Why do so many people do it?

I believe that email marketing has caught on not because anyone who is doing it is getting rich, but rather the upstream providers, the guys who talk people into doing it are getting rich. Basically it appears to be a response to the latest greatest get-rich-quick promotion. "You spend all your time and money promoting my product and we'll both be happy, although I will be happier than you!"

So the real culprit in this never ending battle with spam are the guys who permit or encourage their products to be promoted by email. Now, let's just be clear. Affiliate programs are great. If you do it right, you can make some money, but it takes time and dedication to promote the product. The majority of affiliate suppliers have a strict no spam policy which isn't always adhered to, so you get some rookie email marketers trying to distribute their products. When they are caught they lose their commissions. They may be lucky not to lose their internet provider's service as well.

I am constantly reminded of all those "Get rich running a worm farm" ads when I see some of the promotions these guys put out. Who gets suckered? Usually some school kid who doesn't know any better or a gullible adult who should. Point is, email marketing is not a legitimate money making scheme unless you are the supplier, and if you are, be prepared to be bombarded with angry emails, threats, disconnects and more.

Why doesn't it work?

Basically because everyone is now turning to some pretty sophisticated software to filter out the crap. Those that aren't find out pretty quick how to identify spam mail and just delete it without ever reading it.

Here's just a sample of today's subjects I have received. Who would even bother to open one?

More efficient than via-gra (Gee I wonder what this is?)
Alql new look (what the heck is Alql and why would I be interested?)
No prior pre s~cription needed (Of course not, it's aspirin or some unproven herbal remedy)
Fight off the signs of aging! (Not bad considering my age but will I read the message? Nooo! Even if I do I would never buy anything from an unsolicited email.)

Most of these are somewhat harmless, but then there are the ones that really make my blood boil.

Pending Deposit
Anything to do with debt
Your email account is being suspended
Your dog has fleas
Your computer knows more about what you are doing than you do

and so on and on and on.

On top of that add in all the virus laden emails, all the really distasteful sex stuff, we'll send you 6 billion clean double whammied email addresses anxious to read spam, and all the solicitations from the "Pros" and it can take half your available life hitting delete.

The sad thing is a lot of people actually think sending this stuff works and will make them a fortune. Couldn't be further from the truth. Truth is it doesn't.

If you are thinking about marketing through email, forget it right now and go and have a shower. Be sure to wash your mouth out with soap as well.