I couldn't agree more...
"Why do some companies and agencies embrace email and others not?
I've always wondered that question. Agencies like Ogilvy and
Agency.com, and companies like IBM, HP, and Unilever have continued to
push the envelope developing innovative methodologies, campaigns, and
comprehensive outbound marketing programs while others seem fearful,
out of step, or just plain lazy. If your agency does not have an
integrated email strategy for your product, you are letting one of your
most important marketing channels go to waste. If your agency is
telling you email will hurt your brand equity, ask them if Lexus has
been hurt by their brilliant email newsletters. If your agency wants to
sink all your dollars into search engine marketing, ask them how you
get people's attention when they are not actively seeking you or your
product. The question to ask is, "if email is so wrong, how come so
many great companies are doing it right?"
From Email Data Source Blog