Managing Lists

I'm building this up to sell my e-books through an on-line newsletter and the problem is this wretched list!

At the moment I'm keeping it myself using Outlook Express, but I've been told that there is a limit to how much bulk email I can send.

I've looked at the alternatives and it seems that I'm faced with either using something like egroups which means I'm probably going to have to imput all those addresses by hand or purchase something like mailloop.

This is my preferred option, but it's expensive.  Anyone any other suggestions?

Thanks

My advice would be to get away from Outlook Express ASAP.  Why? Cos as your list gets bigger, managing subscribe/unsubscribe requests could turn into a big job..

If you have access to CGI on your web site and a little tech know-how (or can get it), then this may be the best option. There are lots of scripts (of varying quality) floating around to manage lists. The downside is for really huge lists (thousands'n'thousands of people) is that it can eat into your bandwidth allowance (your host may charge you extra if you exceed it), and puts extra work on your server, which your host might not like.  For small + moderate size lists, particularly if not mailing daily, this should be okay.

Alternatively there are quite a few windows programs floating around to do opt-in list e-mailings.  I am not sure how well they deal with the management side, which is the main issue going forward

We tend to use scripts for our lists, except for the smaller lists, where it's easier to use listbot etc.

You might find this page helpful
http://www.ezineblast.com/resources/

As for conversion,  I think cut'n'paste may be your friend.  See if you can figure out a way to cut'n'paste int whichever program/solution you eventually use.

If the Outlook Express won't easily cut'n'paste into the correct layout for the program you're converting too, sometimes it helps to use an intermediate program, a bit of testing and trial'n'error might find the answer.  For example you might find that cut'n'paste to word or excel, reformat in word or excel, then cut'n'paste to the final program works.  

Good luck

It is a good solution for those not comfortable with hosting their own lists using cgi... and more affordable that paid listhosting.

Eva

I don't think that I'm up to cgi.  I use NetObjects Fusion to compile my html pages so I don't have to get involved in much html coding.

I never thought of cut n' paste!  Can't think why as I'm using it all the time!  I do save my list as a txt file as well as WAB so I could do this.

I've had a good look at Mailloop and I do like the idea very much but of course there is the cost.

I will check out the links that you all suggested before I make my decision.

Seehttp://www.xequte.com/listking/index.html

Hope this helps.

PS I'm also new to Activ E-book having only discovered it yesterday - I'm going to register it today - it is great - just what I've been looking for.

See:http://www.listbot.com

Of course, there is a pay for use section, but look closely for the free service. It is very easy to use and the pay for section may be what you need in the future.

See how it works with my newsletter at:
http://www.rverscorner.com/newsltr.html

I've been looking at News Wizard.  This is a cgi script that looks similar to MailLoop but a lot cheaper.

The vendors seem confident that a complete beginner can set it up and it has the advantages of autoresponders etc.

I shall check out your suggestions though so many thanks!