November is 'News Month' at FreePint - the month in which VIP publishes its comprehensive comparative review of news offerings from the major aggregators, along with the results of our survey of users' needs and preferences with regard to news. As I write this, we're nearing the end of what is always a substantial project. Hundreds of hours have gone into research, writing, fact-checking, analysis and, now, production.

As challenging as it is to undertake a project of this scope, VIP subscribers look forward to it every year - some have even told us that the single report is worth the price of their annual subscription because of the time it saves them and insight it offers. (If you're not yet a subscriber, you can preorder at a discount.)

This year's survey covered more than the products under review: We also solicited input on how information professionals address broader needs for news within their organisations, including free resources, digital versions of print products and other elements in the news revolution currently taking place around us. (You'll see plenty of comment on this revolution on the VIP LiveWire - see extracts in this issue of FreePint and visit the LiveWire for more.)

One interesting trend cropped up in the comments many survey respondents added to their quantitative feedback: They are building their own feeds from the many free or low-cost tools now available. They are defining what 'news' is relevant to their organisations, and then they are building the mechanisms to deliver it.

I expect we'll see more of this 'grow your own' approach. FUMSI contributors Scott Brown and Nicole Engard can jump-start your learning, with their step-by-step guides on how to use Yahoo! Pipes to create relevant, customised information resources, and library mashups. If a page has an RSS feed, it can be Piped. Try their tips and share your creation on the FreePint Bar, where you'll find plenty of like-minded professionals to comment.

Another important finding from the news survey that resonates with what we've heard elsewhere (e.g., in the VIP Report: Economic Impact Research) is the increasing importance of free resources, even as information professionals make the case for paid products. I'll be speaking about this trend at Online Information in an information masterclass titled Content Portfolios: Merging 'Free' and 'Fee'. If you'll be at the show on Wednesday 2nd December, come to Theatre C at 13:15 to hear it, and then stop by the FreePint stand no. 122 to say hello.

In other Online Information-related news, we're delighted to sponsor the AIIP's Presidents' Breakfast.. If you are contemplating a move into self-employment, or if you've made the leap, the Association of Independent Information Professionals is the best support organisation out there; and the breakfast (Tuesday 1st December) is an excellent opportunity to meet the leadership and network with a great group of people.

There's lots happening at Online Information this year, so complete our RSVP form to get the latest updates, whether you're able to attend or not. We're looking forward to seeing so many of our friends and partners soon.