Mass mailing is usually associated with spam emails that go out to a large number of people. However, there are other ways to refer to this type of communication. Such synonyms include bulk mailing, direct mailing, or simply email blast. Each phrase is used to describe the same action, that is, sending out a message to a large number of recipients. Other ways to describe this type of email include promotional email, marketing email, or even newsletter. Due to the negative connotations associated with mass mailing, businesses may be more likely to use other more positive and specific terms to describe their communication with their customers.