I used to have a 'donate' button over there on the side bar because I have always felt that while the blog can at times get a little off topic, silly or just plain old cranky, it also provides value to regular readers who have come to 'get' me and the simple truths that I put a lot of energy into trying to illustrate. So once in a while some kind souls would say 'yeh, let me donate to this guy'.Then came the decision to launch a full out newsletter into the jaws of Armageddon '08. Down came the 'donate' button. This has been a wildly positive move on my part as the opportunity to show in detail how I operate in the real world of investing and trading, during a historic market event and its aftermath, was actually an opportunity to distinguish the service in times where not everyone looks smart (unlike in an all boats rising bull enviro) just by showing up.
Anyway, a new subscriber had this to say today (after I sent a welcoming email) and it really does let me know I am on the right track here:
"My pleasure Gary. Your 'free' blog insights have served my clients and my business well. Figured it was time to start paying you back. Really appreciate your passion, your objectivity and your work product. Cheers," P.A., Registered General Securities Representative
Sure, this is a promo. That's how you build a business. But every time I receive input like this I know that I am putting out a quality product that adds value to peoples' lives and livelihood to some degree. And that is not even including the premium bottle of Scotch one awesome subscriber sent to me. Blew my mind!
