would/does this concept work?
 

1. A web page that's setup like a Join4free (need double optin/email signup)

2. Members area has free pics or videos - semi hardcore (decent amount)

3. More content than a gallery page but not as much as a members area page.

Would the "member" be tempted to sign up to the "gold" area?

As far as the website owners interests, would it pay off if he paid out $.50? $1.00? per confirmed email? He/she could make money from ad space (knowing that people will keep coming back and that it's free - people will join). Plus they will also have a list of email addresses to email offers, etc. (plus also sell co-regs).

Does a site need to spam and have popups like crazy in order for this to work (similar to join4free)?

Is $.25 per email not worth it to most webmasters?

and whats NOT similar with all this regular pay per mail programms out there ...

but the LE exchange idea is good when you've 50000+ members :)

That's a new concept for sure! :1orglaugh
Have you ever heard of WegCash?

http://www.adultepass.com/ does something similar. Instead of paying webmasters, they just use it as an email collection/swap service.

You build your little members area & when you get a surfer to enter their email address & sign up, it keeps track of the addresses for you. Once inside, the members can hop around to the other sites...sort of like an AVS. But every time a member lands on your site, even if you didn't sign him up originally, you get his email address added to your list.

That might work for you if you're looking to collect addresses.