Forum Moderators: buckworks
but of course theres all the flak about harvested mailing lists that just spam people who havent agreed to receive the mailings.
how to find legit ones?
[edited by: tedster at 4:56 pm (utc) on May 20, 2004]
[edit reason] remove specifics [/edit]
But be forewarned, these list rentals cost a LOT more than a list that is merely harvested, as well they should. This is not a situation to broadcast a casually composed email.
The legitimate direct marketing industry (usually members of the DMA) has been working to extend the legacy model of direct mail lists into the online world, but it's not a particularly good fit. Businesses have found that response rates, even from the lists of closely related businesses, are just plain lousy. Last year I read that the use of rented email lists declined over 10%. On the other hand, building an in-house list of your own has been highly successful for many.
Even "legitimately" rented lists must be treated with extreme care to be sure the recipient knows why they are getting the email - where they opted in.
In your case, I don't know how useful and cost effective any list rental could be. Instead, maybe consider advertising through established email newsletters that are on or near your topic. That way you get your message through but are not seen as a spammer.
All that said, I believe the keywords for finding what you need are "double opt-in"
Basically, you need to include an opt-out method (preferably automated). You also need to include your physical address (AFAIK, a PO Box suffices).
Clean lists are priced at about $.30 per name. If you buy a "Million email addresses for $59.99" be very skeptical that they are legit. YOU will be held liable for spamming that kind of list. Unless you are CAN-SPAM compliant.
here are the guidelines: [ftc.gov...]
Pete Stoermer
[edited by: tedster at 6:42 pm (utc) on May 20, 2004]
Try and grow your house list - that is still effective for me. Actually, it is very, very effective.
