The phrase in question suggests the acquisition, without cost, of a method or software designed to accumulate email addresses, typically for marketing purposes. This activity involves gathering email contacts through various means, sometimes including web scraping, data mining, or incentivized sign-ups. An example would be locating and using a software program advertised as being able to extract email addresses from websites without requiring payment.
The purported accessibility of such resources often appeals to individuals or organizations seeking to expand their contact lists and marketing reach economically. Historically, methods for collecting email addresses have evolved alongside digital marketing strategies. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that practices associated with obtaining email addresses in this manner can potentially violate privacy regulations like GDPR or CAN-SPAM, depending on the collection methods and subsequent use of the data.