I consider myself kind-hearted, but I’m not a very thoughtful person. I don’t remember birthdays. I’m not into buying gifts. Hell, I even struggle to remember people’s names (their dogs, however, I always remember).
Slopers, historically, have been very thoughtful. Over the years, I’ve received thousands of emails and hundreds of hand-written letters from readers all over the world. I’ve also received beautiful drawings, bottles of wine, and even silver coins! Here’s is a tiny, tiny sampling from my bulging folder:
Over the years, though, these niceties have died down. I suspect the main reason, besides the mere fact that the novelty of Tim Knight and the Slope of Hope has waned over 20 years, is that the market has been so brutal to bears that no one has felt compelled to take the time and trouble to send me……..well……..anything.
There is one notable exception, and his name is Michael Bigley (who goes by the mysterious moniker Michael Bigley here on Slope). I’d say that, over the past three years, he has single-handedly accounted for the majority of goodies that I’ve received.
I was reminded of this today when, lo and behold, I got this lovely bottle of bourbon from the man. it even has a dog on the label!
Plenty of folks have loitered on Slope for years and years and haven’t sent me as much as a used Kleenex (although I’m not asking). Michael, however – – who, incidentally, is a paying Platinum member and has even sent me cash donations to support my work! – – is the most generous chap on the entire site.
Thank you, Mr. Bigley!
