It's free if you log onto the site to check your mail. That way they can ensure you are viewing the ads. I never log onto the site however--I use Outlook express to upload and download my emails throgh the POP3 server. I read and compose emails offline--it's worth 20 bucks a year for me to continue to use the service in this manner, especially since I use my yahoo mailbox for so many things.
Ah, that explains it, thanks. I'll look at the ads as long as the e-mail remains free. I have an e-mail account with my ISP but have used yahoo since starting on the Internet.
This is a great service -- an email account that is independent of your internet provider. This allows you to switch providers, even use internet cafes in other countries to read your email -- without switching your email address.
A permanent email address is worth a few bucks a year.
What will providers such as Earthlink do?