Yes, Email is probably one of the easiest and most effective forms of 
communication available today. It's also one of the most cost efficient.
There are, however, some important reasons why a lot of companies selectively 
distribute their Email addresses. One of these reasons (that I personally 
have many hours of experience with), is Junk Email.  I personally have never 
sent an unsolicited Email message to anyone but it seems that everyone who 
sees an Email address automatically believes that it is their right to send 
large messages offering Chain Letter Scams, Raunchy Videos, Pyramid Schemes, 
and a variety of other garbage.
There is even software available that will automatically surf the Web and 
Newsgroups and Strip Email addresses for use in mass mailings. This is a huge 
problem since most people and companies alike spend a lot of money for 
Internet services and a Presence on the Web only to have their time and money 
used by unethical, fly-by-nighters who are trying to peddle their junk to 
everyone on earth. Have'nt these people ever heard of "Target Marketing".
If I get a flyer or brochure in my mailbox, it does'nt cost me anything to 
toss it in the trash. It's only costing the company who sent it. I have to 
pay for my Email service only to have 10-20+ junk messages per day.
I think it compares to Junk Faxes.
I publish an Email newsletter, Free to everyone. It is also a marketing tool 
in which I place classified ads for my other two subscription newsletters.
Every morning when I check my Email, I have about 30 messages, two thirds of 
which are usually junk. I'm just glad that my business is so small right now 
that I don't have to Pay someone to read and delete Email.
Thank God the pro's of Email far outweigh the con's.
Paul Short
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Small Business Consultant
Toronto, Canada
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