Ben Settle - Email Players 1 - 15
Email Players #1–15 isn’t a course. It’s a mindset manifesto disguised as a newsletter. Readers who implement even one tactic—like rewriting a subject line as a “personal note from a friend” or adding a single “enemy” sentence to every broadcast—often report doubling engagement within weeks.
For modern marketers burned out by AI-generated fluff and metric obsession, these early issues offer a breath of stale coffee and napalm. Just don’t expect to feel warm and fuzzy. As Settle writes on page one of issue #1: “I don’t want to be your friend. I want to make you money. Now shut up and read.”
Availability: Print back issues are occasionally sold as a bundle on Settle’s site. Digital PDFs are not available—by design.
Ben Settle's Email Players, a premium newsletter, established its core, polarizing, and story-driven email marketing methodology in its initial issues. These early issues focused on the "Email Players Playbook," or Skhema, which teaches subscribers how to build unbreakable trust and sell products without being obnoxious. For more details, visit Email Players. Email Players Newsletter
Title:
The Unvarnished Art of Email Marketing: Lessons from Ben Settle’s Email Players 1–15
Introduction
In an era of marketing automation, AI-generated copy, and “growth hacks,” Ben Settle’s Email Players newsletter stands as a contrarian manifesto. Issues 1 through 15 lay the foundation for what Settle calls “emailing like a human being who isn’t a slimy used car salesman.” Rather than focusing on list size or open-rate hacks, Settle emphasizes direct, frequent, and personality-driven email marketing. These early issues reject the mainstream “bro marketing” advice and instead teach a philosophy: emails should be entertaining, useful, and slightly abrasive — because bland marketing gets deleted.
The Core Philosophy
From issues 1–15, Settle drills three non-negotiable principles. First, frequency wins: he argues that daily emailing (yes, even on weekends) builds a “mental movie theater” in subscribers’ minds. Second, controversy sells: Settle frequently picks fights with industry gurus, not for shock value, but to clarify his position and attract loyal buyers who share his worldview. Third, the subject line is a mercenary: it’s not about being clever; it’s about making a specific promise that the email body delivers.
Practical Tactics Unveiled
These issues are not just theory. Settle reveals several specific tactics. For instance, issue #7 covers “The Puppy Dog Close” for email sequences — giving value so generously that buying feels inevitable. Issue #12 deconstructs “The Hater Filter,” advising readers to intentionally write emails that make time-wasters unsubscribe, thereby sharpening list quality. Issue #14 introduces “The 6-Word Story” as a template for creating curiosity gaps without clickbait.
Case Study from Issue #9
In Email Players #9, Settle shares a client example: a supplement seller who switched from weekly “helpful tips” to daily emails blending personal stories, industry rants, and pure entertainment. Within 45 days, revenue per email increased 212%, and unsubscribes dropped. The lesson? People don’t unsubscribe from frequency; they unsubscribe from boring emails.
Critique and Limitations
Settle’s style is not for everyone. His tone can be aggressive, and some readers may find the constant self-promotion grating. Additionally, the advice assumes a responsive, warm list — a cold audience may not tolerate the same directness. Issues 1–15 also lack detailed analytics or split-testing frameworks, focusing instead on psychology and storytelling.
Conclusion
Email Players 1–15 is less a “how-to” manual and more a “how-to-think” about email marketing. Settle forces you to abandon metrics-obsession and remember that behind every inbox is a human who craves entertainment and authenticity. For marketers tired of the vanilla “value-first” orthodoxy, these 15 issues offer a bracing alternative: be interesting, email daily, and never apologize for selling. Whether you adopt his method wholeheartedly or adapt it, one truth remains — your email strategy is only as strong as your personality.
Next Steps for a Longer Essay
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Unlocking the Vault: A Look at Ben Settle’s "Email Players" Issues 1–15
If you’re looking to master the art of "edutainment" and daily email marketing, you’ve likely stumbled upon the legend of Ben Settle Email Players Newsletter Ben Settle - Email Players 1 - 15
is widely considered one of the gold standards for direct response marketers who want to write less and earn more.
The first 15 issues of this newsletter laid the groundwork for what Settle calls the "Settle Way." Here is a breakdown of the key concepts and value found in these foundational issues. The "Email Players" Philosophy Unlike digital courses that gather dust, Email Players
is a premium, offline (paper and ink) newsletter delivered to your doorstep. Ben Settle's methodology centers on applying sound, principled thought and the laws of human behavior to daily emails. Atomic Brevity
: Settle advocates for emails that can be written in as little as 10 minutes. The "Tractor Beam" Effect
: The goal of early issues is to teach you how to create a "world" around your business that makes audiences addicted to your content. Repelling the Wrong People
: His style is intentionally polarizing to filter out "tyre-kickers" and attract aggressive, action-oriented marketers. Key Techniques in Issues 1–15
While the specific contents of each individual issue are typically reserved for subscribers, several core pillars were established during this initial 15-month run: The Power of Subject Lines
: Settle emphasizes that subject lines are the "gatekeepers" of your revenue. He often references old-school masters to provide templates that work for virtually any niche. Turning Pain into Profit
: A major lesson involves taking customer research—even obscure fears or frustrations—and turning them into engaging email themes. The 24 Ways to Make Money
: A cornerstone of his early teaching includes a breakdown of 24 different openings, subject lines, and approaches to boost sales immediately. The "Dark Side" of Growth
: Early on, Settle warns about the "sudden drop" in sales that occurs if you stop adding new names to your list, teaching you how to maintain momentum after an initial sales spike. Why Start with the Early Archives?
For many, the first 15 issues represent the "Red Pill" moment of copywriting. They transition you from being a boring corporate "announcer" to a personality-driven marketer. Newsletter Back Issues Are Not Free - Ben Settle
Ben Settle is a renowned email marketing expert, copywriter, and entrepreneur. With over two decades of experience in the industry, he has worked with numerous top marketers and helped them achieve remarkable success through his email marketing strategies. Email Players #1–15 isn’t a course
One day, Ben was approached by a young marketer who was eager to learn from the best. The young marketer asked Ben to share his insights on the top email players in the industry, and Ben agreed.
"Alright, let me tell you about the top email players I've seen over the years," Ben began. "These are the individuals who have consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and strategy in their email marketing efforts."
Email Player 1: The Newbie "The first type of email player is the newbie," Ben explained. "They're just starting out, and they're still learning the ropes. Their emails are often awkward, and they struggle to get their point across. But, with time and practice, they can become a force to be reckoned with."
Email Player 2: The Promoter "The promoter is someone who only cares about making a sale," Ben said. "Their emails are all about pushing products, and they don't really care about building relationships with their subscribers. They're often aggressive and spammy, and their emails usually end up in the trash."
Email Player 3: The Spammer "The spammer is the worst type of email player," Ben warned. "They send unsolicited emails to random people, hoping to make a quick buck. They're often involved in get-rich-quick schemes, and their emails are usually full of deceit and false promises."
Email Player 4: The Content Marketer "The content marketer is someone who focuses on providing value to their subscribers," Ben explained. "They create high-quality content, and their emails are informative and engaging. They're building trust with their audience, and their emails are often eagerly anticipated."
Email Player 5: The Storyteller "The storyteller is someone who uses narratives to connect with their audience," Ben said. "Their emails are often long and engaging, and they use anecdotes to make their point. They're building relationships with their subscribers, and their emails feel personal and authentic."
Email Player 6: The Offer Maker "The offer maker is someone who creates irresistible offers that grab attention," Ben explained. "Their emails are often short and to the point, and they use scarcity and urgency to drive sales. They're masters at creating a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out)."
Email Player 7: The Segmenter "The segmenter is someone who understands the importance of targeting specific groups," Ben said. "They segment their list and create tailored messages that resonate with each group. They're increasing engagement and conversions through strategic targeting."
Email Player 8: The Personalizer "The personalizer is someone who uses personalization to connect with their subscribers," Ben explained. "They use names, locations, and interests to create a sense of familiarity and rapport. Their emails feel personalized and human."
Email Player 9: The Tester "The tester is someone who constantly experiments and tests new strategies," Ben said. "They're always trying new subject lines, CTAs, and email copy to see what works best. They're data-driven and always optimizing."
Email Player 10: The Analyzer "The analyzer is someone who obsesses over metrics and data," Ben explained. "They track every open, click, and conversion, and they use that data to inform their decisions. They're constantly refining their strategy to improve results."
Email Player 11: The Relationship Builder "The relationship builder is someone who focuses on building long-term relationships," Ben said. "Their emails are often informal and conversational, and they're building trust and rapport with their subscribers. They're creating loyal fans and advocates." Title: The Unvarnished Art of Email Marketing: Lessons
Email Player 12: The Educator "The educator is someone who teaches and informs their subscribers," Ben explained. "Their emails are often educational and informative, and they're positioning themselves as authorities in their niche. They're building credibility and trust."
Email Player 13: The Entertainer "The entertainer is someone who uses humor and entertainment to engage their audience," Ben said. "Their emails are often fun and lighthearted, and they're using humor to build rapport and connection. They're making their subscribers laugh and smile."
Email Player 14: The Mobilizer "The mobilizer is someone who inspires action and mobilizes their subscribers," Ben explained. "Their emails are often motivational and empowering, and they're encouraging their subscribers to take action. They're creating a sense of urgency and momentum."
Email Player 15: The Innovator "The innovator is someone who constantly pushes the boundaries of email marketing," Ben said. "They're experimenting with new formats, technologies, and strategies to stay ahead of the curve. They're visionaries and pioneers in the industry."
There you have it – Ben Settle's insights on the top email players 1-15. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting out, understanding these different types of email players can help you refine your strategy and become a more effective email marketer.
Ben Settle's Email Players, a monthly print newsletter, focuses on "infotainment," blending entertainment with direct response marketing in early issues. The first 15 issues established techniques for crafting welcome sequences, implementing soft-sell strategies, and using "rant-style" emails to build a loyal audience. Learn more at Email Players. Email Players Newsletter
In the crowded, noise-polluted world of email marketing, few names inspire as much cult-like devotion (or sheer agitation) as Ben Settle.
While most gurus push funnels, clickfunnels, and “automated webinars,” Settle preaches a return to the raw, ugly, and brutally effective art of direct response email. He doesn’t do podcasts. He doesn’t do YouTube interviews. His entire empire is built on a daily emailed newsletter called "The Email Players" — a newsletter so notorious for its "no-holds-barred" style that it feels less like a marketing lesson and more like a caffeinated pirate shouting battle strategies from a burning ship.
For new subscribers, the most tantalizing (and expensive) artifact in Settle’s catalog is the "Email Players 1 - 15" collection. This is not a course. It is not a PDF checklist. It is the raw, unedited foundational archive of Settle’s brain from the first 15 issues of his newsletter.
If you want to understand why Ben Settle has a rabid following of business owners who despise "bro marketing," you must understand what lives inside Issues 1 through 15.
Here is the complete breakdown.
Settle spends much of #1–15 debunking marketing myths: