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September 23, 2005

Testimonials, Fri., Sept. 23, 2005, 7:00 AM

I received many kind letters in answer to my query yesterday as to why the readers think this blog and website is so popular. What started as my developing a story line for potential banner advertisers suddenly became to me something quite different. I now see it as an opportunity for my readers to anonymously express their heartfelt feelings to others.

After some thought, I believe that expression, and my facilitating its communication to many others in a new Testimonial category on the sidebar, is important.

You see; this is a free blog that I created for a community, and that community is growing quickly because it meets a need in people, which is a concept that I feel should be shared, and discussed. And as I better understand that need, I am going to cause changes here that will result in an even better job.

There were some moments in preparing this article that I worried that some people might think this exercise to be one of self-adulation and delusion. But, then, I concluded that it is precisely the fact that I can meet your needs and expectations that I am doing this work. And by allowing all of you see what I get the privilege and honor of seeing daily, it will serve to illustrate the deep obligation I have to continue, and the concern I have in letting any of you down.

You see my ego is not a problem. I know that your needs and expectations are virtually unlimited, but my ability to deliver is not only limited, it is also nerve-wracking to me at times. It is sometimes not easy for me to do what I do. There are situations in life, whether public or private, family or business related, that sometimes threaten to overwhelm me. I'm sure you know the feeling.

I think the concerns all of us have in our ability to drive through these challenges is ego-controlling, and those of us who are sane strive to perform within the limits we know we have.

In any event, here are the first of the reader testimonials. They will be archived into the Testimonials category on the sidebar, and appended to future ones. I hope others of you add a testimonial if you feel that is appropriate and helpful.

I have allowed only first names, where they were provided. Through previous communications I'd say I know about half " maybe more " of you, or at least a bit of your background. You come from countries around the world. Some of you are young, and some are much older than myself. Some are students and some are teachers. Some are CEO's and several are registered financial professionals.

I am excited about the diversity of the readership, and thankful for the following responses:

Question: Why do you think the billcara.com blog is growing so fast? (First testimonials received in a few hours on Sept. 22)

1.
Hi Bill, I think the reason is simple. You care about your readers and people in general. You express this well in your writing. You give a personal touch. As a result readers care about your blog and your opinions. You have what so many others only dream of - credibility. Best Regards,

Ben

2.
Reasons why I believe your readership is expanding quickly: That's what happens on the Internet when you provide something of significant value above and beyond the competition Your page is thought provoking and educational You stick your neck out and make clear predictions.

James

3.
Bill - 0n why I think your blog is growing quickly in readership. Main reason in my opinion is because you have a very readable style, have whiskers from your sell-side days, know many of the players and have a passion to help people help themselves.

Personally I found your site about a month or two ago and have (still am) tried to slowly slog through the archives. Your practical investment style accompanied with self-help and independent investor education sources is a great help. Even practical things like the value of ValueLine and the explanation and listing of ETFs by GICS is something that is extremely useful. Your End of Week Review is excellent and highlighting the weekly ValueLine Dow 30 updates is also useful.

Thank YOU Bill for taking both the time and interest in helping the unwashed. I especially like your blog because you bring a Canadian perspective to the primarily international (gold) and American (etfs) markets. You also flavour it well with lots of annotative glimpses of real life in the fast lane and penthouse suites. Your site is timely and especially appreciated Bill.

Richard

4.
Hi Bill, Your website brings a wonderful flow of thoughtful editorial comment on the world markets with a bit of liberal bias. Thankfully, this slight bias does not get in the way of objective observations on current market trends and the political/cultural environment that affects the market. Additionally, your multiple updates per day are always regarding the most relevant market developments and are not the off topic rants that many blogs are. Your years of expertise are fully evident in all of your entries and serve to make this an invaluable resource for those who follow the markets. Kind Regards,

Leo

5.
Hi Bill, The reason I read your blog is because you are believable. I find your humanism and sincerity most appealing. You have a keen insight of the markets and deliver the truth as you see it. I learn from your writings and try to apply in daily living. (Rhythms, market, life, dancing .....). Thank you.

Tony

6.
Bill, I have been a reader for approx. 4 months. I believe your popularity stems from an acknowledgement by all who read of the amount of unselfish and tremendous effort you undertake to bring intelligent and insightful views of the financial world. Your background and particular intuition are a rare commodity even in a world of so many pundits and opinions. I look forward to your paid subscription advice and hope that it will be quite specific in its recommendations. Regards and good health.

Alan

7.
Bill, Your site is a Godsend to people like me, long story short. I am new at trading, been using the Worden TCNet package for 2 years now, trading intermittently. Now kind of pushed into full-time, matter of fact. For me, it is about finding my way with my skin in the game. For me it is about taking measured careful steps, being methodical indeed. Add to it that I find your perspective and analyses very well done as well as relatively easily for me to assimilate. Each day I offer my thanks for many blessings. For each day's opportunity to watch and learn I am grateful. Thank You and Godspeed!

Will

8.
Bill, Your blog is interesting, informative, and educational. I am an amateur trying to learn how to invest and you provide insights not found on TV (Cramer, Bull and Bears, others). Thanks,

Andy

9.
Bill, You keep it interesting, you support your view, and you present the contrary view of others if they are expressed. Your writing style is conversational, and no effort to read. You put it all together with charisma. You give the big and small picture, the long, intermediate and short view. A golfing analogy would be: You enable the reader to be facing in the right direction to hit the ball towards the hole, and then you even help in club selection and technique. Thanks

Tom

10.
Bill, "What is the truth? " In this age of information explosion it is difficult for the general public to distinguish between truth and rumor, short-term noise and long-term trends. You succeed in a very special way to cut to the bone and to supply real original thoughts with a touch of humanity to it. That is why your numbers will explode - financial independent people that need to preserve their retirement funds need honest objective AND knowledgeable analysis like yours, desperately. However be careful your success might become your biggest danger - don't let it influence your style! Also with more exposure will come criticism? Stay true to yourself and don't let the critics get to you.

Hugh

11.
Bill, The reasons you have become my first source of market information are the following:
1. Your experience inside the industry.
2. Your honest and candid sharing of your knowledge.
3. Your presentation is well structured and to-the-point.
4. Your commentary helps me understand the reasons for TODAY'S market events and behaviors.
5. Your writing is teaching me about the relationships among different capital markets.
6. Your writing is teaching me about the "big picture" view of the capital markets.

Very minor point re: advertising, I have noticed that ads/banners that contain animation or a lot of movement tend to make my laptop fan kick on. Apparently those ads require a lot of CPU resources, thereby causing it to warm. Therefore, I tend to avoid such websites, for fear of overheating my computer.

Phil

12.
Bill Cara has an ability to see the complex economic interactions that cause markets to move in different directions. He explains these clearly in a straightforward manner and with clarity resulting in the reader's being able to understand the causes in market shifts. His understanding and experience enable him to reliably predict these changes.

Daniel

13.
Bill, I read about your blog in Business Week, Barron's and linked via phatinvestor.com. I enjoy reading your in depth analysis of various topics. You offer a different perspective to the market and I need that approach as well. It is helpful to me that you do not follow the herd in interpretations and discussions. Keep up the good work,

Nate

14.
Bill, Your byline says it all: Capital Markets & Social Equity; Traders are looking for frank commentary along those lines. That's why your blog enjoys growth & success. Simple enough.

Quentin

15.
Bill, you have given the "little guy" like me a behind the scenes education in 6 months that would have taken me decades to grasp, on what really drives and moves the markets. You are one of the few voices of truth and integrity in the forest of hype, collusion, and dishonesty that is our modern capital markets. You have a unique combination of experience, integrity, wit, and personable writing style. I am truly grateful to you that you are willing to share and teach us about the markets and about life. Thank You!!!!!!!

Lanemusi

16.
Billcara.com is "THE" trader's essential site containing the DNA building blocks for successful trading and living. Bill Cara's information is intuitive, comprehensive and economical. It is the first site I read for objective world news all day and into the late late night hours. It's more than addictive.

Steve

17.
Since selling my business, I have used your site daily as my primary source of market news (over my broker at UBS). I am looking forward to your subscription recommendations.

Dan

18.
Hi Bill --My business day starts and ends on the Bill Cara site. Forty years of investing experience and this is the first time I feel empowered. Thank you for your knowledge, guidance and dedication.

Bill

19.
I am confident that I am reading a successful Professional's views/ideas without any hidden agenda (For last eight months or so, I refuse to listen to any TV/radio talk show about stocks!) Thanks,

Rick

20.
It came to pass that my sister, (a one-time professional trader) put my wife in contact with a broker on the understanding he would do his level-best to look after my wife's RRSP portfolio. It was only after reviewing what I perceived to be elementary wrong-headed trading performance in the year subsequent to September 11, 2001, that I resolved that although I am not at all inclined to trading (and my wife even less so) that it was pointless to do anything other than take personal responsibility for the portfolio myself, and to make all the decisions - both good and bad - for myself.

It is my good fortune to have stumbled upon Bill's web page. Ever since that wondrous day, I have benefited daily from Bill's missives on trading and life itself.

Consequently, I have come to know and admire Bill's character. I am grateful - despite myself having been utterly overwhelmed at the time - to learn of Bill's capacity to face personal grief and loss with resolution, calmness and a searing love. The beneficent impact of such communications is unknowable, nevertheless, I can report that it made me sit-up to admire Bill's character. But of equal importance, through my tears of empathy, I questioned myself whether I would have the wherewithal to have done a similar set of "the right things" under comparable circumstances in my own life. Have I learnt anything? I think so. And although I am still very much a novice at trading, this much I do know: Bill has honoured his readers by committing himself to pointing the way forward for those who wish to educate themselves about the capital markets. What a tremendous gift and opportunity.

"Thank-you Bill!" Sincerely,

Thomas

21.
It's inside but readable/understandable.

G

22.
A few good words for billcara.com
· No Spin
· Great Ideas
· Entertaining Writing

I check it about ten times a day!

Mark

Posted by Posted by Bill Cara on September 23, 2005 07:00:26 AM | Category: Testimonials

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