Every 100 or so posts, I take a step back, and think about blogging itself.? Tonight I want to talk about advertising in blogging.

I now get about 75 requests per month asking:

• Can I do a guest post at your blog? (There have never been guest posts, ever)
• I want to place link ads at your blog (I tell them it has to be labelled advertising, I will not let my readers be deceived.? They go away.)
• Some other advertising that I find objectionable for other reasons.

I write this blog to give something back to society in general.? My reputation is worth more to me than making money.? If I did not care about my reputation and wanted to make money, I would write a newsletter.? I’m a good enough writer, and clever enough with statistics that I could easily dupe people and make a lot of money, but I belong to Jesus Christ.? I can’t engage in the implicit fraud that many newsletter writers do.

I sometimes send the above cartoon to the advertisers. Most think it is a funny rejection notice. ? I’ve worked hard to create a blog with credibility.? I will not sell it out for a few measly bucks on advertising, or allow for posts from substandard writers.? I won’t even do it for writers better than me.? This is my blog; it reflects me, with all the warts and wrinkles.

I know that I am an acquired taste, and that many things I write are not congenial to all of my readers, because I write about too many areas.? But I write to give something back, and fight against those who try to cheat investors, even if the thief is our government.

But thanks to all that read me.? I am grateful that you peel off time for me.? I don”t deserve it, but I will do my best for you.

Your friend,

David