Last night I got a very nice email, which read:
Tim,
Let me start by saying I love your blog. Since finding it several months ago, I've learned a great deal about trading from you and a handful of others. My profits from (mostly swing) trading have since surged.
Reading your thoughts about eclectica have also proven most profitable (in a less material–but no less satisfying–way). Again, thanks.
The reason I write to you is my desire to give back. I get a lot from SOH but I give very little in return and this troubles me. I realize the site makes money from ad clicks, but I've installed Adblock Plus on my PC and thus, cannot see the various ad banners on your site….I'd like to ask to contribute to you via PayPal each month to compensate my lack of ad clicking. Quote me a figure and I'll be happy to send you the sum.
Best regards.
Now, in seven years of doing this blog, and countless tens of thousands of readers, no one has ever made me such a direct offer (although I've received a box of chocolate or two and some nice wine in the past from a few readers). I wrote the gentleman back:
That's a generous offer.
I've actually toyed with the idea of accepting donations, but I've elected not to do so. I've read from other bloggers that it changes the "relationship" between the writer and the reader, and that makes a certain amount of sense to me. Also, I'm a little gun-shy about even one penny actually changing hands. In seven years of blogging, I haven't received a cent of currency from anyone.
I actually think you're the first person who's actually asked how they can send me money, so consider yourself remarkably generous I must politely decline.
– Tim
And then, a few moments after sending my email, I realized I was being an idiot, so I followed up:
So as not to waste your generous urges, feel free to get your Karma Points for your benefit from Slope by donating to a favorite charity of mine
https://www.bestfriends.org/donate/detail.cfm?action=df&df=give&tc=WDGENB
I tend to like dogs more than people, so I always send readers this link.
– Tim
I wasn't sure if he'd donate anything, but I was hoping he'd send ten bucks their way or something.
And, so, this morning, I receive….
Based on your selfless recommendation, I made a small donation to BFAS in your honor. You're on the right path, Tim.
I asked the writer his permission to anonymously recapture our conversation, and he agreed. I wanted to relate this story not just because it makes me feel good, but because it shows the kindness that some people can exhibit. Particularly Slopers. (Can you imagine someone from IBC doing anything like this? No, you can't. Because we're better than them).
If you want to help out as well – even if it is the ten bucks I was originally expecting! – here's that link again (although, looking at the form, I notice the reader actually had to hand-enter his amount, since the highest amount suggested is $500!) And if not….you could always throw me a click or two.
