Since I've been back to blogging, in a thirst for trying to catch up with what's been happening, I've been reading a lot of information. It seems to me that EVERY ONE has a list, and wants me on it.
Seems reasonable, doesn't it? I'm looking for ways to learn to earn money at home, that I can learn about and then share. Signing up for a few newsletters and free reports seems like a good way to go about it.
NOT!!!
My INBOX was all of the sudden flooded with crap!!!
Some marketers abuse the privilege of having me opt in WAAAAYYYYY too much! They start sending me this "one time offer" and that "you can't live without this info" and maybe 2 or 3 "you won't see this page again if you click away" followed of course by a "seating is limited" (mind you it's a download that you get anyway so of course it's not limited), oh yes, and let's not forget the famous claim to make gobs of money with NO list.
SPAM
Sometimes I get several a day from the same mailing list, but of course you have to sign up to different lists to get that info and so on and so on - it never ends!
In frustration - I unsubscribe most of these lists almost as fast as I've joined them!
I'm sure many of these guys (notice I'm not calling them marketers) have great information. But there is a line between trying to sell your product and get ahead. AND Trying to spam someone like crazy, way beyond the point of playing nice. Just because I give you my email address, don't abuse it (and even some of the big name marketers are doing this now). I know everyone is trying to get a piece of the pie. But I'll tell you what, that's no way to get me to be a loyal follower and stay on your list.
Wanna Opt IN? LOL 
Of course I'm joking with my opt-in box... but it sometimes feels that way, doesn't it??
I've never done a newsletter or opt in list, or tried anything with email marketing. I know I need to - and I will very soon, but I don't ever want to send so much crap to someone that they opt out just to have me stop annoying them.
I was reading a great post by Lynn Terry the other day - Writing content for Email: Newsletter Ideas and it really got me to thinking about this. That, and all of the spam I've been getting. I've been on Lynn's list for years. Even when I wasn't blogging anymore, I did not unsubscribe. She never oversends, and she never oversells.
What is a reasonable amount of mail to send your subscriber list?
I think it's reasonable, when I sign up to a newsletter, to get the newsletter; however often that may be published. AND I even think it's reasonable to get one or two additional emails every month if the author of the email feels they have something of value to share.
Now, I'm curious... does everyone get as frustrated as me?
What do you think, as a reader, is a reasonable amount of mail to receive from one list? As a publisher of a list (if you are one) how often do you send out newsletters, and how often do you send out other offers, or even other freebies that ask me to opt in to yet more lists to get the info you offer?
Like I said - I am planning on starting a newsletter, and so any information or feedback you can give me would be much appreciated.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I am testing out one of my sidebar affiliates email marketing campaigns, it is simple to set up and operate and it is free for 60 days absolutely no credit card needed during the trial period.
I have gotten quite a few subscribers but have not sent any emails yet, I only want to send unique info via email and not simply rehash my blog and send it out.
I have found that just about all of the email lists I have signed up for simply resend what they've already posted on their blogs. And they send 2-3 emails a day. I unsubscribe on day two.
I'm not sure why they don't simply collect the list; grow it until they really have something of value to share. The current tactic is making email marketing even more off putting.
.-= Ms. Freeman´s last blog ..What is my business? =-.
I couldn't agree with you more Ms. Freeman. If you have a newsletter, and you publish it once a week or once a month, stick to that schedule. I don't even mind getting an additional one, from folks that actually have something they see of value that they want to share.
I will have to check out that software that you are using, and see what's all about…
The way email marketing is done right now, really leaves me wondering and not wanting to opt-in even if it is a good list such as Lynn's.
Copyblogger is another example of a site that just gets it. They create that balance, I get regular newsletters, I even look forward to them because I know its going to be quality.
That is the worst thing about all the spam, it isn't even quality spam… It's the kind of cheap no name spam that ends up where it belongs… the garbage
Hi Matt ~
Yes it's not even brand name spam… NO NAME… I like that!
Thanks for comment!
I agree with you 100%. I recently have purged my inbox of lots of incoming crap. I only get a select few email lists now and I like it that way. Too many lists causes information overload mush brain anyway
.-= Loretta´s last blog ..How to Find the Right Business Coach for Your Business =-.
Hi Loretta, and Welcome!
Yes that is very true also. I have my few favorites… and I like to stick with that. I have many blogs in my reader, I love keeping up with them, but I certainly don't need them all coming to my inbox as well. =)
HA! Nothing beats finding some useful information,for my research,keep em coming.