Ground Zero for List Building

Hey fellow Warriors:

Today I've decided I want to learn another type of business model, and one which I hear preached over and over again--list building.

Granted, there are some fantastic threads, posts, and other obscure nuggets of information regarding every step of list building in the various discussion forums. After using the search tool for a few hours though, I only found a few threads. Granted, I'm no virtuoso with the search tool here, so we'll chalk that one up to general user incompetence.

Anyways, I'd like to collect your gals' and guys' wisdom on this topic, whether it be in the form of posts or links to older posts/threads.

For structure's sake, I'd like to keep the responses organized in these sub-topics:

1) Niche Selection
As a marketer coming from working exclusively with Adwords, I am assuming the niche research and selection process is somewhat different from say, me crafting a new MFA site. What are the processes that you go through when researching a new niche to craft a list? What tools, free or paid, do you use, and why?

2) Squeeze Page
Video based squeeze pages, or bullet points? Or something else? Why or why not?

3) Tools
Touched on somewhat before, but which tools do you use? Responders? WSIWYG programs? Video screen capture tools? And, of course, why do you use the specific tools you use?

4) Affiliate Products/Programs
What programs to stay away from? I have been hearing some noise on the periphery that CJ is having tracking issues, but at this point I'm considering that to be watercooler gossip. Without giving away niches (please don't misunderstand me, I don't want your niche ideas, nor you to "do it all" for me), is there certain GENERAL products to try and steer clear from?

5) Resources
Somewhat separate from tools, which resources, such as ebooks or email courses, free or paid, provide a valuable education in terms of list building? Why or why not?

In conclusion, I'm not asking for individuals to spill their trade secrets here. I'm just looking for links to existing posts or threads on this topic, or if you are willing to share some of your experiences in any of the above listed sub-topics (and by no means, feel no need to address all of them), I'm sure that myself and others would be very grateful.

Thanks!