How long did wait before you started building a list?

The first time I head of "building a list" was in 2006. I remember the person said something along the lines of

"I'd rather get there email address then make a $2 ebook sale"

This was when I started "selling" (didn't get any sales btw) ebooks on ebay.

Till this day, I've regretted it, always chasing the easy small commissions instead of building an asset. I only started when I released my product last Oct.

Is it one of those things where the longer you've been in IM the more you understand why you need a list and the more mature you are within the IM scene?

Have you or do you know anyone that's a super complete newbie, doesn't even know what wordpress, ezinearticle is but actually started building a list first time?

I would like to congratulate there person for "GETTING IT" or at least doing the most
important thing in IM to start with.

I suppose it's like wanting to make money NOW (quick affiliate marketing, sending straight to aff offer) then building an asset where money doesn't necessarily come quickly in the beginning stages.

What does everyone else think?


Michael