Ben Settle - Email Players 1 - 15 Hot!
For many copywriters and list owners, the early issues of this newsletter are legendary. They contain the foundational DNA of Settle's philosophy. This article breaks down the core concepts, psychological frameworks, and actionable strategies found across the foundational first 15 issues of Email Players . The Philosophy of "Infotainment"
The principles outlined in Email Players Issues 1–15 fundamentally changed the landscape of digital marketing. Before Settle, emails were largely restricted to dry product announcements or hyper-stylized HTML newsletters. Today, the text-only, narrative-driven daily email model is used by top-tier SaaS companies, elite coaches, and direct-to-consumer brands worldwide.
Phase 1: Mindset, Frequency, and List Dynamics (Issues 1–4)
Ben Settle’s "Email Players" is widely regarded as one of the most influential monthly newsletters in the direct-response marketing world. Rather than offering standard, dry copywriting advice, Settle teaches a contrarian approach to email marketing that focuses on entertainment, personality, and daily consistency. Ben Settle - Email Players 1 - 15
: Settle advocates for sending consistent daily emails that subscribers look forward to. Infotainment
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.
The first 15 issues (roughly the first 1.25 years of the publication) established the foundation for Settle’s "infotainment" methodology—a strategy that combines entertainment with hard selling to make emails incapable of being ignored. Core Philosophies in Issues 1–15 For many copywriters and list owners, the early
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.
: If you want to move away from being a "bum rattling a paper cup" for attention and start running your business like a pro, these foundational principles are where it starts. adjust the tone to be more professional, or should I add a specific call-to-action for a product or service you're promoting? How To Write Emails In 4-5 Minutes - Ben Settle 29 May 2012 —
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. The Philosophy of "Infotainment" The principles outlined in
style? (e.g., sarcastic, blunt, highly technical)
Print back issues are occasionally sold as a bundle on Settle’s site. Digital PDFs are not available—by design.
So, how can you learn the secrets contained in those groundbreaking first fifteen issues? You have a few options: