Gerry Nicholls

Anatomy of a Bad Fundraising Letter

Recently somebody passed along to me a year-end fundraising appeal from the federal New Democratic Party. I found it offensive, not for ideological reasons, but because it was a poorly written, poorly constructed letter. In fact, to my mind it utterly failed as direct mail fundraising material. Why do I say that? Well see below. I have reproduced the letter, with my commentary in bold font:

Ontario election prediction and analysis

Here is my much anticipated official prediction for the 2011 Ontario provincial election: The final seat tally will be - Liberals: 55 PCs: 33 NDP: 19 (I hope that adds up.)

Here’s Why Suzuki is Really Endorsing McGuinty

Canada’s High Priest of Climate Change, AKA David Suzuki, has blustered into the Ontario election like a global-warming caused hurricane.

The Ontario election, the OLA and Demorcacy

It looks like the Toronto media and the political establishment have a new villain: the Ontario Landowners Association.

Canada an awesome country

It’s time once again to celebrate Canada Day! Amid the hoopla, I hope Canadians remember Canada Day is more than just a holiday.

Wondering about Rae

"I'd rather eat glass than see Bob Rae elected leader of my party."

My Open Letter to Stephen Harper

- From Gerrynicholls.blogspot.com Dear Stephen: Congratulations on your recent historic victory!

Signs of Liberal demise

Lots of debate as to whether or not the Liberal Party is dead or just in an irreversible coma.

My best guess

Yesterday on the Caldwell Account, I predicted the Conservatives would win a majority government.

Twitterers beware

There are certain Twitterers who better make sure Elections Canada is not on their followers list. I am referring to those in the Twitterverse who plan to defy Canada's election law by posting real-time voting results on election night.

This election isn’t truly free

I hate to interrupt all the political attack ads and partisan sniping by discussing an actual issue.

Why did the Opposition do it?

The big question of the day has to be: Is the Opposition crazy? I mean, it makes total sense for the Conservatives to want an election this spring. The polls look good, the country is in no mood to change governments, the Liberals are weak. It all adds up to a Tory majority.

Union bosses bashing democracy in Ontario

Working Families is a front group for big union bosses. Nothing wrong with that.

Why the “In and out” scandal won’t stick

Lots of buzz about the so-called "In and out" scandal.

Ronald Reagan’s real achievement

It's a time to remember Reagan and to celebrate his legacy. And what a legacy.

2010 a good year for Canadian conservatives

All things considered 2010 was a pretty good year for Canada’s conservative movement.

Ban on political ads is another Green Party bad idea

- National Post Apparently the Green Party believes political “attack ads” are not good for the environment.

Singing the UN Blues?

Making Sense with Nicholls By now we all know the sad story: Canada wanted a seat on the “Security Council” but the UN passed us over, bestowing seats instead to Portugal and Germany. Portugal and Germany?!

Let’s Flatten Our Taxes

The human species has an instinctive dislike of taxes.

Let’s be the bad boy

According to news media reports, Canada is a “pariah” when it comes to fighting global warming.