Desmond, I've gone to using what I call "relationship-building" emails (I need a special name for everything). About 2/3rds of my emails (let's say two out of three a week) contain no affiliate links at all--just good and useful info. Once a week I send one out promoting something of my own or an affiliate product along with good material.

I get on all of the gurus lists and personally get tired of all of the head cheese they contain peppered with affiliate links. I only subscribe so I can keep track of the competition. I have fewer unsubscribes doing this than when I sent just affiliate promos.

eMail marketing is a two way street. If I don't get some useful info in emails, I'm not likely to reach for my billfold and buy from the guy sending it. On the other hand, if from time to time they give me something useful, well--if they don't try to establish a relationship with me, I'm not going to be doing business with them.