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tgmsunmontue · 2 days ago

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From the top 4/? (WIP)

IceMav, (eventual) Explicit, (background Hangster who are already established). Set post-TGM. (No dead Ice obviously).

Featuring not-mistaken identities (where they (Ice and Mav) pretend to be in the dark for REASONS), Ice is Jake's Uncle Tom, Mav is Bradley's Dad, everyone knows everyone, (un)requited love, coming out as an older person, and a little bit of a circus-vibe where Ice has a horrible realization that this is indeed his circus and these are also his monkeys.

An AU where Mav married Carole and adopted Bradley to make things easier legally. A USNA Bradley who has been very careful to separate Dad/Pete from godfather/Maverick. They had an argument prior to TGM, but it was around Maverick being careless with his life (RE: Darkstar because Bradley got the call that Maverick was missing, presumed dead). So it was about risk taking and thinking while flying, so that was happening and Bradley admits to the Dagger Squadron that Maverick is his godfather and they have a ‘complicated relationship’ which isn’t a lie per se, however it’s… complicated.

CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER THREE

PART FOUR

>>How did the sweeping go?

Pete stares at the message and rolls his eyes, types out you tell me before deleting it. For some reason he can’t wrap his head around, Ice seems to want this faux-layer of anonymity. He’s asking Pete what he thinks. Clearly wants to know.

>>It’s an ongoing project, not one I intend to ever stop. I think it started well though.

>>What about you?

>>Ask your best friend out yet?

He scrunches his nose as he looks at his phone, wonders how Ice is going to wiggle out of this one. He will wiggle though, Ice is nothing if not a phenomenal diplomat and has a gift with words.

>>We had dinner together. It went very well.

Even though he was there, even though he’d seen his effect on Tom, had had the realization about just how deep Tom’s feeling went and for how long it’s still incredibly reassuring to read that Tom also thinks it went well. Very well in fact. He grins at his phone stupidly.

>>Glad to hear it.

>>What are you up to right now?

>>Packing for a work trip. Flight is this afternoon.

Of course.

Hawaii.

>>I’ll leave you to your packing.

>>Let me know when you land.

>>Okay.

>>If you want me to.

>>I want you to.

The exchange leaves Pete feeling a little unmoored. Usually when they’re apart they don’t talk very much, a hangover from longer deployments when they’d send each other letters or postcards, each piece taking weeks to get there. It gives them plenty to talk about once they’re back together, but Pete wants some way to show Ice that he’s thinking about him. More than just messaging him or drowning him in flowers…

Postcards.

They’re not quite love letters, although maybe they could be, simply a sign that he’s thinking about him. Except the postal service is so much slower than sending immediate messages, but they’re something tangible, and Ice knows what they mean. He looks at his box of vintage postcards and smiles slowly, decides to send one to Ice’s office in Hawaii. He’s aware as he addresses it that Ice hasn’t even gone wheels-up to leave, but with the pace of the mail service he’ll likely get it halfway through his time there. And then Pete will make sure there’s a whole lot more waiting for him when he gets home.

… … …

Tom isn’t used to sharing so much mundane information with Maverick. When they’re apart they’ve always gone on the assumption that no news is good news, especially considering Maverick’s exploits generally reach his ears fairly quickly. However he dutifully lets him know that he arrives safely, and Pete likewise shares his own safe arrival. In his actual messages there is an invitation from Mav to come out to his hangar for dinner a day after he’s scheduled to get back.

He’s busy with work. While the Navy have given him special dispensation to work from North Island a lot so he can have family support while he was undergoing treatment he’s also well aware that there is a lot to try and cram in during his time here. He will need to relocate back here, once he’s given the all clear and his lips twist at the thought; the distance it will put between him and Maverick just as they seem to finally be figuring things out. Not that he doesn’t think they can deal with it.

“Mail for you sir.”

“Thank you.”

He doesn’t get mail very often now, most communication is electronic, but he can’t stop his heart skipping when he sees the postcard. Even without turning it over he knows it’s from Mav, the fact it’s a vintage WW2 postcard, a pinup girl on the front encouraging people to join the Navy. He’s immediately amused. Maverick’s collection of postcards is something Tom has always poked fun at, asking him what the point of buying postcards was if he wasn’t ever going to send them. He’d replied that he liked the history of them and the pictures, and he would send them if he knew the person receiving them would really appreciate them, and if they were important enough.

And here he is, receiving one.

It’s not like he had any doubts but this is… this is really something. He runs a finger around the edge of the card, thinks of Pete going through all his cards and choosing one to send him. He flips it over to read, finds himself smiling at Mav’s spiky script, isn’t surprised that there’s almost no text to speak of, too used to keeping things vague and brief on the back of a postcard that anyone could read.

T-14. M.

He looks at the date of the postal stamp and realizes it was received and processed the day he left. Fucking Maverick.

Swept indeed.

… … …

Pete usually works on his plane when he has free time. However he’s had a different project consuming his time while Ice has been gone. This weekend he’s expecting a delivery of a few things to finish things up. While the trailer has been fine, he’s not as young as he once was, he can accept that now. He’s also not going to expect Ice to sleep in it, doesn’t think he would fit, because Bradley had complained and he’s an inch shorter than Ice.

So his long-standing plans for the one corner of the hanger has become his top priority. A mezzanine level built over what is meant to be a permanent kitchenette. The skeleton and support structure has been built for years, and all the plumbing is in place but capped off. The cabinetry is sitting in boxes, unassembled. He doesn’t care about the kitchen, what he cares about is the space above. A bedroom of sorts. A large California king he’s ordered which is now sitting beside the P-51. Now he’s just got to figure out how the hell he’s going to get it up to the level above by himself. He’s spent time painting and laying vinyl, plastering and installing a fan over the bed, which had involved placing more beams. But he’s proud of his progress. Normally he’d have told Ice all about it, but he wants to show him. Surprise him.

“Mav? You here?”

“Bradley?” Pete calls out, popping his head to the side around the side-railing of the mezzanine. He could help. “Do you think you could help me lift the mattress up here?”

“Uh…” Bradley looks at the large mattress wrapped in plastic, the matt-black frame which still needs to be fully assembled.

“Mav… this is like a four-person job. At least. But… how about we assemble the base and set it up, then I’ll come back tomorrow with some of the others, and we can figure it out. Are you… finally settling down?”

“Finally doing something,” Pete mumbles under his breath, but louder he says, “yeah, finally admitting my back can’t handle the thin foam mattress in the trailer.”

“Good call.”

… … …

Bradley does return the next day, after convincing all the Daggers to come with him. They’ve all been out to the hangar before, but he had said that Mav needs their help, and well, left it at that. So half of them think they’re working on the P-51, which Bradley knows won’t be happening until either Mav dies or hell freezes over, or there is something else. He’d noted the unfinished kitchenette, and he’s pretty sure with all of them pitching in they can get things to the point where he doesn’t have to worry about his god-father hurting himself through DIY. It would make a change from it happening at work, but Bradley would put money on there being other extenuating circumstances that Mav isn’t sharing, and if Bradley can help those along then he will. He and Jake have talked about it, and they just have to wait it out.

“My dad is a plumber, I know what I’m doing…” Phoenix snaps, and Mav nods, backs away, she does indeed look like she knows what she’s doing. Fanboy and Payback have started unpacking the cabinetry and laying it out, while Coyote and Jake are discussing ropes and pulleys to lift the mattress up.

“Did you have to get a bed this big Maverick?” Coyote asks. “It’s not like you take up that much space…”

Bradley snorts, lets his eyes meet Jake’s who just smirks and licks over the toothpick in his mouth suggestively and Bradley rolls his eyes.

“Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answers to son…” Maverick says, and then Coyote is spluttering and looking embarrassed and everyone is laughing.

… … …

He has sent a postcard every single day, glad that he can just slide them anonymously into the box on base near the administration block, not that he cares who knows, but he suspects Ice would prefer to keep things a little more private. Pete himself feels like yelling it from the top of the control tower every time he thinks about it, and he’ll tell Ice as much later, when he can commend Pete on his self-control and maturity in person.

They’ve somehow, without ever discussing it, separated their communications into two very distinct avenues. The messaging app where they’re both pretending they don’t know who they’re talking to, which he has come to appreciate for how open he can be there, like asking Ice to let him know that he’s arrived somewhere safely. Finding out how Ice feels without asking him directly. Except he is asking directly, but there is this thin veil of pretense they’re both letting hang between them. He’s started to like it, especially when Ice mentioned receiving the postcard, and how much he knew it meant to be receiving it. Pete hadn’t told him there would be another one waiting at his house for every day he’s been away. He wants it to be a surprise.

Right now they’re doing their almost regular night-time chat before Pete drops off to sleep.

>>What do you like about him?

>>Everything.

>>That’s not a proper answer.

Pete rolls his eyes and pulls a face, even though no one can see him, settles further into bed because he’s already fallen asleep once on the sofa and it had not been great for his back.

>>What do you like?

>>About your friend?

>>I asked you first.

>>But he makes my life brighter. I always look forward to seeing him, even when I’m tired or grumpy.

Pete snorts. If Ice is tired, then he’s grumpy, and vice versa. The fact that he looks forward to seeing Pete even when he’s feeling those things, that somehow his presence makes Ice feel better make him feel warm. Oh. Maybe Ice needs… reassurance or confirmation that Pete finds him… attractive? He’d rather do that in person. Surely Ice knows? Regardless Pete can make sure.

>>I do like everything about him.

>>He wouldn’t be my best friend if I didn’t genuinely enjoy his company. Respect him.

>>But there are things I love. Like his hands. They’re

>>They’re what?

>>Big. Capable. Clever. Elegant.

>>Oh.

Pete chews on his bottom lip, imagines Ice in his own bed, staring at his hands and imagining how Pete feels about them. Of course, he’s imagined quite a lot more about Ice’s hands, back when he was younger, before he very firmly locked the thoughts away so he wouldn’t ever act on them. Now of course is a different matter, knowing what he knows about Ice and their new relationship trajectory.

>>I love the way he smiles.

>>He doesn’t smile often enough but it makes it even better when he does.

… … …

Tom has never been so eager to get home. Most of his career one place has often been the same as another; while North Island has his sister and her family and Jake, with Mav close by when he’s not deployed, he’s never longed to be home as much as he does right now. It’s after nine at night, the porch light is the only light on, set on a timer. The taxi drops him off and Tom thanks the driver, walks up the path to his front door with weary steps. He’s tired and cold despite the warm spring night. He opens his front door and flicks off the porch light and the entryway light on, unlaces his shoes and places them on the rack; lets the familiarity of home wash over him.

He locks the door and turns the light off again, making his way through the house towards the stairs, his eyes adjusting to the muted-light from the street lamps outside, quietly heading toward his bedroom. His bedside light is on, beside it is a large glass of water and a stack of… postcards. Then he sees the little handwritten note, recognizes the writing as Maverick’s and finds himself smiling.

Have a shower. Drink some water. I turned your electric blanket on. Sleep well. See you tomorrow. - M

The gestures are all sweet and he wishes Mav was here himself, so he could curl up around him and fall asleep holding him. Of course he’s too tired for anything else, but… maybe tomorrow night. He hopes so, although considering he’s going out to the hangar he’s not going to hold his breath. The trailer might rock off its stands if they had sex too vigorously. Hell. What is he even thinking, they haven’t even shared a proper kiss yet.

>>Home safe. Tired.

>>Feeling very loved.

>>Good.

>>You are loved.

>>See you tomorrow night.

#IceMav #From The Top #tom iceman kazansky #pete maverick mitchell #Top Gun fanfic

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crsssie · 5 months ago

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from one admirer to another : fried?

pairing: leon kennedy x reader || masterpost: from one admirer to another

synopsis: from one admirer to another, an online penpal service, allows for two people with common interests to write to each other without ever revealing their actual address! Luckily for both you and Leon, you get matched up! What do eggs and Christmas even have in common anyway? sure hope it's that modeling business and NOT that Ada Wong addiction.

featuring: reader as scrambled eggs // leon as christmas

Dear scrambled eggs,

Happy Paris Fashion Week. I'm walking this year (finally???) but not the same show as Ada. I ended up cast by a different brand than her, which makes sense since we don't exactly share the same genre of face. Also, she's in Paris for shoots while I'm here to walk. Women and men's fashion week aren't even the same week. I found that a little sad. Also, my agent got me on some sort of makeup from my makeup artist and somehow he's made me look 29 like hello?? I am a literal child ?? (I'm not. but im still in my early twenties).

My letter this time is going to be short (again) mainly because I need to mail this internationally and I'd like for you to send me a letter to my airbnb (the host gave me the keys).

I speak Spanish and literally no French, so when a lady in a shop was talking to me I could only shake my head and tell her no in Spanish and I still have no idea what she wanted. I guess we'll never know.

Right. The last walk was alright. I got to walk with the model, but I got a death glare from their friend bc I swear I felt my soul slip out of my body. Like, sorry your friend is hot??? Sorry I'm no better??? :((( What's it take for a guy to score a date these days? I ALSO did not get their number again. Can you believe that? I turned around and they disappeared into thin air! AUGH.

Anyways, I'm sending you one of the luxury-brand paris postcards I received as a small gift. Hope you like it.

What are you up to the month that I'm stuck in Paris? Christmas

Leon finishes walking his show, backstage with a handful of models he's met here and there, mainly sticking with the group of raccoon models. Everyone's sharing the same Airbnb. It should sound like hell, except most people have their own room, and somehow it's the greatest blessing on earth because he knows Ada would ruin his life if he even thought of asking her about you.

His letter is mailed out first thing, shitty translator in hand as he's told Reverso is the better of translators for French, and he gets it mailed out with a quick wink from the old lady at the post office. He's sure she did it because he's on the more attractive side and not the fact that he's sending a letter to his penpal like some middle school boy. He should get over that crush on you too.

He starts his last walk of this fashion week, meeting new people to have a quick talk to, adding private accounts and getting to know a handful of other Ada fans at his last walk. It's the only one where he even gets to see Ada, and her walk is... no joke. Hatred be dammed that woman can strut. He wonders if there's another universe where he didn't accidentally get shot through the heart the first time he met her best friend.

The more Leon paid attention, the more he seemed to understand that one of the main reasons your contract got off so easy was because Ada had requested it. Some people even call you a result of nepotism. Well, not that you seemed to like the job all that much. Dare he say it, to you, modeling was just a side hustle.

How nice it must be to be in a position like that.

When the models finish up at the show, Leon's told he has a shoot the next day, and then a handful of shows scattered nearby. They're making him go to Spain for a handful of days for a photoshoot with Ashley, and then he's practically free for the rest of the time. He's sure it's because his manager's girlfriend wants to hang around the city. Leon's more than fine with staying in the city. It'll be a good break.

Shame though, he misses Sunny.

prev letter : masterlist : next letter

#☾.oata #leon kennedy x reader #leon x reader #he's so pookie :( also yes quick face model change Leon has officialy grown out of his pookie re2 design in the series #JUST KIDDING!!! he's still re2 pookie to me they just put makeup on him

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pinesfamilyguidetotheweird · 11 months ago

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Because I love angst and subject my favorite characters to some pain and suffering, I actually looked into how long Ford had to wait for Stan to come to Gravity Falls.

At this point, Ford had already learned the truth about Bill and is actively trying to prevent Bill from finishing the job. Easier said than done.

So, how long does it take for that postcard to be sent from Oregon to New Mexico?

According to Quora, it could take 3~5 business days depending on location and weather conditions. Now, that also depends on when that mail was sent. Sunday is typically the day no mail is delivered.

Along with weather conditions, one can also offer the potential of misrouting, which can can cause redirection and even more delivery time.

Now, how long would it take for Stan to drive from New Mexico to Oregon.

From what I gathered, about 20 hrs. Now, that is under the assumption that Stan made no stops during the drive. He's gonna have to get gas at some point, and maybe catch some z's and bite to eat.

Not only that, this was under another assumption that not long after Stan received the postcard, he almost immediately packed his belongings and got the hell out of dodge...which wouldn't be further from the truth if Stan saw this as an opportunity to get as far away from Rico and his goons as possible.

To make things simple, let's say it took Stan about two days to get to Gravity Falls.

So...at best (depending how you look at it), Ford waited for four~five days...at worst, a week. At Bill's mercy.

Wanna know the kicker about all this?

This is probably information based on current known routes and the like.

I have no idea what the postal mailing service was like in the early 80s.

#gravity falls #stanford pines #ford pines #grunkle ford #stanley pines #grunkle stan #stan pines #bill cipher

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winchester-girl67 · 1 year ago

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Wild Hearts (Part 4) - Postcards From Dean

Summary: Postcards from Dean to Y/N; sent over the years they were apart.

Masterlist

Pairing: AU!Dean x reader

Square: Postcards @j3bingo

Word Count: 743

Warnings: underage, age gap (reader is 16-22, Dean is 20-26), language, slow burn, long distance relationship of sorts, pining, maybe a little angst, time jumps, fluff

A/N: This part was written for @j3bingo go as a collection of AU postcards from Dean to Y/N.

_____

A few of your favourite postcards from Dean - from the six years you were apart.

___________________________________

Hey Y/N,

What do you write on a postcard?

Dean

P.S. I picked up a stack of these at a rest stop on the way to Sioux Falls and I thought you'd like some old school snail-mail. I'm aware that your parents and the mailman will probably read this too, so... I'm sorry I got your daughter into trouble and now she has- what, ten hours of community service left? But, she's kind of a badass and saved my life so don't go too hard on her.

P.P.S. And to the mailman: Not cool, dude.

___________________________________

Dear Y/N,

Sam told me to start these with 'Dear' instead of 'Hey', I kind of like the way it sounds so I let him be right for once. Bobby and Jody are pretty cool, they won't even let me pay rent so we can save more money. We'll have a place of our own in no time now.

xo Dean

P.S. I hope the 'x' is okay, if not I blame Sam. If so, it was all my idea. You can't tell but I just winked at you.

P.P.S. It's my birthday and Jody made me a cherry pie! It was so good, I had every intention of saving you a piece but now I'll just have to learn how to make one for you instead. Can't wait for your phone call tonight so I can tell you all about it.

___________________________________

Dear Y/N,

It took a little longer than I thought but we just moved into our own apartment! It's closer to Sam's college but we can still visit Bobby and Jody with a short car ride.

xo Dean

P.S. Think you'll come visit me on your gap year?

___________________________________

Dear Y/N,

It snowed today! And I'm making pasta tonight. You can drool over it via video chat later. I wish we were in the same time zone so you could ring in the new year with me too.

I’m missing you a lot lately, xo Dean

P.S. I'm sending you a big fat kiss. You can put it where you want it. X

P.P.S. To the mailman: Get your mind out of the gutter. She's a lady!

___________________________________

Dear Y/N,

I'm seriously craving Donna's mocha ice cream right now. I think it would go great with Jody’s cherry pie recipe. Don't knock it till you try it!

xo Dean

P.S. Sam hasn't stopped playing that playlist you made him for studying. I swear you have the worst taste in music. I'm going to make you a playlist tonight.

___________________________________

Dear Y/N,

I think I like the mountains on this postcard best, we should take a roadtrip there together, maybe next Valentine’s day?

x Dean

P.S. I don't like airplanes.

P.P.S. But I'm going to take you to all the places on these postcards some day.

P.P.P.S. I hope you're still pinning these postcards to your wall so you can hold them over my head some day.

___________________________________

Dear Y/N,

I'm sorry.

xx Dean

P.S. If I could have one superpower it would be the ability to control the weather.

P.P.S. Getting snowed in would be a lot more fun WITH you.

P.P.P.S. Maybe my superpower should’ve been teleportation! Damn it, is it too late to change my answer?

___________________________________

Dear Y/N,

I just dropped Sam off for his first year of law school. I feel old. Luckily, he got another scholarship though, so I don't have to worry about paying his tuition. Kid's a major nerd.

x Dean

P.S. I'm actually in California! The salt air here makes me think of home, of you. You feel so far away right now. I'm not even looking at the same ocean. That sucks.

P.P.S. We haven't talked in a while and I know that's mostly my fault, but I wanted to give you a heads up. I'm coming home... Soon.

___________________________________

Dear Y/N,

Did you notice there's no stamp?

Always yours,

xoxo Dean

P.S. I was going to tell you to meet me where I first kissed you but that's a hell of a walk. So meet me under our streetlamp. The one where you put ice cream on my nose the first night we met.

P.P.S. I hope you come, I can't wait to see you. But I understand and no hard feelings if you don't.

_________________________

Part 5

_________________________ Dean: @akshi8278 @laycblack @thoughts-and-funnies @mrsjenniferwinchester @crustycheeks @kazsrm67 @sexyvixen7 @lyarr24 @suckitands33 @eliwinchester99 @yvonneeeee @igotmajordaddyissues @djs8891 @leigh70 @globetrotter28 @backseat-of-deans-67chevy

SPN: @hobby27

Wild Hearts: @justrealizedimmascifygurl @evieluvsjamie @kimberkingrivers @vicmc624 @ladysparkles78

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homara8524 · 3 months ago

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Status Report and Mail Order Notification

Good evening brothers and sisters abroad. After the rush of events, I am finally getting settled. Today, I'd like to give you an update on my recent activities and announce the mail order of my original drawings and new publications.

The rush of events started on September 15. It all started with my best friend from high school and I going to LUPICIA, a famous Japanese tea company, to get some tea cakes for the upcoming events.

On 9/23, I exhibited at a joint Touhou event in Kyoto to display and distribute my new book and original artwork, and on 9/30, I was asked to be a second for my master's powerlifting competition, so I was engaged in seconding.

After that, I participated in Kouroumu, a Touhou event held in Osaka, where I exhibited and distributed my original artwork. I have now been working at the event for 4 weeks in a row.

And now that things have finally settled down, we have registered our new publications and original artwork on our mail order site! We have also registered them with the proxy purchase service in Booth's system so that they can be purchased by people overseas. We will charge a small fee for this service, but it will be available to anyone overseas. Of course they will be framed 💕.

In fact, we also have new postcard-sized original drawings of Eastern characters that we have not yet posted here on our website.

And here is a request for the future. My circle currently consists mainly of Touhou character illustrations, but I have started to work on original illustrations as well. And now I am raising funds for my hospitalization and surgery to remove my uterine cancer.

The date for the surgery itself has already been set, and after I finish a national powerlifting competition next month, I will be hospitalized for a little less than two weeks from November 20 to observe the surgery and post-operative condition.

Currently, due to a worsening of a chronic illness that occurred the year before last, I am unable to engage in normal work, and I am still unable to engage in any work other than drawing illustrations. I am a freelance illustrator and earn almost no income. I do not have enough money to face the hospitalization and surgery next month.

So I would like to ask my overseas followers to help me. Please spread the word about my original illustrations to people who are not just Touhou lovers. And if you think it is a wonderful work of art, whether you like the character or not, please welcome the original.

If as many people as possible welcome my original drawings and new publications, it will help to pay for my uterine cancer surgery and subsequent hospital visits.

Most importantly, it will also help fund the purchase of expensive immunosuppressive drugs for my uterine cancer and other incurable diseases.

Please, can you all help me?

#touhou project #東方project #東方プロジェクト #透明水彩 #watercolor #touhou #touhou fanart #touhou pc98 #東方旧作 #analog illustration #原画販売 #通販

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theresattrpgforthat · 2 years ago

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i would like to know more epistolary rpgs! have you got any?

either 2 player or more, i suspect most will be 2 player but more seems intriguing

Theme: Epistolary Games (Round 2!)

Hello friend! The three games I start off with here all allow for more players, although you are correct that most epistolary games are better for a duet.

When I lived here, by a grumpy little critter.

You once lived here. Maybe it was a place of refuge, maybe one of torment, maybe it was just one of the many places you passed through, but something about this house hooked you, so that you lingered even after death. You are a ghost that haunts this place, sending a fragment of your memory across the gulf that separates the dead from the living.

"When I lived here..." is a play-by-mail storytelling game for 4-6 players about several generations of ghosts in a single house. Each player contributes a brief recollection of their life in the house, one-by-one building a fragmentary history of the house and the lives lived there.

The players will roll on a prompt list to help them come up with their ghost and the story related to them, then write a journal entry onto a sheet of paper that will be consecutively mailed from house to house. Because the final player is responsible for mailing copies of the game to all of the other players, I recommend planning out the movement of the letters before play, so that the person who gets it last is in the best position to make sure everyone gets a copy of the game.

Europa Base, by a grumpy little critter.

Europa Base is a play-by-postcard survival horror RPG for 2 players or 2 households.

One party plays the crew of Europa Base, a newly established scientific station on Jupiter's moon, Europa. The crew, or what's left of it, have just survived a catastrophic disaster, but their troubles aren't over yet.

The other party plays Earth Command, scrambling to offer support and encouragement to Europa Base's intrepid scientists across the vast, unbridgeable distance, or perhaps just conveying last the last words of Europa Base's crew to the loved ones they left behind.

This game actually uses the time delay of the postal service as an oracle to determine how bad the situation is on Europa Base. If players’ mail is routinely and quickly delivered, there are even rules adjustments you can make to re-introduce a level of chance. If you like the idea of suspense that you can play with over a number of days or weeks, you should check out Europa Base.

Message in a Bottle, by Kingpin33.

A mysterious bottle has washed ashore, and seems to be inviting you to a beautiful island paradise! Inside there seems to be a note from a friend you have yet to meet, and an application for island living. You seem like a shoo-in, this Nook character doesn’t seem too picky..

Message in a Bottle is a letter-writing game where players can create a village full of animal friends and their island home. The features of your villagers and the island will be entirely determined by the mailing information of the person who sent you your message, so be sure to send the game around to all your friends and see what kind of neighbuorhood you can create!

This is an adorable little game inspired by Animal Crossing in which you use the zip codes of your friends to determine what kind of animal you are. After everyone has created their friends, the author even recommends an Animal Crossing RPG that’s available for free to play your characters in!

But Wait! There’s More!

Additionally, you can take a look at the works of AdventureByMail, a designer who design games specifically for two players separated by distance. They have mysteries, vampires, interstellar stories and more!

You can also find more epistolary games in the Step Up For the Postal Service game jam, designed specifically to be sent in the post. (Did I mention how much I love game jams?)

Games I’ve recommended in the past

Forever Dex, by World Champ Game Co.

This whole post.

#letter writing #dnd #indie ttrpgs #tabletop games #asks #game recommendations #grumpy little critter out here doing the Lord's work #epistolary

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kokiafans · 7 months ago

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KOKIA updates: May-June 2024

Below, I have summarized KOKIA’s announcements and messages for May and (most of) June 2024. As explained here, this will remain the style of updates for now. Unfortunately, I have gotten behind a bit, hence this update spanning almost 2 full months instead of the usual 1. My sincere apologies, I promise I'm doing the best I can under the circumstances. Thank you for your continuing patience.

Once-in-a-lifetime meetings tour

KOKIA mentions in her blog entry for May 24 that all of the performances still left in KOKIA's ongoing Once-in-a-lifetime meeting are sold out, which has given her motivation for more concerts next year as well.

May 25 marked the special Tokyo performance of the tour. In her blog entry of May 14, KOKIA announces the venue will be open a little earlier for merchandise sales, as they're expecting crowds. In addition to the T-shirts and blousons already for sale, there will also be portable electric fans for purchase. An autograph session in Tokyo would not be possible, and so she has opted for commemorative postcards instead.

KOKIA looks back on her Tokyo performance in her blog entry for May 26. It was a wonderful experience, truly living up to the title of once-in-a-lifetime, and she announces this performance has been recorded and will be made available, further news to come once the tour has wrapped.

Now that the Tokyo performance has ended, the tour T-shirts and blousons are also available again on the official web shop. She does note the T-shirts are a loose fit, so S-size will be as loose or looser than a regular M-size. Also, this is the last batch, so once they're gone, they're gone forever.

New performance announcements

In her news entry for May 14 as well as her blog entry for that day, KOKIA announces the 2024 sonorium concert Himawari wa akogare ('The sunflowers yearning'), her customary summer concert where the music will rain down on you like a sudden summer shower to offer some relief. The concert will be held on August 3 and 4. (Due to my tardiness in reporting, the concerts have currently sold out and tickets can no longer be purchased via the links provided in her news entry.)

KOKIA has also announced a new concert on November 11, a strings trio concert titled SHI-NA-RU, to be held at Suntory Hall Blue Rose in Tokyo. There will be a performance at 15:30 and one at 19:00. Members of the fan club, club ancoro, can pre-order tickets from June 14-28. Information can be found via the mail magazine or the MEMBERS page on her official website. (via News on June 14)

Finally, in her blog entry for May 24, KOKIA also teases for a once-in-a-lifetime songs tour for 2025, after the success her current tour turns out to be, planning to visit more cities next year.

Other appearances

May marked a couple of radio appearances for KOKIA. She appeared on Afternoon Paradise with Chikako Sawada on May 22, which was in an open studio with a lovely view, as she shared on Instagram (via News on May 18).

On May 26, she appeared on Yasuhiro Kawabe's MUSIC HOT FLAVOR radio show, where she promoted her 25th anniversary best album The Lighthouse (via News on May 16).

KOKIA also held her piano performances on June 8 and 9 at 01073 house, mentioning rehearsing for it in her blog entry of June 3. It's been a while since she last sang while accompanying herself on piano, so rehearsals made her remember older performances at live houses. She also teases a new song she presumably performed that weekend, as she finally found the sounds to go along with the phrases.

Releases

As previously announced, KOKIA has released all of her Animal albums digitally now: on May 11, volume 3 and volume 4 of the newly titled Animal Kingdom albums are available for streaming through various services (linked above). The news entry on May 12 does note that physical copies are still available via the official web shop (although volume 3 is sold out as of writing this).

Frekul JOYSOUND challenge

On May 13 on both her news and blog pages, KOKIA announced her participation in the Frekul JOYSOUND distribution challenge. Karaoke JOYSOUND is a karaoke service and karaoke chain in Japan. Since their service was missing plenty of her songs, KOKIA selected 30 songs currently not included for Frekul, a karaoke distribution service, to get these included at JOYSOUND. Fans were able to buy 'power' units on the event website to get the licensing fee paid for, with one new song added for every 10 power units purchase by May 27. KOKIA fans have rallied together and made sure all 30 songs have now been added! These songs use the master karaoke track, meaning they're the same quality as on CD with no quality loss. The full list of songs is on the event page. I'll include the translated list at the end of this entry. For people who donated 5 power units or more, KOKIA promised to go into karaoke herself and perform her songs and record them, a whole new kind of event for her.

These 30 songs were added to JOYSOUND karaoke thanks to the Frekul challenge:

Fukurou ('Owl')

Yume no tochuu ('on my way to my dream')

Hontou no oto ('Real sound')

Kisetsu hazure no sakura ('Late-blooming cherry blossoms')

Gin no kitsune to kin no koucha o ('Golden tea with a silver fox')

Kotou ('Isolated island')

Ai to heiwa to ongaku to ('Love and peace and music')

The Lighthouse

Kuma ('Bear')

Obake ga kowai nante ('What is it with ghosts being scary')

Watashi no naka no kemono ('The beast inside me')

Family Tree

Otona no ookami ('Adult wolf')

Dear Armstrong

Hoshi ni natta inu ('The dog that became a star')

Tanuki ('Raccoon dog')

Kirin ('Giraffe')

The Cell

Makenai you ni ('So as not to lose')

Oishii oto yum yum music ('delicious sounds')

Oto no arubamu ('Album of sounds')

Doragon ('Dragon')

Hoshi no uta ('The song of stars')

Shoudou ('Impulse')

Kurage ('Jellyfish')

Buta ('Pig')

Hoshi no keiji ('Star revelation')

Miiakyatto ('Meerkat')

Ushi ('Cow')

Tabiressha life train ('travel train')

#KOKIA #promotion: lives and events #promotion: once in a lifetime tour 2024 #promotion: piano and kokia vol 1 #promotion: sonorium 2024 #promotion: shi na ru #promotion: radio #other: frekul joysound

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thebuckblogimo · 2 years ago

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He made me a better ad guy.

March 20, 2023

I have lost another close friend. Dave Patton became my trusted sidekick during the early going of the 25 or so years we worked together as creative team partners, mostly at Ross Roy. It was there that co-workers would refer to "Len and Dave" during staff meetings as easily as they might say "bacon and eggs" at breakfast time. When the two of us worked together on something--whether a simple postcard or a full-blown campaign--well, usually it just plain worked. Were it not for Dave, there's no way that this writer's career would have gone as well as it did. Dave turned my jokes into arresting headlines. He gave the stuff I wrote a "look." The truth is, he was the better idea guy, the better concept guy, the truly creative guy on a team of two buds who worked mostly on cars and enjoyed a helluva ride. I collaborated with his family on the following obituary:

Dave Patton August 29, 1944 to March 7, 2023

Dave Patton loved lines.

He loved the swoopy lines of fat-fendered street rods, the sleek lines of vintage Corvettes. He loved the fine lines of Native American turquoise jewelry. And, oh, how he loved to draw the lines that go into the creation of a successful print ad, direct mail piece or digital communication.

The world lost the consummate advertising design professional—as well as husband, brother, father and grandfather—when Dave Patton, 78, died on March 7, 2023, due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease and Covid in Portage, Michigan.

Dave was a kind and generous soul with a wry wit and sarcastic sense of humor. He loved music and would break into his signature dance moves every time he heard a good song. His love of early rock ‘n' roll, Motown music and patented steps led to an appearance on Club 1270, a dance program for teenagers on WXYZ TV during the early ‘60s.

Dave was born in Detroit on August 29, 1944, to James ("Bud") and Bonney (Babcock) Patton. The young, rambunctious Dave Patton, a kid with a short attention span, was always drawing in class. He won the Senior Award for “Best Artist" at Birmingham Seaholm High School.

As an adolescent, Dave was a fleet-footed running back for Pierce Junior High in Birmingham, which evolved into a lifelong, fanatical love affair with University of Michigan football. He was also a big fan of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers. After graduating from Seaholm High in 1963, he enlisted in the Navy and traveled the world aboard the S.S. Garcia. After he returned home from the Navy, he enrolled at the School of the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts, which would become the Center for Creative Studies. Dave met his sweetheart, Diane Morrison, at age 16. They wed shortly after his return from the service in 1967 and were married for 56 years. As a devoted father he coached Little League, faithfully attended his children's ice skating and dance lessons, drove the family minivan around the Midwest and Canada for his son’s hockey games, and passed his design genes onto both of his children who create jewelry, hand-blown glass and other forms of art.

Fine art--paintings, photography, sculptures, metal and ceramic works--were often at the center of the Patton family’s life. Artistic discoveries during travels to New York, Taos, Naples, Fairbanks, Rome and other faraway places resulted in a collection that set the Patton home apart. Dave's career as an advertising designer and art director began at Meldrum & Fewsmith in Detroit. He then moved to Ross Roy, Michigan’s largest independent advertising agency at the time, where he began working on such accounts as Kmart, Kelsey-Hayes and Federal Mogul. When he started working on the Chrysler account, Dave designed the likes of giant foam-board spark plugs that hung from showroom ceilings and “dimensional mail packages”--communications in tubes and boxes--that dared customers not to open them. During the early ‘90s he was named co-creative director for automotive direct marketing at Ross Roy, helping to manage a team of writers and art directors who produced all of Chrysler’s owner communications, including four-color magazines, newsletters and direct mail packages that no one in their right mind would describe as “junk mail.” However, his proudest achievement came during the year he worked on the Gulfstream Aerospace account and designed a nine-part mail program to sell the Gulfstream IV, a $25 million business jet, to the 2,000 known prospects for it in the world. The sale of seven airplanes were attributed to the program. It garnered for Dave and the team who worked on it, a Gold Echo award from the Direct Marketing Association of America. As his career wound down, Dave worked on Ford at J. Walter Thompson and Mazda at W.B. Doner. A 40-year career in advertising ended with eight years as co-owner of his own “shop,” Bulldog ’n’ Buck Communications. In retirement, Dave expressed his artistic talents by exploring photography, making ceramics and creating illustrations with colored pencils. He and Diane loved to attend art fairs, sparking Dave's interest in creating unique, colorful, abstract pieces of lacquered acrylics on wood--made to look like framed ceramic tiles--which he and Diane sold at art fairs while traveling around Michigan. Dave is survived by his wife, Diane; children Michael (Katie) and Marci Frederickson (Roy); three grandchildren—Brett, Megan and Ziggy Moon; and sister Linda Patton (Arnold). His family and close friends will remember Dave as the creative, strong, supportive rock of the family who never turned down a dessert in his life. Those who worked with him will remember Dave Patton for his extraordinary design talent and the fact that he didn’t suffer fools.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for friends and family on August 9, 2023, at Wind + James, 555 E. Eliza St., Schoolcraft, MI 49087. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Michigan Parkinson's Foundation (parkinsonsmi.org (http://parkinsonsmi.org/)

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jpptech · 13 days ago

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Maximizing Outreach with Every Door Direct Mail Printing in San Diego

In today’s fast-paced marketing world, businesses are constantly searching for cost-effective ways to connect with their target audiences. For companies in San Diego, a city known for its vibrant communities and dynamic economy, Every Door Direct Mail Printing (EDDM) stands out as a game-changing solution. Whether you are a small local business or an established enterprise, EDDM helps you reach customers efficiently and effectively.

What Is Every Door Direct Mail Printing?

EDDM is a mailing program offered by the U.S. Postal Service that allows businesses to send promotional materials to specific neighborhoods without requiring a mailing list. The program is designed to simplify marketing efforts while maximizing local reach. Businesses can target customers by ZIP codes or carrier routes, ensuring that their message lands directly in the hands of potential clients.

For businesses in San Diego, EDDM provides a unique opportunity to connect with diverse communities, from bustling urban centers to tranquil suburban areas.

Benefits of EDDM for Businesses in San Diego

1. Cost-Effective Marketing

Traditional marketing campaigns often involve high expenses for creating and maintaining mailing lists. EDDM eliminates this cost by allowing businesses to target entire neighborhoods without individual addresses. The lower postage rates further reduce marketing costs, making it an ideal option for small and medium-sized businesses.

2. Increased Local Visibility

San Diego’s neighborhoods are diverse, each with its own unique demographics and preferences. EDDM enables businesses to tailor their campaigns to specific areas, ensuring that their message resonates with local audiences. Whether promoting a new product or announcing a grand opening, EDDM helps you establish a strong local presence.

3. Customized Campaigns

EDDM gives businesses creative freedom to design eye-catching mailers. From bold postcards to detailed brochures, companies can use visually appealing materials to capture attention and drive action. Blend Supply, a trusted provider of Every Door Direct Mail Printing services, ensures high-quality printing to make your campaign stand out.

4. No Mailing Permit Required

For many small businesses, obtaining a mailing permit can be a hassle. With EDDM, businesses can skip this step, saving both time and money. This streamlined process allows businesses to focus on creating impactful marketing materials.

How EDDM Works

The process of launching an EDDM campaign is straightforward and hassle-free:

Define Your Target AreaUse the USPS EDDM mapping tool to select the neighborhoods or carrier routes you want to target. In San Diego, you can choose areas based on demographic data, such as age, income, or household size.

Design and Print Your MailersCollaborate with a professional printing service like Blend Supply to create high-quality, visually appealing mailers. Ensure your design meets USPS size and format guidelines.

Prepare Your Mailing BundleOrganize your mailers according to USPS requirements. Most EDDM services, including Blend Supply, offer assistance with this step.

Submit and SendDrop off your mailers at the local USPS office for distribution. Your materials will be delivered directly to the mailboxes of your target audience.

Why Choose Blend Supply for EDDM in San Diego?

Blend Supply specializes in helping businesses execute successful EDDM campaigns. Their team understands the nuances of San Diego’s diverse market and provides end-to-end solutions, from design and printing to distribution. With a focus on quality and affordability, Blend Supply ensures your marketing efforts yield maximum impact.

By leveraging Blend Supply’s expertise in Every Door Direct Mail Printing, businesses can focus on what they do best: serving their customers. From local restaurants and retail shops to professional services, EDDM is a proven strategy to boost engagement and sales.

Conclusion

Every Door Direct Mail Printing is more than just a marketing tool—it’s a strategic way to build meaningful connections with your community. For businesses in San Diego, this approach offers unmatched local targeting, cost efficiency, and customization. By partnering with Blend Supply, you can ensure that your marketing message not only reaches your audience but also leaves a lasting impression.

Take your marketing to the next level with EDDM and watch your business thrive in the bustling communities of San Diego!

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maximumglitterparadise · 28 days ago

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Find top products in Direct Mail Automation Software category

1. PostGrid

Key Features:

Automates direct mail campaigns with real-time address validation and address standardization.

Integrates with CRMs, e-commerce platforms, and marketing tools.

Provides print-and-mail services for physical postcards, letters, and other direct mail types.

API-based integration for automated mail merges and custom content.

Best For: E-commerce businesses, marketers, and companies looking for an easy integration with other business tools.

2. Lob

Key Features:

Seamless automation of direct mail, including postcards, letters, and checks.

Real-time tracking of sent mail, with data analytics and reporting.

Fully customizable mail pieces and templates.

Integrates with platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, and custom CRMs through APIs.

Best For: Businesses seeking a robust and scalable solution for direct mail automation and tracking.

3. Click2Mail

Key Features:

Online platform to send personalized direct mail such as postcards, letters, and brochures.

API for seamless integration with CRM systems and marketing automation tools.

Easy-to-use interface for designing mail pieces and managing lists.

Offers bulk mail options with tracking features.

Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses looking for simple and effective direct mail automation.

4. Sendoso

Key Features:

Direct mail and gifting platform that automates the sending of personalized items such as thank-you notes, gifts, and promotional materials.

Integrates with CRMs, marketing tools, and sales platforms.

Advanced analytics and reporting to track campaign performance.

Personalizes direct mail based on customer data, using variables such as location or buying history.

Best For: Sales teams and marketers looking to enhance customer engagement with personalized direct mail.

5. Inkit

Key Features:

Automates the sending of personalized letters, postcards, and checks.

Offers templates, batch mailing, and analytics for performance tracking.

Integrates with CRMs, marketing automation, and e-commerce platforms for seamless workflow automation.

API-based integration for automating direct mail tasks directly within your workflow.

Best For: Businesses looking to automate high-volume direct mail campaigns at scale.

6. Postie

Key Features:

Full-service platform for creating and automating direct mail campaigns.

Personalization and segmentation features for more targeted campaigns.

Mail tracking and detailed performance analytics.

API and integrations with popular platforms like Shopify, Zapier, and more.

Best For: E-commerce businesses, especially those wanting an easy-to-use, affordable direct mail solution.

7. PFL (Printing For Less)

Key Features:

Personalized direct mail automation with custom designs.

Full integration with CRMs, marketing automation, and analytics platforms.

Provides a variety of print options, including postcards, letters, and brochures.

Data-driven direct mail for targeted marketing campaigns.

Best For: Large enterprises needing a customizable, high-quality direct mail solution.

8. Mailshake

Key Features:

Primarily an email outreach tool but also supports direct mail automation for marketing campaigns.

Allows for the automation of mail merges and sending personalized postcards and letters.

Tracking, reporting, and integration with CRM systems.

Excellent for lead generation campaigns with both email and direct mail components.

Best For: Businesses looking for a combination of email and direct mail marketing automation.

9. Tactile Mail

Key Features:

Direct mail automation with a focus on sending high-quality, personalized physical mail.

Integration with CRMs, e-commerce platforms, and lead management tools.

Detailed analytics on the effectiveness of direct mail campaigns.

Helps enhance customer relationships by sending branded, customized mail pieces.

Best For: Businesses focusing on personal, high-quality direct mail for customer engagement and loyalty.

10. Remail

Key Features:

Specializes in automated personalized direct mail such as postcards and letters.

Seamlessly integrates with CRMs, marketing platforms, and customer databases.

Provides tracking and analytics for campaign effectiveness.

Offers easy-to-use design tools to create customized direct mail pieces.

Best For: Marketing teams and e-commerce businesses looking for simple direct mail solutions with high personalization.

Conclusion:

These tools cater to businesses looking to automate and streamline their direct mail marketing efforts. Some products, like PostGrid and Lob, focus on robust API integrations for automating large campaigns, while others, like Sendoso and Click2Mail, offer easy-to-use platforms for small to medium-sized businesses with a focus on personalization and customer engagement. The best tool for you will depend on your company’s size, the complexity of your campaigns, and your specific integration needs.

Direct Mail Software refers to tools and platforms that help businesses design, automate, and manage direct mail marketing campaigns. These tools allow companies to send personalized physical mail (such as postcards, brochures, and letters) to targeted audiences in an efficient and streamlined way. Direct mail software often includes features like personalization, tracking, integration with CRM systems, and analytics to measure campaign effectiveness.

Here are some of the top direct mail software options:

1. PostGrid

Key Features:

Automates the process of creating and sending direct mail (postcards, letters, etc.).

Real-time address validation and address standardization.

Easy integration with CRMs, e-commerce platforms, and other business tools.

Provides API integration for seamless workflows.

Offers analytics and tracking for mail performance.

Best For: E-commerce businesses, marketers, and enterprises looking for automated direct mail solutions.

2. Lob

Key Features:

End-to-end automation for direct mail campaigns (postcards, letters, checks).

Real-time tracking and performance reporting.

Personalization and custom design options.

Integrates with CRM systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, and custom APIs.

Cloud-based system for easy access and management.

Best For: Large businesses and enterprises that need an efficient, scalable solution for direct mail automation.

3. Click2Mail

Key Features:

User-friendly platform for sending personalized direct mail.

API-based integration with CRMs, marketing automation platforms, and other tools.

Supports postcards, letters, brochures, and other direct mail types.

Batch mailing options for high-volume campaigns.

Provides detailed tracking and reporting of mail campaigns.

Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses looking for an easy-to-use direct mail platform.

4. Sendoso

Key Features:

Specializes in sending personalized gifts, thank-you notes, and promotional mail.

Integrates with CRMs, sales tools, and marketing platforms.

Advanced analytics and tracking to monitor campaign success.

Personalization features, including tailored gifts and mail items based on customer data.

Best For: Sales teams and marketers looking to build stronger customer relationships through personalized direct mail.

5. Inkit

Key Features:

Direct mail automation for letters, postcards, and checks.

Customizable templates and bulk mail options.

Real-time tracking and reporting on mail campaigns.

API integration for seamless automation.

Supports global direct mail, including international addresses.

Best For: Businesses needing to automate high-volume direct mail campaigns with global reach.

6. Postie

Key Features:

Full-service direct mail platform that automates the entire process.

Personalization and segmentation features for targeted campaigns.

Integration with Shopify, Zapier, and other platforms.

Comprehensive analytics and reporting for campaign insights.

Best For: E-commerce businesses looking for an affordable and easy way to integrate direct mail with their sales workflows.

7. PFL (Printing For Less)

Key Features:

Provides customizable print options for direct mail such as postcards, letters, and brochures.

API integrations with CRM and marketing platforms.

Advanced tracking and performance analysis.

Data-driven direct mail with segmentation and targeting.

Best For: Large enterprises needing a customizable direct mail solution.

8. Tactile Mail

Key Features:

Focuses on sending high-quality, personalized direct mail.

Integration with CRMs and marketing platforms for automated mail merges.

Detailed analytics on the effectiveness of direct mail campaigns.

Supports variable data printing for highly personalized messaging.

Best For: Companies focusing on high-quality, personalized direct mail for customer engagement.

9. Remail

Key Features:

Automated direct mail such as postcards, letters, and marketing materials.

Seamless integration with CRM systems for personalized campaigns.

Tracking and reporting of mail delivery and responses.

Easy-to-use platform for creating and managing mail campaigns.

Best For: Businesses looking for an easy-to-use platform for automating personalized direct mail.

10. Mailshake

Key Features:

Primarily an email outreach tool but also integrates direct mail campaigns.

Supports personalized direct mail merges and mail tracking.

Seamless integration with CRMs like Salesforce.

Provides campaign analytics and performance tracking.

Best For: Businesses combining email outreach with direct mail for lead generation and marketing.

Conclusion:

The best direct mail software for your business depends on your needs, such as integration with other tools (e.g., CRMs), campaign volume, personalization options, and ease of use. PostGrid, Lob, and Inkit are great choices for businesses looking for robust and scalable solutions, while Click2Mail and Sendoso are more accessible for small businesses or those needing easy-to-use tools for personalizing mail and engaging with customers.

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madeageny · 1 month ago

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Made Agency offer print services, complementing the efforts done online. Multi-channel marketing campaigns, blending the two approaches of digital and print strategies, have proved to be a successful route for reaching consumers on their varied touchpoints. A direct mail piece might spur the consumer on to check the website of the brand and see more about it, possibly buying the product. Social media campaigns can also bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds by using printed materials such as QR codes or promotional postcards. Print and digital marketing are not mutually exclusive, and it is best when they work in harmony with a single strategy.

#madeagency #print service #australia #sydney

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homeownersmarketingservices · 1 month ago

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How Mailing List Services Drive Success in Marketing Campaigns

Effective marketing hinges on delivering the right message to the right audience at the right time. This is where mailing list services and mailing lists for marketing come into play. By connecting businesses to their ideal customers, these tools empower organizations to craft targeted campaigns, foster meaningful relationships, and drive conversions. Whether your business is targeting local customers or niche industries, utilizing mailing lists strategically can significantly amplify your marketing efforts.

What Are Mailing List Services?

Mailing list services are platforms or providers that curate and manage lists of potential customers or business leads. These lists include valuable data like names, addresses, email contacts, demographics, and even purchasing behaviors. Using such lists allows businesses to create highly focused campaigns tailored to specific audiences.

Types of Mailing List Services:

Business-to-Business (B2B) Mailing Lists: Target other companies based on industry, size, or location.

Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Mailing Lists: Focus on individual consumers segmented by age, income, or interests.

Email Lists: Specialized for digital marketing campaigns, providing verified email contacts for direct outreach.

Direct Mail Lists: Curated for traditional marketing campaigns, helping businesses connect through physical mail.

Benefits of Mailing Lists for Marketing

Enhanced Targeting:By focusing on specific customer segments, mailing lists enable personalized communication that resonates with the audience. For instance, a fitness center could target health-conscious individuals in a particular area.

Cost Efficiency:Reaching only relevant prospects reduces wasted resources, making campaigns more cost-effective. With accurate mailing lists, businesses can allocate budgets toward high-potential leads.

Increased Engagement:Personalized campaigns crafted using detailed mailing list data tend to generate better engagement. Customers feel valued when marketing speaks directly to their needs.

Improved Conversion Rates:High-quality mailing lists ensure that your message reaches prospects most likely to convert, leading to better ROI.

Scalability:Whether you’re running a small campaign or targeting a nationwide audience, mailing list services can scale according to your business needs.

How to Use Mailing Lists for Marketing Success

Segment Your Audience:Divide your mailing list based on criteria like age, location, purchase history, or industry. This segmentation allows for tailored messaging that appeals to each group.

Craft Compelling Messages:Use the data provided by mailing list services to personalize your content. Include relevant offers, emotional appeals, or solutions to specific customer pain points.

Choose the Right Format:Decide between email campaigns, direct mail, or both. For example, a direct mail piece like a postcard can be effective for local promotions, while email is ideal for quick updates or e-commerce offers.

Test Your Campaigns:Conduct A/B testing with different segments to identify what resonates best. Experiment with subject lines, messaging, and call-to-action (CTA) strategies.

Track Performance:Measure the success of your campaigns using metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, or conversion rates. Use this data to optimize future campaigns.

Leading Mailing List Services

Here are some top providers to consider when planning your next campaign:

1. InfoUSA (Data Axle)

InfoUSA offers comprehensive mailing lists for marketing, including B2B and B2C options. Their platform allows businesses to customize lists based on demographics, purchase behaviors, and geographic areas.

2. Mailchimp

Mailchimp is widely known for its email marketing tools but also provides segmentation features to enhance mailing list efficiency. It’s ideal for small businesses launching email-based campaigns.

3. LeadsPlease

LeadsPlease focuses on providing targeted direct mail and email lists. They cater to small businesses by offering customizable options and affordable pricing.

4. Experian Data Quality

With a focus on data accuracy, Experian provides mailing list services that include rich consumer insights. Their robust tools ensure businesses target the right audience effectively.

5. Exact Data

Exact Data specializes in segmented mailing lists for marketing, allowing businesses to filter by industry, behavior, or location. Their platform is ideal for highly targeted campaigns.

Real-World Applications of Mailing Lists

Case Study 1: Local Restaurant Promotion

A family-owned restaurant used a mailing list service to target nearby residents with a direct mail campaign offering a 20% discount. Within weeks, they saw a 25% increase in foot traffic and gained new repeat customers.

Case Study 2: E-Commerce Growth

An online retailer leveraged email mailing lists for marketing a seasonal sale. By targeting previous customers and similar audiences, they boosted sales by 30% during the promotional period.

Tips for Choosing a Mailing List Service

Data Accuracy:Ensure the provider updates their database regularly to avoid sending messages to outdated or incorrect contacts.

Customization Options:Look for services that allow advanced segmentation to tailor campaigns to your specific audience.

Integration Capabilities:Select a mailing list service that integrates with your existing CRM or marketing tools.

Compliance:Verify that the provider complies with regulations like GDPR or CCPA to ensure ethical and legal data usage.

Cost Transparency:Choose a service that fits your budget without hidden fees.

The Future of Mailing Lists for Marketing

As data-driven marketing continues to evolve, mailing lists are becoming even more sophisticated. Advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are enabling more precise audience segmentation and personalized messaging. For businesses, this means improved ROI and better customer relationships.

Integrating mailing lists with omnichannel strategies—combining email, direct mail, and digital marketing—can further amplify results, ensuring your message reaches customers through their preferred channels.

Conclusion

Investing in mailing list services and leveraging mailing lists for marketing is a proven way to drive targeted campaigns that deliver results. By personalizing messages, focusing on high-quality data, and choosing the right platforms, businesses can enhance customer engagement, increase sales, and achieve sustained growth. Whether you’re running a local campaign or a national initiative, mailing lists remain an indispensable tool in modern marketing.

#mailing list services #mailing list services for marketing

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dzinesoniya · 1 month ago

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Differences between Digital Marketing and Traditional Marketing

Marketing is an essential aspect of any business, but with technological advancements, the approach to promoting products and services has evolved. Today, businesses have two primary options: digital marketing and traditional marketing. Understanding their differences can help you choose the right strategy for your business.

What is Traditional Marketing?

Traditional marketing refers to methods that have been used for decades to reach customers. These include:

Print Media: Advertisements in newspapers, magazines, and brochures.

Broadcast Media: Television and radio commercials.

Outdoor Advertising: Billboards, posters, and banners.

Direct Mail: Flyers, postcards, and catalogs sent to potential customers.

These methods are widely recognized and provide a tangible experience to audiences. However, they often involve higher costs and limited tracking capabilities for performance metrics.

What is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing utilizes online platforms and tools to promote products or services. Common techniques include:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Improving website visibility in search engine results.

Social Media Marketing: Leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for brand promotion.

Content Marketing: Creating and sharing blogs, videos, and infographics to engage audiences.

Email Marketing: Direct communication with customers through personalized emails.

Pay-Per-Click (PPC): Paid ads on platforms like Google and social media.

Digital marketing offers businesses the advantage of precise targeting, cost efficiency, and real-time performance tracking. The best digital marketing company in Bhubaneswar can help businesses achieve these goals effectively.

Key Differences Between Digital and Traditional Marketing

Audience Reach

Traditional marketing often targets a broad audience in a specific location.

Digital marketing enables targeted advertising based on demographics, interests, and online behavior.

Cost Efficiency

Traditional marketing campaigns can be expensive due to printing, broadcasting, and distribution costs.

Digital marketing typically provides more affordable options, allowing small businesses to compete effectively.

Engagement

Traditional marketing methods are mostly one-sided, where the audience consumes the content without interaction.

Digital marketing encourages active engagement through likes, comments, and shares.

Tracking and Analytics

Traditional marketing offers limited tools to measure success, often relying on surveys or general sales trends.

Digital marketing provides detailed insights into campaign performance, including impressions, clicks, and conversions.

Flexibility

Traditional campaigns require significant lead time for planning and execution.

Digital marketing campaigns can be launched and adjusted quickly, responding to market changes in real time.

Which is Better for Your Business?

The choice between traditional and digital marketing depends on your business goals, target audience, and budget. For businesses aiming to establish a strong online presence and reach a tech-savvy audience, digital marketing is the clear winner. By partnering with the best digital marketing company in Bhubaneswar, you can craft strategies that align with your objectives and maximize results.

Conclusion

Both traditional and digital marketing have their own strengths and limitations. While traditional marketing remains relevant for certain audiences, the versatility and measurable outcomes of digital marketing make it indispensable in today's business landscape. By understanding these differences, businesses can allocate their resources effectively and achieve their marketing goals.

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mailbusinessflyers · 2 months ago

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How to Design Business Postcards That Drive Customer Engagement

Business postcards are an effective and low-cost marketing tool that can capture customer attention quickly. With the right design, a postcard can encourage engagement and brand recognition, and drive conversions.

1. Define the Objective of Your Postcard

Before designing, establish a clear purpose for the postcard:

Promotional: Highlight sales, discounts, or new products.

Event Invitations: Announce events, openings, or webinars.

Brand Awareness: Reinforce brand identity with a consistent message.

Customer Retention: Thank customers, remind them of appointments, or send seasonal greetings.

Knowing the purpose allows you to craft a message and design that resonates with your audience.

2. Embrace Minimalism and Simplicity

Postcards have limited space, so simplicity is key:

Clear Hierarchy: Make the main message the most prominent element. This could be a headline, an offer, or a call-to-action.

White Space: Use white space to reduce clutter and make key messages stand out.

Readable Fonts: Stick to 1-2 fonts and ensure they are large enough to read easily.

3. Compelling Visuals and Imagery

High-quality images or illustrations make a postcard more attractive:

Eye-Catching Images: Choose images that reflect your brand and resonate with your audience. Make sure they are high resolution for printing.

Colors that Match Your Brand: Use your brand’s color scheme to maintain consistency.

Strategic Placement: Place images where they draw attention without overwhelming the text.

4. Crafting a Powerful Headline

The headline is often the first thing recipients see, so make it count:

Clear and Concise: The message should be instantly understandable.

Action-Oriented Language: Use words like “Discover,” “Save,” “Join,” or “Learn More” to encourage action.

Emphasize Value: Highlight the benefit, whether it’s a discount, an exclusive event, or helpful information.

5. Add a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

Every business postcard should include a CTA that tells recipients what to do next:

Direct and Visible: Position the CTA prominently on the postcard.

Encourage Immediate Action: Use phrases like “Call Now,” “Visit Us Today,” or “Shop Online.”

Make It Easy to Act: Provide website URLs, phone numbers, or QR codes for a seamless experience.

6. Personalization for Maximum Engagement

Personalized postcards have higher engagement rates:

Variable Data Printing: Many mailing services offer this feature, allowing you to personalize each postcard with the recipient’s name or other data.

Tailored Offers: Based on customer history or location, customize offers to increase relevance.

7. Optimize for Readability and Brand Consistency

Maintain readability and keep the design aligned with your brand:

Large, Bold Fonts: Especially for headlines and offers.

Consistent Branding: Include your logo and use brand colors, fonts, and voice.

Contact Information: Ensure your business contact information is easily accessible.

8. Pay Attention to the Back of the Postcard

Many designers overlook the back, but it’s valuable real estate:

Secondary Message: Include supporting details like your website, social media, or additional offers.

Address Area Compliance: Ensure you follow postal regulations for the address placement.

9. Test and Measure Engagement

Evaluate the effectiveness of your postcard campaigns:

A/B Testing: Test different designs or CTAs to see what resonates best.

Track Responses: Use QR codes, unique URLs, or promo codes to track engagement and response rates.

Analyze Feedback: Ask customers for feedback, and use it to refine future designs.

10. Sustainability and Printing Choices

Choose sustainable options for printing to appeal to eco-conscious customers:

Eco-Friendly Materials: Use recycled paper and environmentally friendly inks.

Digital Proofing: Review digital proofs to minimize paper waste before printing.

Conclusion

Designing effective business postcards requires a balance of visual appeal, clarity, and compelling messaging. By following these best practices and focusing on customer engagement, your postcards can be a powerful tool for reaching and connecting with your audience. A well-designed postcard can leave a lasting impression, boost brand loyalty, and drive conversions.

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costsdirectmailapi · 2 months ago

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Direct Mail Marketing Costs: How to Budget for Maximum Returns

Direct mail marketing has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses to engage customers and drive conversions. However, managing the costs associated with direct mail campaigns can be a challenge. Understanding how to budget effectively for these campaigns is crucial to ensuring that your investment yields maximum returns. This article will explore the various components of direct mail marketing costs and offer strategies for budgeting effectively.

1. Understanding the Components of Direct Mail Costs

Direct mail marketing costs can be broken down into several key components:

Design Costs: This includes graphic design, copywriting, and any other creative work necessary to produce your direct mail pieces. Quality design is essential for capturing attention and driving response rates.

Printing Costs: The type of paper, color, and printing methods chosen can significantly impact printing costs. High-quality materials may incur higher costs, but they can also enhance the effectiveness of your campaign.

Postage Costs: Depending on the size and weight of your mail pieces, postage can be a significant portion of your budget. It’s essential to factor in the costs associated with mailing, which can vary based on the postal service and mailing options selected.

Data Acquisition and Management: The cost of acquiring mailing lists or maintaining and cleaning existing lists can impact your overall budget. Investing in quality data is crucial for targeting the right audience.

Distribution and Fulfillment: If you choose to outsource your mailing, distribution and fulfillment costs will also need to be considered. These costs can vary based on the volume and complexity of your campaign.

2. Setting Clear Goals and Objectives

Before diving into budgeting, it’s essential to establish clear goals and objectives for your direct mail campaign. Are you aiming to generate leads, increase sales, or promote a specific product? Understanding your goals will help determine the overall budget and guide your decisions regarding design, audience targeting, and distribution methods.

3. Researching Your Target Audience

A well-researched target audience is critical to the success of any direct mail campaign. The costs associated with reaching your audience can vary depending on factors such as demographics and geographic location. By understanding your target audience, you can better allocate your budget towards data acquisition and segmentation efforts that will yield the highest response rates.

4. Choosing the Right Format

Direct mail comes in various formats, including postcards, brochures, catalogs, and letters. Each format has its associated costs, and the choice you make will significantly impact your budget. Postcards, for example, may be more cost-effective compared to multi-page brochures, but they may not convey as much information. Consider your campaign objectives and select the format that best aligns with your goals while being mindful of your budget.

5. Optimizing Printing and Production Costs

To keep printing and production costs in check, consider the following strategies:

Bulk Printing: Printing in larger quantities often leads to lower per-piece costs. If you anticipate sending multiple mailings, consider batching them together to take advantage of bulk printing discounts.

Material Selection: While high-quality materials can enhance your direct mail piece, it’s essential to balance quality with cost. Research various materials and their associated costs to find a suitable option that aligns with your budget.

Simple Designs: Complex designs with intricate folds or multiple colors can increase production costs. Simplifying your design can help manage costs without sacrificing effectiveness.

6. Utilizing Data Wisely

Investing in quality data can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. Here are some ways to utilize data wisely in your budgeting:

Segment Your Audience: Instead of sending a blanket mailing to your entire list, segment your audience based on demographics, purchasing behavior, or engagement history. Targeted mailings tend to perform better, resulting in higher response rates and better ROI.

Clean Your Mailing List: Regularly cleaning and maintaining your mailing list ensures that you are sending pieces to the right people. This practice minimizes waste and reduces costs associated with undeliverable mail.

7. Tracking and Analyzing Results

After executing your direct mail campaign, tracking and analyzing the results is crucial for understanding your ROI. Use metrics such as response rates, conversion rates, and overall revenue generated to evaluate the effectiveness of your campaign. This data will not only help assess the current campaign but also inform future budgeting decisions and strategies.

8. Consider the Lifecycle of Your Campaign

When budgeting for direct mail, consider the lifecycle of your campaign. This includes not just the initial costs of design, printing, and mailing, but also ongoing expenses related to follow-up communications, customer engagement, and potential re-targeting efforts. By adopting a long-term perspective, you can allocate your budget more effectively and maximize your return on investment.

9. Reviewing and Adjusting Your Budget Regularly

Lastly, it’s essential to review and adjust your budget regularly based on campaign performance and changes in the market. Flexibility in budgeting allows you to capitalize on new opportunities and address any challenges that may arise. Keeping a close eye on your budget will help you make informed decisions and ensure that you remain on track to achieve your goals.

Conclusion

Budgeting for direct mail marketing costs requires careful consideration of various factors, from design and printing to data management and distribution. By understanding the components of direct mail costs and implementing strategic budgeting practices, businesses can effectively manage their marketing expenses and maximize their returns. With clear goals, well-researched audiences, and a focus on optimization, direct mail can be a cost-effective and powerful marketing tool that drives results.

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