Slope of Hope Blog Posts

Slope initially began as a blog, so this is where most of the website’s content resides. Here we have tens of thousands of posts dating back over a decade. These are listed in reverse chronological order. Click on any category icon below to see posts tagged with that particular subject, or click on a word in the category cloud on the right side of the screen for more specific choices.

Finding X Reasons For Why (by Mark St.Cyr)

By -

This weekend will be one not remembered for the joyous times we all
should be having with family and loved ones, but for a senseless
mindless tragedy that will bring many of us to question everything. As
it should.

The problem with such heinous acts of evil is we want to lash out at
anyone, and everything. We want answers, and we want them now. Sometimes
there are no easy available answers which will enrage some of us even
more.

Some will focus on the easiest of targets as the reason, some will
draw conclusions where they shouldn’t. Both sides charged with emotion
defending their sides rightly, but maybe for the wrong reasons.

Sometimes there just isn’t a correct answer, an easy fix, just do
this and this won’t happen. Which escalates the anger even more. To
paraphrase an old axiom: “These are the times that try one’s soul.”

(more…)

Your Beat Or The Drummer’s? (by Mark St.Cyr)

By -

We all believe in some form or another we’re marching to the beat of
our own drummer. Then for some reason the beat changes. Yet we don’t
notice. This could be just as confusing to your inner rhythms as trying
to dance hip hop style to a waltz. You may feel like your cutting it up,
but chances are you’ll find (to paraphrase Billy Idol): “You’re dancing
with yourself.”

Far too many start out in pursuit of a business or idea because they
believe they have something to contribute, or something to say. Then
little by little for some unexplained reasons they believe customers,
fans, or others no longer find them as unique, (or whatever word fits)
and they can’t understand why. I will assert it’s because they haven’t
noticed the drummer they were marching too has changed the beat. Yes
they’re still marching, but not in the same rhythm or cadence they began
with.

(more…)

Tiring of “Uncle Warren” – A Follow-Up (by Mark St.Cyr)

By -

Usually any posts or articles I write more or less run in line with
Ron Popeil’s famous line of “Set it and forget it.” However this last
post had me thinking later in the evening.

One of the site’s I contribute on a regular basis (SlopeofHope.com)
posted my article “Uncle Warren” later that evening. The host of the
site Tim Knight of Prophet® charts fame who also owns, and runs the
renowned Slope of Hope financial blog (which by the way is one of the
webs best financial blog communities to be found on the web anywhere)
recently made a statement he personally was no longer writing any
articles of disagreement that were ad hominem-style attacks in nature. The more I
though about the article; the more irked I became at myself. Almost as
much as I was when writing about the subject matter. Which bugged me
even more.

(more…)

Tiring of “Uncle Warren” (by Mark St.Cyr)

By -

As we settle into the holiday malaise one thing keeps coming across
the airwaves, and print with more intrusive annoyance than a new colored
or shaded shopping day advertisement: Warren Buffet.

Over the years he has a great track record and has delivered share
holder value worthy of praise. So let me be clear that I respect, and
applaud it. However the sycophantic drooling over what he says; or the
unquestioning must follow cult like reactions to every word mouthed is
getting not only old – it’s down right pathetic. Not only from investors
of all stripes, but the media as well.

When it comes to investing one term that gets repeated over, and
over, and over again is “I worship at the altar of Mr. Buffet.” I
understand using hyperbole to make a point. Yet what you hear next 9 out
of 10 times is that person carrying on as if there really is some alter
within a building where this person or others receives edicts from one
of Warren’s many investing guide books. (Sorry I meant gospels)  As to
instruct and follow his written word as he has written.

(more…)

Pendulums And Pitfalls (by Mark St.Cyr)

By -

Everyday we hear warnings in one form or another about the looming
“Fiscal Cliff.” However one thing that seems apparent to someone like
myself is the increasingly changing tone or tenor heard across the media
landscapes.

To paraphrase what’s emerging are lyrics such as, “Well it’s not
really a cliff – it’s more like a slope.” or “Just because we go over
doesn’t really mean it’s something we can’t fix.” These are probably the
most dangerous warning signs one can hear if you’ve ever been involved
in crisis management.

Crisis or turn around management is not for the faint of heart. The
landscape is littered with the unsuccessful. It’s a pretty exclusive
club. So being part of this club more than just once, I believe I can
share a little perspective.

(more…)