Can I Use a Purchased Email List?

So I’m working on the final chapter for my HTML: A Beginner’s Guide book. It’s a new chapter discussing how to translate your freshly acquired HTML skills into the world of HTML email.

While researching some online resources for the chapter, I came across a site that beautifully illustrates the answer to what is probably the number one question posed by companies seeking to send marketing and advertising emails to customers:

Can I Use a Purchased Email List? (click for the answer)

The answer comes from MailChimp, which is one of the top email service providers (ESP) for businesses. Here’s a little more explanation if you’re still confused: “If you’re not sure why importing a purchased email list into a 3rd party ESP is a bad thing, then promptly turn off your computer and unplug it from the wall. Thanks.” Gotta love a company with a sense of humor .