Without further discussion today on this important point, I have to admit that personal circumstances have caused me to step back from blogging for today.

Now for the good news: my blog is resonating with readers in all walks of life, from all parts of the world, as illustrated by the following chart (showing exponential growth in pages, files and hits). I have removed the metrics because I do not want to put myself into any competition. Suffice it to say that I believe that within a year this blog will speak directly to at least one hundred thousand daily readers, averaging ten minutes daily.

As a financial blog, people in the media would consider that to be a huge success. There is also a responsibility to do the right thing for all of you who invest your valuable time, and you have my word I'll try to meet your expectations.

But you have to be considerate as well. I don't know anybody who could continue to do what I do in the personal circumstances I am in, so there are times like today, and maybe tomorrow and the day after that, I have to sit back and not push myself beyond safe limits. I am what I am; I'll do what I can do.