Answer:
A couple of reasons. Firstly, BerBiz had a very large following worldwide and it was a useful source of information. Many of those people have regularly asked me to re-consider, simply because they have lost touch with Bermuda and they don't seem to know of any network focused on Bermuda that they can rely on. Secondly, as I get older (!!), I realise that I do miss the regular contact with people and it gives me something to do ;-)))

Answer:
The BerBiz e-mail network is a CLOSED network - meaning that one subscriber cannot communicate with another member, or the full membership, through the network. Over the years, many subscribers voiced the opinion that an OPEN network would be of interest. I wanted to provide that, but at the same time, I believe that we get enough e-mails as it is - and once a week from BerBiz would be sufficient - therefore to protect you from more e-mails, BerBiz e-mail newsletter will stay closed. However, to satisfy those who DO want an open network, I have created the BerBiz Group at Linked in. Also, not all Industry Reports which we distribute will be published on the BerBiz e-mail newsletter - many of them will only be published through LinkedIn.

Answer:
The first reason is to provide a reliable facility to members to communicate with every other member of the BerBiz Group by sending a message to the Group. Having said that, my research is indicating that as much as 98% of members of such a Group do NOT use the facility to send messages - they are merely satisfied with receiving messages and getting industry reports for example. Yes - 98%.

Moreover, over the years of Berbiz, I found that most people are hesitant, (perhaps even, "embarrassed"), about seeing their name/message displayed all over the place. Nonetheless, I also realised that many people actually do have questions that they would like an answer to.... therefore I have decided to incorporate a new idea in "new" BerBiz.

If you have a question (or even a comment) but don't want to post it yourself, send it to me (Bill), and I will post it for you as Group Owner. People will reply to everyone - or alternatively directly back to me. I will then send on the replies to you as originator of the question. If a "thread" starts, I will control it. Silly, stupid or offensive questions/comments will get what they deserve right at the outset !!!

Answer:
Firstly, in the 15 years I published BerBiz I never once unilaterally added an e-mail address to the BerBiz List. Moreover, I never once sold, or distributed the e-mail list to anyone. It was tightly controlled. That will not change.

Secondly, I never "pinched" e-mail addresses from anywhere and added them to BerBiz. Everyone on the list added their own name. That will be the same with the "new" BerBiz mailing list.

Lastly, I will never unilaterally add you as a member of BerBiz at LinkedIn. You must decide yourself to join (or not).

Answer:
Never.

Answer:

Not in the early stages. In due course, consideration will be given to accepting banner adverts on the e-mail newsletter - probably by sector - and also the BerBiz website. The marketing power of the "old" BerBiz was substantial, and over the years many organisations took advantage of the focused delivery along a dedicated marketing channel. Maybe the "new" BerBiz will do likewise, but let's wait and see.

The BerBiz e-mail newsletter will have 50 weekly issues each year.

I'd be happy to discuss your thoughts or interests. E-mail me at berbiz@logic.bm

Answer:
Once it builds back up to a sizable community, then consideration will be given to developing a fee schedule for distributing reports direct online to the membership.

Answer:
Not for many years !!

Seriously ... I don't use Twitter. I am not sure that people wanting news and information about Bermuda, need "breaking news". The weekly e-mail is timely enough and if something happens which requires a more immediate notification, the BerBiz Special e-mails will still be issued. Similarly, such announcements will be made on BerBiz at LinkedIn.

Furthermore, I don't even have a Blackberry - how awful !!! Mind you, at this age, I'd probably need an Elderberry ..!!!! However, I do have a Facebook page - where apparently you will find that I have hundreds of friends - some 95% of whom I have never heard of. Ah, the joys of "social media". What next ... ?

Answer:

Similarly, I have thought about doing a BerBiz Blog - but again, I don't see the need for a constant flow of information. Using new technological wizardry to dazzle people is neither my style, nor I would argue, what BerBiz people are wanting. They want Bermuda updates in a clear, concise and straightforward manner. If I'm wrong, let me know and I'll re-think.

Answer:
Yes - they are very happy to support BerBiz (as they have done for 15 years). They are fully aware of the structure and content of the new BerBiz. We will include a hyperlink on the full story in, and will direct BerBiz subscribers to, the Gazette Online for daily news. BerBiz is independent of the Royal Gazette.

BerBiz also receives many press releases, company announcements and official notices.