ClipFillers

What Are They?

Pre-written newsletter fillers, or ClipFillers, as we call them, was the original concept that gave rise to ClipCopy Content Solutions. They provide the newsletter publisher or editor with a 'virtual' staff writer or columnist whose main task is to supply conventional filler copy covering many subjects. By using them, the publisher or newsletter editor has a better chance of getting the right balance of humor, advice and 'regular' columns.

ClipFillers can be particularly useful in establishing a certain 'tone' and achieving overall balance. The ongoing nature of many items when used as 'regulars' can also help in the never-ending quest for loyal followers. These newsletter fillers (or newsletter enhancers, as we prefer to call them), which are sometimes referred to as canned content, instant content, off-the-peg or off-the-shelf content and so on, are suitable for newsletters (including ezines), or for websites, blogs etc .This category is arranged in easily recognized sub-categories, all with the prefix 'Clip'. Find the ones most suitable for you by referring to the Focus, Tone, or word length columns (Wds).

Note for visitors: non-members who want to sample ClipCopy can open the last two items on any page.

Sub-Category Display Pages

To find a suitable item, click one of the Newsletter Fillers sub-categories in the left sidebar and you will be taken to a list. Each list contains other 'groupings' such as a Tone column, a Focus field, and so on, to help you quickly ascertain an item's suitability for your newsletter. Another useful column to consider is the Working Title, which is a good guide to the subject covered but, as implied, is optional (in other words, you may change it to suit your publication).

Amazing Facts (ClipFacts)

The newsletter fillers on this page are all short articles, or 'factoids', of varying length, covering general knowledge in all its facets. They are usually of the 'Fancy That!' variety of fillers, or of the 'Guinness Book of Records' genre, though there are many variations including statistical facts, little-known facts, well-known facts, little known facts about well-known people, places, times etc.

Amusing Anecdotes (ClipFunnies)

ClipFunnies consists of funny anecdotes and stories that are so called because they are really amusing 'mini articles', rather than jokes (which have a category of their own). They consist of humorous articles of up to 100 words (though usually more like 20) that don't fit the normally accepted classification of 'jokes'.

Cool Quizzes (ClipQuizzes)

Quizzes make first class newsletter fillers as, like many puzzles, some readers find them addictive—and that's good! There's nothing better than an addicted reader for your newsletter. ClipQuizzes are mostly simple quizzes, usually focused on a particular theme and consisting of 5 questions each, complete with answers. They can be adapted in many ways. For example, you might want to put the answers to each quiz you feature in the following edition of your newsletter, or upside down at the bottom of the page, or via a link to somewhere else. They can be 'mixed and matched' too. Every newsletter could benefit from featuring a quiz or riddle of some sort to cater for puzzle addicts—they'll itch for the next edition!

Crazy Cartoons (ClipToons)

ClipToons are popular in many newsletters to lighten the overall content and, used regularly, you'd be surprised how many of your readers become loyal followers just because of the addition of this feature. It's a relatively small collection but with plans for it to grow ever larger.

Great Quotations (ClipQuotes)

ClipQuotes consists of many well-known, as well as many little-known but witty, quotations. Quotations from the famous and the infamous, from historic figures to one-day pop wonders, from all ages and all cultures. Appropriate quotations are always popular additions to any newsletter.

Hilarious Jokes (ClipJokes)

Jokes, when the context is right, make excellent newsletter fillers and these consist of some old favorites plus many that are sure to be new to you. Various length jokes, many grouped according to a theme, are included and most are just harmless fun. Always read them before publishing though, because there are a few that might be considered 'adult humor'.

Silly And Wise Verses (ClipVerses)

Brighten up your newsletters with verses from old and well known poets or new and untried ones. Witty, amusing, often profound (or occasionally profane) newsletter fillers are always in great demand and that's just what ClipVerses are. Some of the limericks are hilarious but be careful and keep your target readership in mind; some are definitely a little 'off-color'.

Treasury Of Tips (ClipTips)

ClipTips consists of a wide range of helpful tips and hints to complement practically any newsletter, ezine or webpage. In order to make the individual categories of tips easy to find, they are further sub-divided, under the Focus heading, into the following self-explanatory sections: CarTips, CookTips, FashionTips, HealthTips, PetCareTips, SafetyTips and TravelTips.

Wily Word Puzzles (ClipPuzzles)

This group of newsletter fillers consist mostly of that old favorite, the crossword puzzle. They are all 81 squares (9 x 9) simple crosswords to amuse but that are not too taxing. All files are in Rich Text Format (.rtf) which means they should be usable whichever Operating System you have. If the files look peculiar in your browser when you open them though, try downloading in the usual way and then opening them again in a DTP program or word processor.

Wisdom Of The Ages (ClipWisdom)

This group of newsletter fillers consists of many motivational and inspirational sayings. Parables, proverbs and other well known and not so well known maxims are also to be found here. Every newsletter can be improved with a sprinkling of ancient and modern wisdom.

World Of Recipes (ClipRecipes)

ClipRecipes consist of a wide selection of dishes to cater for a wide range of tastes. They are popular in many newsletters, even some completely unrelated to food. It's a relatively small collection but with plans for it to grow and cater for ever widening new taste demands

Searching For Copy

If you know a particular word or phrase that you think would be bound to occur somewhere in a relevant item (i.e. a Keyword or Keyword Phrase), then take advantage of our site search feature on the Members Home Page, which is the first page you see when you log in as a member.

Other Resources

If you can't find a suitable item focused on the topic you have in mind, click on the Resource Links button at the top of the left column. There you will find the most comprehensive directories of content providers, writers and publishers you are likely to find anywhere. Apart from the Directory Of Newsletter Content Providers, which is available to non-members as well, these directories are an exclusive resource for ClipCopy members only.

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