You can stay in touch with the latest news in direct mail through these newsgroups, all of which are operated free of charge.  None accept advertising, and all are moderated to ensure that only relevant items are published.

DMS - the world's largest direct mail news group.  About 5 emails a week on average.  To join send an email to direct-mail-secrets-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Education Marketing - the definitive guide to selling to teachers, parents, and lecturers.  About 10 emails a week.  To join send an email to education-marketing-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

CreativeDirect - a running commentary and debate on the ways to raise response rates in direct mail.  About 3 emails a week.  To join send an email to creativedirect-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Marketing Minute - a once a week reflection on a key point in direct marketing.  No discussion, just a weekly piece from the authors of this web site.  To join send an email to marketingminutes-subscribe@yahoogroups.com 

To leave just send a message from the same email address but substitute "unsubscribe" for "subscribe" in the address.  Again you will get a confirmation message - reply and you will be out.