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Now that some months have passed since Jonathan’s death, I thought I’d pen a special note to the site’s writers/contributors (past, present, and future but not in that order).
To present writers: Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your ongoing contributions and for your role in keeping the site active, interesting, and informative. Your commitment to HumbleDollar ‘s mission and to honoring Jonathan’s legacy as a master of all things personal finance is deeply appreciated. I hope you continue to write and load the site with new and informative content.
To future writers (those of you who read HumbleDollar and perhaps comment): I hope your participation expands into someday penning an article for the site. A good number of readers expressed they would like to see more articles. If you think you have a story, experience, or information to share from which other readers can learn, I encourage you to give it a go. Simply send a direct email with your idea and we will work with you get it published.
And finally, to HumbleDollar’s past writers – those who no longer contribute to the site (and there are many): I write this note with a heavy and disappointed heart. When Jonathan died, many of you mourned his loss like that of a close friend and found it difficult to write. Believe me, nobody here has mourned Jonathan more than I have. In the early months, a few of you personally shared with me some concerns for the site’s direction as a reason to no longer contribute, while some of you regularly expressed your distaste blatantly and harshly on the site. But most have disappeared into thin air.
I’ve asked myself why? With Jonathan gone, is there no longer an interest in HumbeDollar because the interest was only in interacting with Jonathan Clements? Did you write for the site simply for personal or professional gain? Or did you just want feedback on your own writing from one of the best writers and editors out there? For a handful, perhaps there is truth in some or all the above. But I would like to think for most, the reason you contributed to the site was because you believed in its mission – to educate people about all things money.
I recently wrote a reply to a Forum comment in which I said, “Jonathan was a talented writer, editor and teacher. …….. why not make him proud by penning a piece incorporating his feedback and guidance?” I stand by my words.
More poignantly however, in an email Jonathan asked me to send posthumously to all HumbleDollar writers, he requested this: “I’d encourage you to keep posting to the Forum. Please also help to police the site: Let’s continue to avoid nastiness and politics and point it out when others slide. I have a handful of dying wishes, and one of them is that HumbleDollar continues to survive and thrive.”
Do you know what he requested from me? He asked me to try to forge a good, happy and fulfilling life – without him. Seems impossible. Compare that to what he asked of you – to continue to contribute to HumbleDollar. Piece of cake.
Why have I stopped posting?
There are two areas where my previous articles could be cited – Spotlight on a topic, and Spotlight on an author. Apparently topics and authors change throughout the day. After an unscientific search during March, I resolved to look at HD at least twice each day during the month of April – morning and evening.
I have never seen any of my articles cited in either place. I have no idea how the topics and authors are selected, but if my previous articles are not worth re-publshing, why should I put time and effort into new articles.
I am not criticizing the articles that are highlighted in these two areas. They are fine articles. I have concluded that my articles are simply not up to snuff.
With Jonathan’s help, I published about 20 articles, many fewer than some others. But I would have thought that in two months time at least one or two might have been worthy to include.
As an aside – I would much prefer to see just one topic, and one author highlighted each day. I am not going to come back to HD six or eight times a day to see what has changed. I wish I could look at it just once a day, and not worry that I am missing something significant.
Larry Sayler, I appreciate you reading my post. To do what I can, I just commented on an excellent article of yours “Somebody Has to Win” which has put it back on the home page.
Elaine, Above you asked why some writers were no longer posting.
Well for me it is partially based on my posts not getting published, as the last three I’ve submitted only two were ever published. And both times they were published in such a way that they never appeared on the home page. For example, the post I submitted on April 25, was only published after I contacted Bogdan. In this specific case, as it was published with the date I submitted it (April 25) and not the date it was posted (April 27), it was never listed on the home page and therefore just slipped out the backdoor uncommented and unread.
I spend a fair amount of time writing and editing my posts before submission . . . it’s all very frustrating.
Michael, I don’t understand the “rules” of this new HD format. You say some of your posts are not published. I don’t understand.
I finally relented last night and made my first post-Jonathan post. It appeared immediately.
I have always enjoyed your posts. I can’t imagine “they” are giving extra scrutiny to yours.
Welcome back to two of the HD old timers (like me). I hope to see more of them return. 🤞
Posts with more than one link are held for moderation.
Ah, that explains why some forum posts go under my radar until someone comments on them.
First Elaine, belated condolences. I had no doubt HD would change without Jon’s steady hand at the helm, but apologies on behalf of those who may have directed vitriol either at you or the site, which seems simply nuts. I’m still here as a reader, as I was way back in the day when Jon was at the WSJ. Sure, maybe it’s a bit different, but still one of the very best personal finance sites out there. Best.
Elaine, thank you for this post. It cannot have been easy to write.
Change in a site like this is inevitable when a guiding light like Jonathan is no longer there, but my condolences that you had to ride out such unpleasantness in the change process. I hope things are settling down for you.
I wrote up an article months ago but never properly submitted it, probably because I do get a bit intimidated by the expertise on display here. I have taken your words as encouragement and submitted it through the site.
Elaine, thanks for this post. You’ve nudged me to finally write down an idea that’s been floating around for a while. Submitted!
I am so disappointed Ms. Clements that you, Mr. Grossman, Mr. Sheremeta, and others had to endure this vitriol. Everyone who did this knew better, and should be ashamed. Peddle your slop elsewhere. I appreciate the spirit and intention of the site; and I appreciate, in particular, the work of the writers who carry on the legacy. A world-class writer and good guy is not going to be replaced. Rather devotees of his work have stepped up, and I think they are doing a fine job.
Point made, Elaine. Thanks. I will ask myself what story I have to tell in the months ahead, not just what I would like to read.
I’ve noticed some slight evolution in the site, and the main comment I have is that IMHO, a post will occasionally stray too far from what I would consider personal finance issues.
I don’t mind individuals having more than one submission if the submission is something that is interesting, useful and/or compelling – i.e., it is something with a personal finance connection that readers really will want to read. I think the multiple post issue is something that will take care of itself over time – it is hard to write something that is heavily substantive and also readable, and writers will find that out from experience.
I will note here one thing that really has bothered me a little. I’ve seen a few items that wander into politics or into public policy issues that have little connection to personal finance. I really don’t want to read about politics on HumbleDollar. I see it everywhere else. I would have liked to post something on one post that said the item was inappropriate for HumbleDollar, but I held my pen. I have always assumed that Jonathan ran a tight ship, and he would have had no hesitation in telling a writer that his or her article might be good, but not for HumbleDollar.
Well said Martin. I agree with everything you stated. I always read Adams’s Saturday posts which are always excellent, but over the past 4-5 months had found the multiple post content on the rest of the site to be somewhat off topic at times (not personal finance related) and found myself drifting away from reading the site except for Saturday.
Thank Martin. I agree that that some of the posts should have been better moderated, hence the Forum Rules post.
Shared a few suggestions over email, Elaine. Hope it helps.
Thank you. But I didn’t ask for suggestions. I simply reminded past writers of Jonathan’s request.
I didn’t realize that when Jonathan died people fled HumbleDollar. I find this sad. He built a community of people interested in discussing personal finance. I feel we are his acolytes and very much appreciate that this blog, publication, venue– whatever it is– continue.
Elaine: Thanks so much for your note. I learned much of what I know about personal finance from Jonathan’s work and benefited greatly. I have made it to a promising retirement by following Jonathan’s core advice on minimizing transaction costs, dollar-cost averaging, diversifying, applying journalistic skepticism to the pronouncements of the financial industry, and reminding us periodically that the most important investments do not necessarily involve dollars. Jonathan was an amazing writer who had a great talent for picking relevant topics and not suffering fools gladly. He was also incredibly gracious: When you emailed him to discuss an article or sing his praises, he responded individually. In a meaningful way, we got to say goodbye. As you suggest, that consistent voice and presence cannot be replaced but should be succeeded. Since Jonathan’s death, I haven’t detected any departures from his core beliefs on the website, but it might be a good idea to lay out specifics on the direction of Humble Dollar and whether any considered changes have taken place. Perhaps the occasion of the publishing of Jonathan’s final book would be an appropriate time for that? The best to you always.
Elaine: Regarding the suggestion to “Please also help to police the site,” I propose that contributors voluntarily limit themselves to one contribution per week. This would encourage everyone—especially more prolific contributors—to focus on their highest-quality ideas.
Out of concern for the quality of my posts (such as it is), I have limited myself to one per week. However, I have also noticed that by the time Wednesday or Thursday rolls around, we are running low on new posts. I look forward to interesting submissions without regard to how often the writer posts.
I see some new names responding to Elaine’s post. I bet they have some interesting stories to tell.
On the other hand, Elaine’s request is that we contribute to the site. I think the issue isn’t number of posts but type of posts.
William Housley, I agree. In the past even the most prolific HumbleDollar writer could only publish an article every two weeks, now they are publishing two Forum articles a day. While some have something interesting to say, even Isaac Asimov would have trouble coming up with that much good material. Also publishing quality posts (like articles) takes some amount of time for writing, reviewing, percolating and editing, it shouldn’t be like the text group I have with my friends from high school.
While asking writers to edit themselves is a good start, limiting each writer’s output could be even a more effective one. Also commenters would be well advised to note the brevity of your comment . . . though maybe a little less emboldened.
The BOLD was a mistake – OOPS 😁
William – agreed
Limiting postings would provide other enhanced benefits for the site: the contributors would have a week to more thoroughly edit their strongest content along Jonathan’s guidelines, the best postings and discussions would remain on the front page for longer as they would not so quickly disappear due to frequent subsequent postings, and any concerns about repetitive viewpoints would be diminished.
While posters have underlying good intent, the site is helped more by well-written content rather than frequent postings. The equally mature Mr. Money Moustache FIRE site remains relevant with just four postings a year. Humble Dollar has plenty of strong, well edited and worthwhile content that is worth a re-read in conjunction with new posts.
Thank you for penning your note to the faithful readers Elaine. I miss seeing Jonathan’s name pop into my mailbox each Sunday. I’ve been a devoted reader since I met him at a book signing at my first Bogleheads conference, sadly also Jack Bogle’s last.
I’m not sure if other financial writers would ever have the same familiarity for me as his words. I’m a born Philadelphian living abroad and he was an Englishman navigating life and finances in Philly. Because of him, I had a little view in the life I left and will always wonder if living in Center City would have be a nicer choice. It as much fun reading his articles. I once worked at PwC and imagined a move from the Philly suburbs to a place I could easily walk to the nearest cafe or museum. It’s always been a nice daydream.
I do hope that you keep contributing your experiences after his passing. Not enough women contribute and it’s from women I am mostly seeking advice. I often wonder if I could live in the spaces I now share with my husband if he were to pass before me. I worry a little about how things will work out with his children. I hope you continue to enjoy travelling and how will that interest develop?
And, I hope that the decisions I’ve made based on Jonathan’s writing will pan out. One being to investing more with a World view in my Roth for my son’s sake. He also now lives abroad.
Please share your personal successes and concerns with your audience, especially from a widow’s point of view.
Looking forward to your next article!
Thank you, Mary. I’m very private so it would a challenge to share more about my situation. But who knows?
Touching words, Elaine. I’m saddened by the thought of the grief I’m sure you are living with, but I’m very hopeful about the future of HumbleDollar. We just need to get our momentum growing again.
Excellent post, Elaine! I am one of those who responds to others’ posts, but hope to submit something in the future. Humble Dollar has greatly influenced my thoughts and practices with personal finance. Hoping to see it continue with numerous writers and topics of discussion!
Thank you Dave. I’ll be looking forward to it!