Two million or so words ago, I started this blog.? I wanted to do something different; something that reflected my character, and would be an aid to many.? I wanted it to be a bit of a “brain dump,” so that I could impart what I have learned to many.? After seven years, I think the task is mostly complete.
Tonight I would like to thank one group of people I have not thanked before — my clients.? I don’t advertise my services, at least I haven’t so far, though that may change in the future.? My clients provide me with my living, and I appreciate it.
Aleph Blog is fun, and it turns a profit, but is enough to fund my family for three weeks per year.? Those that blog for a living have to be far more promotional than I would like.? I’m happy writing about the things that move me the most, and hopefully, provide the best information for readers.
But if anyone would have asked me where my readers would be coming from seven years ago, I would have said almost entirely from the US & Canada.? That’s almost true — 30% of my readers, as measured by Quantcast, hail from outside those two nations.? Here’s a table, based off of January blog activity:
Country |
Uniques % |
Uniques Index |
United States |
63.48 |
119 |
Canada |
6.25 |
192 |
United Kingdom |
5.4 |
119 |
Singapore |
2.8 |
746 |
Australia |
2.43 |
232 |
India |
2.08 |
117 |
Germany |
1.81 |
62 |
Czech Republic |
1.14 |
41 |
Spain |
1.1 |
54 |
Hong Kong |
1.03 |
359 |
Switzerland |
0.91 |
255 |
Netherlands |
0.76 |
69 |
France |
0.67 |
20 |
Malaysia |
0.57 |
98 |
Philippines |
0.53 |
56 |
Italy |
0.49 |
24 |
Israel |
0.49 |
243 |
Sweden |
0.45 |
76 |
Brazil |
0.44 |
12 |
Belgium |
0.42 |
65 |
Austria |
0.34 |
69 |
China |
0.33 |
18 |
Russia |
0.31 |
16 |
New Zealand |
0.27 |
102 |
Finland |
0.26 |
61 |
South Africa |
0.25 |
63 |
Denmark |
0.25 |
68 |
Ireland |
0.25 |
49 |
Greece |
0.24 |
69 |
Japan |
0.24 |
13 |
Korea, Republic of |
0.21 |
33 |
Poland |
0.2 |
19 |
Mexico |
0.2 |
12 |
Pakistan |
0.2 |
32 |
Thailand |
0.2 |
24 |
United Arab Emirates |
0.19 |
59 |
Indonesia |
0.19 |
12 |
Romania |
0.18 |
36 |
Turkey |
0.18 |
7 |
Taiwan |
0.17 |
37 |
Portugal |
0.15 |
32 |
Norway |
0.14 |
42 |
Bulgaria |
0.12 |
58 |
Hungary |
0.11 |
37 |
Lithuania |
0.11 |
50 |
Argentina |
0.11 |
5 |
Slovenia |
0.1 |
79 |
Vietnam |
0.08 |
7 |
Nigeria |
0.08 |
44 |
Estonia |
0.07 |
109 |
Rest of the World |
1.02 |
NA |
The “Uniques Index” adjusts to show how popular I am per capita in each country.? 100 would be the average popularity.
I’ve been impressed over the years with how many people have written to me from across the Earth, asking questions, thanking me, etc.? Many I have turned into blog posts.? Don’t be shy to write; I may not respond — I can’t get to everything.? I read them all, and about half become blog posts, because they address ideas that many need to hear about.
The Future as I see it Dimly
I have more book reviews to write.? I would like to write a piece asking what is the most fragile significant element on the global economic scene, but so many things are fragile that it is hard to pick one out.
This may take more than one part, but I want to do a review, category by category, of the main ideas I have tried to propound over the last seven years.? I’d like to start that series over the next month.
I’m almost finished with my “The Rules” series — only 1-3 to go.? As I get closer to the end, I find my remaining topics aren’t so compelling.? I used the best ones first.
Aside from that, Buffett season is here, so expect to see an analysis of his letter, annual report, and 10-K.? Lord helping me, and with aid getting the statutory statements, maybe 2014 is the year I write the piece that details his holding company structure.
Thanks
Wherever you live in the world, whatever your first language is, thanks for reading me.? I am grateful and humbled that I have such a large audience.? I only hope that I can continue to earn your trust by writing great stuff month after month, year after year.
Finally, thanks to those who link to me, and those who mention me on Twitter.? May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you all.
Many thanks for all your writings David. Very, very good stuff. I’m sure your clients are just as grateful.
Congratulations, David, to the wisest investor I’ve read, EVER.
Have learned a lot from you and Aleph Blog.
Thank YOU.