FreeiPods.com, one of several “customer acquisition” Web sites run by Gratis Internet, is being heavily criticized for spam e-mails, mishandled accounts and shipping delays. The company, however, says it is sending out more iPods than ever (4,000 so far) and blames Apple for manufacturing delays. The company also told Wired News that it will discontinue sending “marketing e-mails.” To get a free iPod from the company, subscribers must sign up for various online offers and persuade five other people to join up as well.