement to so many lives  and I for one, so appreciate your efforts. Love and Blessings, Lesley Sjardin, New Zealand

The new look is great and convenient, but the font is too small for me to read without the reading machine. I think I could read the small font if it were in bold face. I will try the e-mail version since I figured out how to use the other PDF you sent with the story about Sue and me meeting. - I hope the new look of Inky Trails is popular with the readers. So far the Inkies have given it a stamp of approval. Good luck with its continued success. Marge Sallee, KS

Wendy Note: Marge doesn't know it, yet, but a LARGE PRINT version is on it's way to her... I'll manually print a few for the readers who need a full page printed on each page! Surprise Marge!

Dear Wendy, WOW! I am impressed with the new look of the newsletter. It is really neat. You did a great job! - Afraid I am hooked on penpaling as I can relate to a number of the signs referred to in the newsletter. Yes, each letter I get is a gift from the writer. In my opinion whether written on paper or on the computer-since I type up most of my snail mail letters on the computer it really doesn't make that much difference whether I send it by e-mail or snail mail my heart is still in it. - One suggestion: I like it when you put the rest of an article on the next page rather than send us back to some where else in the newsletter to finish the article. - I personally didn't have any trouble reading the print in the newsletter.  Take care and God bless! Love and Prayers, Mickey Nelson, WA

I really like the size of the Jan-Feb 2009 ITN! I also like 8.5 x 11. Either one is better than the old ITN! I do not like the page 4-5, too small print. The eyes are not what they used to be even with glasses. I like page 12, 18, 19 prints. I do understand the larger print may take up more pages, right? Whatever you decide, I'll go along with it, as I enjoy reading the stories of ITN. Bernadine Brown, IL

Hi Wendy, I really, really like the new look of your Inky Trail News!! As you probably will remember, I am getting the ITN on the computer (PDF version) starting with this issue, although you had already posted one for the mail. I am SO glad I got to see the new size and format!! It is fabulous, MUCH better than the paper style ITN that you processed previously. Pete would be SO very PROUD of you, indeed, as I am sure he would have wanted to share this new format with you!! :) Thanks again for your ITN. Honestly, I like to read the paper version better, but it’s o.k. for now to have the computer one. I know it is less expensive to process. a faithful subscriber, Cyndy Ebner, OR

Hi Wendy, Gee, I am SO EXCITED to see the new ITN!!!  I'm sure it was a lot of work for you, and we will all be waiting anxiously to see what you've come up with. I know for some time you've talked of possibly changing the format, and the choice is up to you --- and know that we are all here to cheer you on!!! Jackie Barlow, FL

JUST LOVE THE NEW LOOK on everything--the website and the newsletter! it is so much easier to handle and being able to read all of it is a plus. i would like see some readers fav recipes (especially a sweet potato casserole) and easy made recipes for us retired people that hate to cook alot! Debbie Morgan, KY 

Just wanted you to know that I love the new update of Inky Trails - so much easier to read!!! Hope it is easier for you to do as well! - I have a little more time now and would like to add some pen pals - please print my ad... Mary Kugel, WI

Enjoy your Inky Trails, the booklet was neat. Prefer the larger of the prints you used. It was nicely done. Always enjoy reading it. Helen Jahnke, WI

Like the n ew way of Inky Trail News, however, I don't know how long I can read the smallest print without using a magnifying glass. Trudy Scott, TX

I really like the new format, It is a very handy size and I often take things in my pocketbook to read. Joan McKinney, VA

I do like the new booklet size. IT is a lot easier to read. Amelia Lanning, NC

I think Inky Trail News has a neat new look, and of course, it was great, like always. Janean Decker

What a wonderful variety of information all in one small booklet. I liked the idea of the comment after each article. It sort of wraps it up. Nancy Smits, WI

I really enjoy the newsletter and really like the new “booklet” style you have now. It's easier to handle and I had no problem reading the small print. Keep up the good work. Terri Dralla, NE

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Wendy

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