iContact to PHPList Migration

Goal I am looking for help with migrating from iContact ([login to view URL]) to PHPlist ([login to view URL]). I'd also like some coaching on how to make PHPlist do what we need it to do. Project Budget and Milestones * coach on how to set-up PHPlist, migrate data from iContact, send off a first monthly newsletter in PHPlist and answer a few questions * would like to have project completed in November We will pay the winning bidder all fees we agree to promptly. If the work meets or exceeds our expectations, we will also provide a written testimonial and will consider you first for future requirements. Background I serve as a volunteer for a running club. We send out a newsletter to an opt-in list of 1500 members and friends every month. It's a simple, template-based HTML newsletter that contains photos and text. Nothing very sophisticated. For the past 4 years, we have used iContact to manage the distribution of the newsletter. iContact is a great application. The problem is, we're a not-for-profit. It costs us about $35 / month to use iContact. It's not much money for a big business, but it adds up for a club on a shoestring budget. Also, the price goes up as the number of newsletter subscribers grow and we'd like to grow. My research to date has shown that [login to view URL] is a viable alternative to what I am now using. It appears to offer most of the functionality I need. It is open source, so there are no ongoing monthly fees. We have server space available. Our website is in Drupal, so I have some experience working with open source software. A friend has even installed a version of PHPlist for me to test, but I am not sure where to start. I fear that on my own, I will either not get started or will get started, make a mess and give up. I need help from someone who is familiar with both PHPlist and iContact to help me get off iContact, onto PHPlist and productive with PHPlist. Ideally, someone I can go to from time to time for help if I need it. Detailed Scope I am specifically looking for advice and assistance on: * installation of PHPlist (have a copy installed on test server, but not sure that everything done properly) * best practises for maintaining PHPlist (simple coaching on how to make sure we keep it working well) * integrating PHPlist on Drupal (v6.1) CMS (best module to use. How to best use it.) * porting of subscriber data from iContact to PHPlist (make sure we do it right the first time) * setup of newsletter templates in PHPlist (make sure what we now use on iContact can be used in PHPlist) * setup of other template emails that we would like to send at specific times throughout the year (send standard emails to a group of subscribers at certain times during year) * testing/debugging of newsletter and reminder emails (want to make sure we can manage in the future) * advise/assist with other needs, as they arise (please state your ongoing hourly rate) Notes and Questions We'd prefer to work with someone who knows PHPList very well. Ideally, one who has successfully migrated several clients from iContact to PHPlist. Please provide a brief outline of your experience with iContact and PHPlist. How long have you been using each application? How many times have you migrated someone from iContact to PHPlist? Apart from your technical expertise, I will need to be able to communicate with you. I write/speak English and German, so you will need to be able to work with me in one of those languages. I propose we use Skype for any calls. If there is any information you need to bid that I've not provided, please ask and I will respond promptly. I would also very much appreciate hearing from you if you strongly feel this is a bad idea. Thanks for your time, look forward to building a long lasting work relationship.