I've been using MailChimp and have attempted to keep friends informed with this software and email blasts. It's taken a few years to build an email list. Then I need to think of something clever to say so my upcoming show posts don't look so self promoting. And then I need to figure out how to build the graphic. I usually get between a 40% - 60% open rate. But as time goes on I get busy... I forget... and my monthly update turns into a quartly update and then a annual update.