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• You have the ability to send a Newsletter via GFC – I try not to send these often.  You don’t want to create over-kill and lose readers/followers.  There’s an option for you to preview your newsletter before sending it out – click on preview and send it to yourself.  A disclosure is already included in the email for subscribers to unsubscribe should they want to.
• You have the ability to place a Newsletter gadget on your site – This is specifically for you to be able to have someone sign up for your newsletter.   
• You can ask visitors when they join your site to subscribe to your newsletter – Simply check the box just above ‘Compose a newsletter’ when you’re under the ‘Newsletter’ tab.  You do not need to send a newsletter out to utilize this feature.
• You have access to several gadgets via GFC – You’ll find these under the Gadgets tab
• You can gather your member’s interests – There is a guide under the ‘Interest’ tab you can read to see what it’s all about and give you ideas.
• You can create a Poll gadget – You’ll find this under the ‘Interests’ tab.
• You can moderate your followers – You can view everyone who is a member of your site.  You can invite people to join you via GFC.  You can block followers from your site.   
• You can export your site’s Friend Connect data in JSON and XML as well as CSV format for spreadsheet analysis 
• There are Plug-ins & API’s ( I won’t even go there on this one…I don’t know enough about API’s)
• You can create a sign in prompt, a sign out prompt, an un-join prompt and a Join Confirm Message.  For instance, I’ve left the sign in and out prompt as what they already have for a default. When one joins my site though, I have a welcome message.  Likewise, when they unjoin my site, I have a message simply saying I am sorry to see them go and to feel free to come back anytime.
• View site analytics – See total members and new members over time

There are two publications.  One for the older children and one for the younger children. They also have a link for those who prefer Newsletters.  Heck…if you want to keep it a secret for Christmas, you could even subscribe them to the magazine and put a note in their stocking or the magazine itself (if it has arrived) for a stocking stuffer.

To begin receiving the magazine follow these steps:

• Go here and Select your region (right top of page)
• On the ‘Home” page, you’ll see “Recommendations” on the right. Directly under you’ll see the button for “Lego Club”
• Click on “Lego Club” that will take you to another page
• At the top of the page you will see the “Behind the Bricks” tab
• In the middle of the page you’ll see “FREE Lego Club Magazine” and the “Sign Up” button (this same page has the link to sign up for the newsletter as well)

I know my daughter loves receiving mail.  For that matter, I love receiving ‘fun’ mail.  I imagine your kids would look forward to receiving mail just for them, just as much!

Make it a great Friday!