EMAIL MARKETING: ADVISE AND GUIDANCE NEEDED

I need advise and handson help in setting up a simple process for building a subscription list that is simple, intelligent and does not involve paying $$$ per month to service like aweber for a pathetic list of 1000 people or something who may or maynot be interested in your dollar product. Something that works and does not need constant oil changes and repair.
ONLY FOR REAL EXPERTS who understand the concept of 'simplicity' $50