Jackie O

Although I do like the new layout of the forum, I don't like having to post in order to mail. I think all that's going to do is have people post anything just to get past that barrier, which will just create "noise" and no real substance. I understand you want this to be an active forum, however forcing people to post is just a barrier to the mailer. When you create barriers, most people will just stop using it.

We MUST attract new eyes, not just the same people using the same 100+ mailers. I heartily agree....this is the same problem plaguing TEs now. A good owner will go OUTSIDE of mailers & TEs to bring in fresh eyes.

Solo ads, yes, as long as there's not too many. Multi-site solos - NO The reason I say that is because those multi-site or "network" solos absolutely kill CTRs at the mailers that have them. Some of the mailers I belong to started off being very responsive until they added network solos, and then the CTRs plummeted to nearly non-existent. Some to the point I don't even use them anymore. Oh sure, they're great for using to reach more people without having to join more mailers, but the members of those particular mailers suffer because of it.

It's true there has been a rush of new mailers popping up everyday. But like some of the others said, don't worry about the amount of members they have...it comes down to ownership and what the owners are doing to encourage open rates. Like Gnana, I have gotten conversions from very small ones....and some of them perform much better than the ones with a large membership.

TEs have definitely changed over the years...good in some ways, bad in others. And I don't think technology has anything to do with it. Some of the most successful TEs are still on their original scripts with no bells & whistles or high-tech additions. I do agree with James in that TEs will be splitting into different niches. Some will be focused on advertisers, others on cash-surfing or games or the social aspect....each will attract a different audience. I don't think TEs can be all things to all people anymore. The members will choose which ones to go to based on their own needs. And I also agree with Tony that surfing for cash is NOT a business and owners should not be teaching their members that it is. That's doing a great disservice to all the members.

Safelists rock! Results are awesome!

Mailers are absolutely getting me results....I wouldn't use over 100 of them if they weren't LOL. The key is to use them consistently. And just like anywhere else, you need to brand yourself in mailers. Don't think because your picture isn't showing that you won't get noticed....people will start to recognize your NAME, so it's extremely important that you sign your name to every email you send.