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I am a newcomer to Humble Dollar. I didn’t have the privilege of Jonathon’s writing & wisdom through his long career with the Wall Street Journal. So I write this from the perspective of someone only recently introduced to this community.
With recent discussion about “up-votes” and “down-votes”, I just wanted to offer my humble (no pun intended) opinion, and a hope that we can all find some gratitude for this very special place on the internet.
From time to time I will ponder some topic. Usually this happens because I repeatedly hear a particular view expressed in the news or on blog sites. After I while I might find that I disagree with that view, or it leads to some tangential perspective. And whilst pondering, I find that I would really like to put thoughts in words, and get them out into the world.
And the only place on the internet where I feel safe to publish my thoughts is on Humble Dollar. I know that if I submit my opinions in a calm and thoughtful way, that I will receive calm and thoughtful responses. I can’t think of anywhere else on the Internet like this.
I understand the concerns about “up-votes”, “down-votes” etc. but I think it’s worth reflecting on how fortunate we are to have this little corner of the internet that remains a safe space to think, express and interact.
Many thanks to Jonathon and all those who make this possible.
It is a special place, and it’s taken Jonathan many years of hard work and care to make it so. I wanted to re-post this here, some personal thoughts about HD’s culture which I hope we can work to preserve when its founder is no longer able:
To me what people are saying with their down voting, when others “stir the crap”, or authors pound the table in an aggressive “hey idiots, wise up” post is this: less of this please, there’s too much of that on the ‘net already.
Readers here were attracted by Jonathan’s content and writing style, which is always smart, engaging, authentic, vulnerable, respectful, entertaining and informative; never rude, aggressive, impolite, narrow-minded, condescending or tone deaf.
He has always embraced polite, respectful expression of diverse ideas here, but always towards a purpose of helping others manage money better and use it for more long-term happiness and utility.
To me, this site has never been about rants or provocative pot-stirring. Less of that here might make many a happier reader, and — I pray — a thoughtful, caring contributor.
Thanks, Greg. I’m late to this discussion, and just read some of the other posts and comments.
I think this sentence is key: “I know that if I submit my opinions in a calm and thoughtful way, that I will receive calm and thoughtful responses.”
I favor following that guideline to help me stay within the bounds of civility.
Agree 100%
Reminds me of how I felt from belonging to a community service organization that many of us were members of in the past.
Well said, Greg.
I’m of a similar mind; Humble Dollar is the only “social media” type website I interact with. My reasons are very much in line with yours. I enjoy the community’s more holistic view of finance and retirement, and the ethos aligns with my own mindset. While this could be viewed as an “echo chamber,” at least it’s a forum of pleasant individuals without the hyperbolic, toxic and conflict-driven nature of many larger forums.