The thing about email marketing its the blunderbus effect, shoot off loads of email to a wide group of people the cost is pretty much the same to send 1 email as 1000, so even if you get 1 sale out 1000 it can be cost effective.

Thats the beauty of making your own opt-in lists, these people have already said "You know what I'm interested in what you have to say (or rather sell)", get some good copy, get an interesting product (to you niche) and yes email marketing can work.

What most people see are the negative, cheap pills for making you stay able longer or for a longer todger etc, like anything used properly to a targetted audience it can work wonders.

Jen