For the past 6 years I keep asking this question...on my sites, forums, blogs,just about anywhere appropriate and still have not received a complete answer... I've read not to use my domain(s) for bulk mailing for fear of loosing my accounts. I have already tried the mail from home computer but ISP shut that down. The commercial autoresponder accounts want to verify lists are opt in so they want to send verification/confirmation email to any list that is imported. SO how do the list services stay in business? What are people using to mail to the leads purchased from these services? AND WHAT ARE YOU USING?
People have been using ezine subscriptions. Of late I have seen other people sell lists. A safelist is what everybody is looking and everyone says their list is safe. So marketers subscribe to them.
NO SPAM! Currently I use give a ways to build newsletter list. That I am mailing from home as it is a small list at present.... I threw away an old list in Jan of '04 when ISP started harrassing me. Why is it an ever increasing percentage of people when asked this question say SPAM.... If I wanted to SPAM I would ask a spammer what service they use! BUT then I am starting to find that if a person is a little on the sleezy side of this Internet Marketing thing, they will make more money and more friends in the field....maybe that is the secret....be sleezy and totally dishonest in all dealings..... SORRY, I don't work that way and have very little time for those that do. Why is it when a person really wants to learn a piece of information they must go through all the crap.............. Never mind, I will go get a cup of coffee, take a chill pill, and maybe someone with a bit of knowledge will stop in and give us that want to know, a little info we can use....
benchmarkemail.com allowed me to use my already existing customer list, without having to get them all to 'opt-in' again, which is what most services insist on. They will look at your list to make sure it's not 'spammy' - though I've no idea how they decide that.
I used a email platform (domeus.com) but now I imported all user into my vbulletin forum, and send email through admincp. Pro: each user has an account, and could post in the form. Otherwise: I cannot send attach files..