The question goes like this: "I've recently taken on the Internet marketing for my company and am trying to obtain email lists. There is an association that has their membership directory right out there on their web page, and I wonder if it's ethical for me to go in and get those contacts?"

Jeanne has the answer and some advice for those who want to know more. "You're basically talking about 'harvesting' email addresses. It's a controversial practice, one which is targeted in at least one of the legislative bills being considered by Congress at present. I'd start by contacting the association. Harvested emails tend to have lower response rates and make it more likely that you'll be accused of spamming people. Better to rent the list from the association (and have the email come from them) or, if they publish an email newsletter for members, to advertise there.

There are a number of good resources for folks new to email marketing. Here are a few you might want to investigate:

Permission Marketing by Seth Godin -- print book, quick read, really a great introduction to email marketing and how it differs from other marketing channels (direct mail, television ads, etc.)

ClickZ.com -- I was a fan long before I became a columnist for them. Free information on all aspects of email marketing written by consultants and specialists in the field.

MarketingSherpa.com -- great case studies on online marketing in their free email newsletters; check out their 'emailSherpa' letter for specifics on email marketing.

MarketingProfs.com -- more great free information on email and online marketing.

DoubleClick.com -- provides quarterly reports on average email metrics, very useful for benchmarking your efforts.

JenningsReport.com -- my own email newsletter, where I compile and provide links to the best articles, market research and other resources I've found on email marketing. Good way to keep up on the industry with a quick twice-monthly read."