Opt-in Lists


Introduction


I’m sure those of us who have been using e-mails for at least a month or so would have found our mailboxes full of ‘junk’ mail. Mails from advertisers telling us all about things we are not interested in knowing about. We call these mails spam.


Over in Singapore, spam is not illegal (though I sure wish they would do something about it). In the US, however, those who spam can have legal actions taken against them. Not only that, many advertisers are starting to find out that, instead of increasing their number of customers, they are alienating them. But e-mail advertising still remains one of the cheapest means of making their presence known. It would be wonderful if they can have e-mails sent to those who do want to know about their products.


Thus the concept of Opt-in lists, or Safe lists, was born. These list managers keep the e-mail addresses of subscribers to their lists, and do not reveal them to the advertisers. The advertisers know that the list-managers have their target audience (age, gender, interests, etc), and are willing to pay them for the right to advertise their products to the target audience.


In return, the list managers share the advertising revenue with their list members. This act encourages the list members to remain in the list. Since a larger list generates a higher income for the list, most managers encourage their members to refer more members to the list – with a referral fee up-front or over time.


Unfortunately…


Yes, there are some pitfalls to watch out for when joining these lists.



  • Some new lists are heavily advertised, and large rewards promised to those who joined. The list managers do not intend to pay up, however. Once a critical mass has been reached, or when it is time to pay up, the list managers simply close shop. The e-mail lists are, sadly, sold to spammers who want the e-mail addresses. Which is why it is good to join only established lists.

  • Many mailing lists do not give cheques as payments. Most prefer e-gold or paypal. E-gold is difficult to transact in. Paypal requires a credit card to verify identity. Thus, those without credit cards may find difficulties taking back their money if cheques are not given.

  • List managers handle lots of mails, queries and what-not, from both the advertisers and their members. While some argue that it is in their interest to serve the members, there is a limit to what they can do. If your sponsor (the person who referred you) is knowledgeable and committed, you have somebody who can help you carve out a niche for yourself, and earn more than just pennies.


Why You Should Join A Mailing List


Still, with the proper precautions, mailing lists are something I believe everything e-mail reader should go for. Why? Well…



  • You are opening your Mail Programmer to read your mails anyway, why not just read some things that will interest you, and earn some money as well?

  • It signals your commitment to the advertisers that you do not support spam. When the number and size of lists begin to reach a critical mass (hopefully in a few more years’ time, as more people know about this), advertisers and law-makers definitely will take notice!

  • You can keep abreast with products of your interest.


The Lists I Personally Subscribe To


I have been with the following mailing lists for some time. You can sign up for them by clicking directly on the links. Please let me know when you have signed up for any of them, so that I can help guide you with any questions, and also to increase your earnings from the programmes.


Opt-in Pays
This programme gives very frequent mails, and has been established for quite some time. You can even decide how many mails you want to receive each day! The best way of requesting payment is by e-Gold. They will pay by Cheque as well.


HTMail
This programme has infrequent mails, but if I were to be an advertiser, I would love this programme – they have a section for members to comment on the website of the advertiser. They pay by cheque.


May you have a fruitful (both knowledge and financial) time with the programmes!


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