Thanks for putting my feelings into words.

And their partners are extremely spammy at best. They're all trying to force engagement and word of mouth.

Here's an excerpt from one of the intro e-mails I got:

  > Welcome to the #SkimmLife! Here's how it's going to work:
  > We'll meet you back here, in your inbox, bright and early tomorrow morning (PS If it's Friday or a weekend, 
  > you'll get theSkimm on Monday). We're a company that respects brunch, so we won't be with you on Saturday and
  > Sunday. Can't wait? Here's the most recent Skimm
  > Also, download our new app theSkimm for iPhone. It has a service called Skimm Ahead that makes it easier to 
  > be smarter about the future. Never again will you miss moments like when you vote in a primary or when your 
  > favorite show is back on Netflix. Best Part? It can integrate directly into your calendar.
  > Lastly, good things happen when you share theSkimm! (read: winning prizes, swag, being a Skimm'bassador). 
  > To get credit for sharing, use your unique link: http://www.theskimm.com/?r=3cbcb2df OR our fancy invite page
  > to have friends sign up. See how many people listen to you by checking this page.
  > Your morning just got better. Trust us.

edit: formatting