David Merkel is an investment professional, and like every investment professional, he makes mistakes. David encourages you to do your own independent "due diligence" on any idea that he talks about, because he could be wrong. Nothing written here, at RealMoney, Wall Street All-Stars, or anywhere else David may write is an invitation to buy or sell any particular security; at most, David is handing out educated guesses as to what the markets may do. David is fond of saying, "The markets always find a new way to make a fool out of you," and so he encourages caution in investing. Risk control wins the game in the long run, not bold moves. Even the best strategies of the past fail, sometimes spectacularly, when you least expect it. David is not immune to that, so please understand that any past success of his will be probably be followed by failures. Also, though David runs Aleph Investments, LLC, this blog is not a part of that business. This blog exists to educate investors, and give something back. It is not intended as advertisement for Aleph Investments; David is not soliciting business through it. When David, or a client of David's has an interest in a security mentioned, full disclosure will be given, as has been past practice for all that David does on the web. Disclosure is the breakfast of champions. Additionally, David may occasionally write about accounting, actuarial, insurance, and tax topics, but nothing written here, at RealMoney, or anywhere else is meant to be formal "advice" in those areas. Consult a reputable professional in those areas to get personal, tailored advice that meets the specialized needs that David can have no knowledge of.
Blogads.com is also another option, and you get paid a flat fee (no “per click” as far as I know).
You probably would have more control over objectionable content, as well.
Ads are pollution. I block all ads. So I won’t see yours. If you think you have something reasonable to “sell”, charge a fee and start selling.
Ad supported content is a Good Thing. IMV, subscription content tends to attract true believers. Ad supported makes it possible for individuals to find a wide diversity of opinion and analysis.
On the other hand, blinken-ads (flashy animations, etc.) of the sort appearing even within the subscription portion of RealMoney drive me crazy.
I write at length on con men of every type, their schemes, scams, and fraud. My blog has no ads, no popups, no bells or whistles of any kind–just large, clearly readable type.
I try to keep it that way because I think my message is too important to be distracted.
I wish more bloggers felt that way. Surfing would be so much more enjoyable in that event.
Unfortunately, I have eight kids, and two in college. I need the revenue.