Ben Settle - Email Players 1 - — 15

---

Title:
The Unvarnished Art of Email Marketing: Lessons from Ben Settle’s Email Players 1–15

Introduction
In an era of marketing automation, AI-generated copy, and “growth hacks,” Ben Settle’s Email Players newsletter stands as a contrarian manifesto. Issues 1 through 15 lay the foundation for what Settle calls “emailing like a human being who isn’t a slimy used car salesman.” Rather than focusing on list size or open-rate hacks, Settle emphasizes direct, frequent, and personality-driven email marketing. These early issues reject the mainstream “bro marketing” advice and instead teach a philosophy: emails should be entertaining, useful, and slightly abrasive — because bland marketing gets deleted.

The Core Philosophy
From issues 1–15, Settle drills three non-negotiable principles. First, frequency wins: he argues that daily emailing (yes, even on weekends) builds a “mental movie theater” in subscribers’ minds. Second, controversy sells: Settle frequently picks fights with industry gurus, not for shock value, but to clarify his position and attract loyal buyers who share his worldview. Third, the subject line is a mercenary: it’s not about being clever; it’s about making a specific promise that the email body delivers.

Practical Tactics Unveiled
These issues are not just theory. Settle reveals several specific tactics. For instance, issue #7 covers “The Puppy Dog Close” for email sequences — giving value so generously that buying feels inevitable. Issue #12 deconstructs “The Hater Filter,” advising readers to intentionally write emails that make time-wasters unsubscribe, thereby sharpening list quality. Issue #14 introduces “The 6-Word Story” as a template for creating curiosity gaps without clickbait.

Case Study from Issue #9
In Email Players #9, Settle shares a client example: a supplement seller who switched from weekly “helpful tips” to daily emails blending personal stories, industry rants, and pure entertainment. Within 45 days, revenue per email increased 212%, and unsubscribes dropped. The lesson? People don’t unsubscribe from frequency; they unsubscribe from boring emails.

Critique and Limitations
Settle’s style is not for everyone. His tone can be aggressive, and some readers may find the constant self-promotion grating. Additionally, the advice assumes a responsive, warm list — a cold audience may not tolerate the same directness. Issues 1–15 also lack detailed analytics or split-testing frameworks, focusing instead on psychology and storytelling.

Conclusion
Email Players 1–15 is less a “how-to” manual and more a “how-to-think” about email marketing. Settle forces you to abandon metrics-obsession and remember that behind every inbox is a human who craves entertainment and authenticity. For marketers tired of the vanilla “value-first” orthodoxy, these 15 issues offer a bracing alternative: be interesting, email daily, and never apologize for selling. Whether you adopt his method wholeheartedly or adapt it, one truth remains — your email strategy is only as strong as your personality.

---

Next Steps for a Longer Essay
If you need a full 2,000+ word essay, here is the expansion blueprint:

1. Introduction (300 words) – Expand on the current email marketing landscape vs. Settle’s approach.
2. Biographical context (300 words) – Who is Ben Settle? His background as a copywriter for Agora and how that shaped Email Players.
3. Issue-by-issue breakdown – Summarize the central lesson from each of the 15 issues (1 paragraph per issue = ~1,500 words).
4. Comparative analysis (400 words) – Contrast Settle with other email experts (e.g., Andre Chaperon, Ramit Sethi).
5. Practical implementation guide (400 words) – How to apply five specific tactics from issues 1–15 to a real business.
6. Criticism & rebuttal (300 words) – Address the “this won’t work for my niche” objection using Settle’s own counterarguments.
7. Conclusion (200 words) – Restate the essay’s thesis and suggest further reading (Email Players 16–30).

Ben Settle’s Email Players newsletter, launched in late 2011, focuses on "Seinfeld" style, story-driven daily emails designed to build rapport rather than relying on aggressive sales tactics. Issues 1–15 introduced foundational direct-response techniques, including the use of micro-riddles, leveraging Gary Halbert-style psychology, and strategies for turning unsubscriptions into sales. For more details, visit Ben Settle.  The One Email Training To Rule Them All - Ben Settle

The Verdict: Is Email Players 1-15 Still Relevant?

Here is the shocking truth: It is more relevant today than the day it was written.

Why? Because human psychology hasn't changed. The triggers Settle dissects in Issue #5 (curiosity gaps) and Issue #11 (social proof via negative reviews) work exactly the same on an iPhone 15 as they did on a BlackBerry.

In an era where AI writes generic, polite emails for everyone, the strategies in the first 15 issues of Ben Settle’s “Email Players” become more valuable. AI cannot replicate controlled irritation. AI cannot fabricate a genuine enemy. AI cannot write the ugly, specific, human truth that makes someone smash the "buy" button.

If you are serious about email marketing—not the "newsletter" kind, but the "deposit a check today" kind—you need to go back to the beginning.

Start with Issue #1. Read through Issue #15. Ignore the dated references to old software. Steal the psychology.

Just be warned: After reading Ben Settle’s first 15 issues, you will never be able to read a “5 Tips for Better Engagement” blog post again without rolling your eyes so hard you strain a muscle. Ben Settle - Email Players 1 - 15

---

Disclaimer: This article is an independent analysis of the content and philosophy found within the referenced collection. The author is not affiliated with Ben Settle, though it’s likely Settle would call this article “pretty good, but too long.”

Ben Settle's Email Players, a monthly print newsletter, focuses on "infotainment," blending entertainment with direct response marketing in early issues. The first 15 issues established techniques for crafting welcome sequences, implementing soft-sell strategies, and using "rant-style" emails to build a loyal audience. Learn more at Email Players. Email Players Newsletter

Overview The "Email Players" series by Ben Settle offers a unique insight into the strategies and tactics used by successful email marketers. Through in-depth interviews, Ben shares the experiences, successes, and failures of his guests, providing valuable lessons for marketers looking to improve their email game.

Key Takeaways from Episodes 1-15

• Episode 1-5: The early episodes feature interviews with prominent email marketers, including discussions on list building, email copywriting, and relationship-building with subscribers.
• Episode 6-10: Ben talks to guests about advanced topics like segmentation, automation, and optimization, providing actionable tips for listeners.
• Episode 11-15: The later episodes dive deeper into specific strategies, such as using humor in email marketing, crafting compelling subject lines, and leveraging user-generated content.

Common Themes

• Focus on relationships: Many guests emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with subscribers, rather than just focusing on making a sale.
• Emphasis on testing and optimization: Several episodes stress the need for continuous testing and optimization to improve email performance.
• Value of creativity and authenticity: Guests often discuss the importance of standing out in a crowded inbox by being creative, authentic, and genuinely helpful.

Actionable Insights

• Use storytelling in email marketing: Several guests share how storytelling can be an effective way to connect with subscribers and drive engagement.
• Segment your list: Many episodes highlight the importance of segmenting your list to tailor your messaging and improve results.
• Don't neglect the pre-header: Guests discuss the often-overlooked pre-header and how it can be used to boost open rates and engagement.

Conclusion The first 15 episodes of Ben Settle's "Email Players" series offer a wealth of knowledge and insights from experienced email marketers. Listeners can expect to take away practical tips, new ideas, and a deeper understanding of what works (and what doesn't) in the world of email marketing.

Unlocking the Vault: A Look at Ben Settle’s "Email Players" Issues 1–15

If you’re looking to master the art of "edutainment" and daily email marketing, you’ve likely stumbled upon the legend of Ben Settle Email Players Newsletter

is widely considered one of the gold standards for direct response marketers who want to write less and earn more.

The first 15 issues of this newsletter laid the groundwork for what Settle calls the "Settle Way." Here is a breakdown of the key concepts and value found in these foundational issues. The "Email Players" Philosophy Unlike digital courses that gather dust, Email Players

is a premium, offline (paper and ink) newsletter delivered to your doorstep. Ben Settle's methodology centers on applying sound, principled thought and the laws of human behavior to daily emails. Atomic Brevity

: Settle advocates for emails that can be written in as little as 10 minutes. The "Tractor Beam" Effect

: The goal of early issues is to teach you how to create a "world" around your business that makes audiences addicted to your content. Repelling the Wrong People Title: The Unvarnished Art of Email Marketing: Lessons

: His style is intentionally polarizing to filter out "tyre-kickers" and attract aggressive, action-oriented marketers. Key Techniques in Issues 1–15

While the specific contents of each individual issue are typically reserved for subscribers, several core pillars were established during this initial 15-month run: The Power of Subject Lines

: Settle emphasizes that subject lines are the "gatekeepers" of your revenue. He often references old-school masters to provide templates that work for virtually any niche. Turning Pain into Profit

: A major lesson involves taking customer research—even obscure fears or frustrations—and turning them into engaging email themes. The 24 Ways to Make Money

: A cornerstone of his early teaching includes a breakdown of 24 different openings, subject lines, and approaches to boost sales immediately. The "Dark Side" of Growth

: Early on, Settle warns about the "sudden drop" in sales that occurs if you stop adding new names to your list, teaching you how to maintain momentum after an initial sales spike. Why Start with the Early Archives?

For many, the first 15 issues represent the "Red Pill" moment of copywriting. They transition you from being a boring corporate "announcer" to a personality-driven marketer. Newsletter Back Issues Are Not Free - Ben Settle

The Email Players 1-15 Report

Ben Settle's "Email Players" series highlights 15 key individuals who have made significant contributions to the email marketing industry. These players have achieved success through their innovative approaches, strategies, and techniques.

The 15 Email Players:

1. Gary Bencivenga: A renowned email marketer and copywriter, known for his high-converting email campaigns.
2. John Forde: A pioneer in email marketing, with expertise in list building and email optimization.
3. Derek Bouchard: A successful email marketer and entrepreneur, with a focus on list segmentation and targeting.
4. Joe Bunting: A well-known email marketer and copywriter, with expertise in crafting compelling subject lines and email copy.
5. Mona Atkins: A respected email marketer and list manager, with a focus on list maintenance and hygiene.
6. Christine Nodari: A skilled email marketer and copywriter, with expertise in creating high-converting email campaigns.
7. Will Atkins: A successful email marketer and entrepreneur, with a focus on email optimization and automation.
8. Ray Edwards: A well-known email marketer and copywriter, with expertise in crafting engaging email content.
9. Parris Lampropoulos: A respected email marketer and list manager, with a focus on list building and segmentation.
10. David Deutsch: A successful email marketer and entrepreneur, with expertise in email optimization and automation.
11. Todd Sattersteen: A skilled email marketer and copywriter, with a focus on creating high-converting email campaigns.
12. Ken McKenzie: A well-known email marketer and list manager, with expertise in list maintenance and hygiene.
13. Alex Denning: A successful email marketer and entrepreneur, with a focus on email optimization and automation.
14. Scott Allen: A respected email marketer and copywriter, with expertise in crafting compelling subject lines and email copy.
15. Ben Settle himself: A renowned email marketer and copywriter, with expertise in creating high-converting email campaigns.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of list building, segmentation, and targeting in email marketing.
• The need for compelling subject lines, email copy, and calls-to-action.
• The role of email optimization and automation in improving campaign performance.
• The value of list maintenance and hygiene in ensuring deliverability and engagement.

Overall, Ben Settle's "Email Players" series provides valuable insights into the strategies and techniques used by successful email marketers. By studying these players and their approaches, marketers can improve their own email marketing skills and achieve greater success in the channel.

Ben Settle’s Email Players newsletter (issues 1 through 15) represents not merely a collection of copywriting tips, but a foundational manifesto on the philosophy of autonomous business ownership. To understand these early issues is to understand the transition from "opportunity seeker" to "business architect."

Here is a deep analysis of the core themes, psychological frameworks, and strategic imperatives found within the first fifteen issues of Email Players. Next Steps for a Longer Essay If you

---

II. The Antithesis of "Brand Safety"

A recurring theme in issues 6 through 10 is the concept of Polarization.

Settle posits that the death of a business lies in the "bland middle." He attacks the corporate obsession with "brand safety" and being liked by everyone. In these pages, he introduces the idea that if you are not offending someone, you are not interesting to anyone.

This is where the "Settle style" crystallizes. He advocates for:

1. Taking controversial stances: Even if they lose subscribers, they strengthen the bond with the remaining ones.
2. The "Villain" Arc: Positioning oneself against a common enemy (often the "gurus," the "mainstream media," or generally accepted industry myths).
3. Unfiltered Authenticity: Writing exactly as one speaks, including flaws, typos, and aggressive opinions.

The lesson here is psychological: People do not buy from faceless corporations; they buy from people they feel they know intimately. By risking alienation, the Email Player creates a cult-like following. Issues 1–15 teach that a small, rabid list is infinitely more valuable than a massive, apathetic one.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Hunting Down?

If you are a business owner, copywriter, or freelancer who is tired of playing the "like and share" game, Ben Settle's Email Players issues 1-15 are required reading. They are not a gentle introduction. They are a shock to the system.

Most marketing courses teach you how to fit in. Settle teaches you how to stand out by being so distinct that people cannot ignore you.

The compilation of issues 1-15 represents Settle at his most raw, his most hungry, and his most effective. You will close the document feeling slightly offended, slightly entertained, and absolutely ready to write an email that makes money.

The final verdict: 9/10. Minus one point because if you have thin skin, you’ll cry. But for the rest of us? It’s a blueprint for printing cash while telling the world to go screw itself.

Are you ready to become an Email Player? Or are you going to go back to begging for retweets?

---

Note: This article is an independent analysis and is not officially affiliated with Ben Settle or his products. "Email Players" is a registered trademark of Settle, LLC.

Ben Settle's Email Players is a monthly, print-only newsletter focused on "edutainment" and direct-response copywriting techniques, often emphasizing daily, high-frequency emailing. Early issues and associated training materials cover topics such as crafting high-attention subject lines, building subscriber trust, and generating sales through storytelling rather than data-driven tactics. For more details, visit Email Players.

---

Issue #4: Why "Value" is a Lie

The marketing world screams "Give value! Give free content!" Settle calls bullshit on this in Issue #4.

The Lesson: Unpaid "value" is just noise. If you give everything away for free, your paid offer is worthless.

He explains the "Candy Shop Model." You let people smell the candy (free emails). You let them see the candy. But you do not let them taste the candy unless they pay. This builds desire. He argues that over-delivering free value is the fastest way to go bankrupt.

How to adapt lessons for modern, ethical use

1. Keep the daily-writing habit, but aim for value-first: alternate hard offers with genuinely helpful content.
2. Find a distinctive voice, but avoid personal attacks or misinformation. Be bold, not abusive.
3. Use short emails with a single, measurable CTA—track conversions and iterate.
4. Test frequency: start with 3–5x/week if your audience is unproven, increase if engagement remains high.
5. Respect unsubscribe signals; treat list health as a KPI.
6. Use scarcity truthfully—only when limits are real.

You should buy "Email Players 1 - 15" if:

• You sell high-ticket items ($500+).
• You are tired of "engagement metrics" and just want sales.
• You have thick skin. Settle uses crude humor, curse words, and insults his readers intentionally to prove a point.
• You want a library of swipe files that are 100% unique (nobody else is using these templates because they are buried in 10-year-old newsletters).

The Unfiltered Blueprint: Inside Ben Settle’s Email Players #1–15

In the noisy world of email marketing, few voices are as deliberately abrasive—or as consistently profitable—as Ben Settle. While gurus sell $2,000 courses on “funnels” and “automation hacks,” Settle has spent years championing a return to direct, conversational, and often confrontational email.

But his real goldmine isn’t his public newsletter. It’s Email Players—a monthly print newsletter (yes, physical paper) mailed to a tight-knit circle of subscribers. Issues #1 through 15 represent the foundational era of Settle’s philosophy, before the brand became synonymous with "enemy-fueled email." Here’s what makes this collection a cult classic among contrarian marketers.