Warren,
Thanks for your comments. I have subscribed to a lot of e-courses myself and enjoy them for several reasons. I can read the articles at any time, they come to my in-box so I don't have to remember to go back to the website, and they usually print out easier than a web article.
From a webmaster point of view, you get more chances to make a good impression with the customer, offer more useful content, etc.
Offering an option when someone orders an e-course NOT to be included in future emails/newsletters would be another way to go.
I have found a free autoresponder that has an upgrade available. It is
www.getresponse.com I haven't started using it yet, but will post an update when I do.
Sandra