Let the News Come to You

For the busy, the desk-chained and the 417-landers who just need to be in the know: Newsletters bring updates, deals and events to your inbox.

Newsletter: Well Fed Head

Who it’s for: avid readers

The schtick: The downtown Springfield bookstore’s newsletter announces upcoming events, such as book club meetings, book signings and poetry slams.

Highlights: A recent newsletter asked whether Cormack McCarthy’s The Road was hype or the real deal. The fun part was owners Mike Sowers and Beth Buczynski’s account of their simultaneous reading of the book and their race to finish it first. And what does it all mean? Well, the Well Fed Head Book Club was about to discuss the book, and as a newsletter recipient, I was invited.

How to sign up: Visit wellfedhead.com.

Newsletter: 417 Magazine Best of the Week and GO Magazine Weekly Hot Tip Sheet

Who it’s for: movers and shakers

The schtick: Every Monday morning, 417 Magazine and GO Magazine send out updates with events and news for each day of the current week. There are wine tastings, discounts at 417-land eateries, concerts, plays, opportunities to participate in magazine-sponsored contests and lots more.

Highlights: Boredom will forget who you are after a month or so of using these to plan your social schedule. A recent Best of the Week had everything from Taco Tuesdays at Qdoba to a comedy show at the Gillioz. The Hot Tip Sheet that made the rounds at press time had a new GOnection (GO’s free networking events for the young and connected), a concert at Springfield Brewing Company and a chance to nominate people for this year’s 20 Under 30 awards.

How to sign up: Visit 417mag.com or springfieldgo.com

Newsletter: Springfield Business Journal

Who it’s for: people with a nose for the business world
The schtick: It’s no-fluff and down-to-business, but this newsletter is packed with updates on the goings-on in Springfield. You get the facts, Jack, in blurby headlines that link to the Springfield Business Journal’s website for the whole story.

Highlights: SBJ’s newsletters are super-customizable. There are 21 options, from general daily
updates and breaking news to many specific topics.

How to sign up: Visit sbj.net.

Newsletter: Randy Bacon Gallery Sounds

Who it’s for: music-lovers

The schtick: Photographer Randy Bacon brings some awesome music (mostly indie rock) to his gallery space. This newsletter has updates on upcoming bands and musicians who’ll be performing Gallery Sounds shows at the Monarch Factory.

Highlights: If names like Xiu Xiu, the Evangelicals, Cat Power, Yo La Tengo and local sweethearts Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin mean anything to you, you’ll know why these concerts are newsworthy.

How to sign up: Visit gallerysounds.net.

Newsletter: The Springfield News-Leader Daily Headlines

Who it’s for: super-busy news addicts

The Schtick: Every day, the Springfield News-Leader sends out the top news stories and headlines. This is a no-frills newsletter. You get just a teaser, really, but it’ll tell you what you ought to keep an ear open for.

Highlights: This is great for busy people who just want to get a feel for the day’s news atmosphere. The newsletter links back to the paper’s website, so you can read up on the stories that interest you.

How to sign up: Visit news-leader.com.