I’m always happy to see discussion around here, especially when the people who talk about the things I talk about come around.  And sometimes, new issues are opened up that need to be resolved.

First, I’ll apologize outright for any misunderstandings that were caused as part of my post.  After reading the commentary that Daniel Scocco of Daily Blog Tips posted on that post, he made several good points that I’ll address here.

Now, he, like several others on that thread, described the importance of quality content in the material that’s sent out.  I agree with him that quality is of the utmost importance, but I do however maintain (as in, that’s my opinion, as is everything else around here) that the balance required is simply too big a risk to take, and the chances of alienating more readers than gaining approval from them is too great to bear.

Also he raises an excellent point about the double opt in concept, one I didn’t raise, that will in turn reduce the chances of alienating readers.  Though again, I’ll couch that in the belief that even if people DO perform the double opt in procedure, it’s still reasonably likely people will grow disatisfied with your email, and dissatisfied readers don’t read.

And again, I apologize openly for any misconceptions or misunderstandings generated by the article.

So I was reading an article over on Daily Blog Tips and one of their newest is about how to build an email address list based on your subscribers.  They describe it as one of the most important things an online entrepreneur can do.

I prefer to describe it as a kick in the metaphorical crotch to your readership, and instead say that building an email address list of your subscriber base is the WORST thing you can do as an online entrepreneur.

Now, admittedly, there’s something to be said for occasional messages to your readership that hit them where they live, in their email inbox about something special you’re doing or offering.  But without a LOT of care and forbearance, all you’ll be doing is alienating your readership and hurting the ones you depend on most.  And don’t even get me started on selling email addresses to affiliate programs….

So I wouldn’t be quite so concerned about the email address list, but that’s a call each person has to make for themselves.