Thanks for the comments -- some good points are raised.

First, I obtained some of the emails from the opt in service provided by getsubscribers.com -- fyi, run by the same guy who started getresponse. They opted in after seeing a brief message to sign up for free info on making money online.

Other emails came directly from the opt in part of my website -- many of whom opted in after buying my How to Make $ on eBay book.

Of course I can't absolutely prove this, the best I could do would be to take a few screenshots of the getsubscribers account..

As far as the spam issue, I would email them, notifying them that they will be receiving similar money making info, just from someone else now (kinda like when a Dr. takes over an existing practice) I'm sure I'd lose a few, but that's the best thing I can think of.

Most of the emails are currently in ezinedirector.

Finally, it's a tough decision for me b/c I know I can still make $ from them, but the whole IM marketing thing takes so much time, now that I work a FT job I just don't have the extra time anymore...

If still interested, feel free to message me, thanks!