I also use an email newsletter to send out news and performance schedules. I have gotten some great feedback from it and it is nice to know that folks out there ARE interested in what I am doing musically. However, due to the spam issues of email, I am very very careful about making sure that only folks who WANT to be on the list are on it. I always send an introductory email when I put folks on the list, letting them know how they got on it, and that they always have the option of NOT being on it. You'd be amazed at the number of folks who sign up on the mailing list at the show, then a few days later get the introductory email and reply with "REMOVE" in the subject line. Short memeories or they get caught up in the moment, I guess.

I do begin each newsletter with:
"IMPORTANT: You are receiving this email because you signed up at a show or our paths have crossed at one time or another. If you would like to be removed from this list, please reply with REMOVE in the subject line."

I am also very careful to NEVER send to my list anything that is unrelated to me or my music. I have a musician friend who is constantly sending the stupid email jokes and links that have nothing to do with him or his gigs. Because there are more of those than there are news of his music, I had to ask him to take me off his list.

An email newsletter is a great promotional tool, but I think there are some guidelines that need to be adhered to.

Thanks for starting this up, Len.

Best,
Debra Cowan