It’s been a long two weeks, but I think it’s been worthwhile. Thanks for your patience and feedback as the seven Staff Writer candidates shared their articles with you. I still think all seven are great, and wish I could bring all of them on board. It’s going to be difficult to decide whom to add as a Staff Writer.
Before I return to full-time at GRS tomorrow morning, I’d be grateful for one last batch of feedback on the candidates. Again, this isn’t an election, but I will consider your thoughts as I make my decision. What did you think of the authors and articles over the past two weeks?
As a reminder, here are the author bios (and links to their tryout pieces):
Jason Barr is a GRS reader and the author of a personal-development blog called Start Being Your Best. He’s 32 years old, has been married for seven years, and has a 2-1/2 year old son. He’s now a financial analyst, but he spent five years in the army as a Chinese linguist. You can read more of Jason’s background at his site. Jason’s contributions over the past two weeks were What I learned from failure and What is the value of a college education?
Karawynn Long has been blogging since before “blog” was even a word. There would be no Get Rich Slowly without her. I discovered her web journal back in 1997 (via her toilet-trained cat), and it led me to start my own online diary. She inspired me to write for the web. Karawynn now blogs about money at Pocketmint. Here’s more about her story. Karawynn contributed A visit to the Island of Misfit Foods and Discovering (and challenging) your financial values.
Neal Frankle is a Certified Financial Planner, and the author of Wealth Pilgrim, a blog about his own financial journey. He’s an active member of the personal finance blogging community, and has previously contributed two guest posts to Get Rich Slowly: How to read a mutual fund prospectus and How to find financial serenity. For background on Neal’s personal story, check out his recent article about how he went from homeless to homeowner. Neal’s audition articles were The benefits of starting a side business and Do you spend differently with friends?
Lynn is a long-time reader of personal-finance blogs. She is the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of her family, and is working hard to increase the financial health of her family after years of many poor financial choices. In the past, she has written for other financial publications, and is eager to contribute to Get Rich Slowly. For valid reasons, Lynn is writing under a pseudonym. Lynn shared Where to find free activities and events in your area and How a haircut led to a handy acronym.
April Dykman is a long-time GRS reader and active commenter. If you participate in the discussions, you’ve probably interacted with her. She contributed an Ask the Readers question last year about whether she should buy a car or pay off debt. (You told her to pay off debt, which she did, and she doesn’t regret it.) April’s personal site has a bit more info about her. April’s articles were Freedom from mindless spending and How to earn free plane tickets and cash back by shopping online.
Adam Baker is a relative newcomer to the personal-finance blogging community. He writes about money at Man vs. Debt, and is a frequent contributor to The Personal Finance Hour. Baker and his family recently sold everything they own to move from Indianapolis to Australia. They’re now in New Zealand, hoping to find a job. Here’s more information about Baker’s background. Baker’s try-out pieces were: How to use couchsurfing to see the world and The “do-I-have-enough-for-this?” effect.- A.J. Clark is another GRS reader who asked to audition for the Staff Writer job. A.J. is recent college graduate who writes software in the financial services industry, while trying to find his financial footing in the Real World. For valid reasons, A.J. is writing under a pseudonym, so I can’t give more background or provide a photo. His try-out pieces were Hoping to finish ahead by starting behind and What is your appetite for risk?
In theory, I’ll be back tomorrow morning with a brand-new post. In truth, I’m writing this on Friday morning before leaving for a weekend hiking trip. Depending on what time I return Sunday night, Monday’s post may appear at 10am instead of the usual 5am! I’m back from my hiking trip (very fun!) and tomorrow’s post is finished, so everything’s on schedule for the morning.
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I love reading people’s impressions. I actually thought you may have ‘encouraged’ a few commenters to be harsh, in order to see how the writers responded.
I thought each writer had one solid piece, except for Lynn and AJ, whose posts were too light. Adam had two posts that were solid, the only one in my mind to do so. I like Neal’s infrequent posting schedule currently, but wouldn’t want to hear from him more often. Of all the writers, I thought that Karawynn had by far the best style and voice.
I’m with others in wishing that you would pick a few of the better candidates and spread them around. (But thinly!)
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I really enjoyed Kara’s second article and April’s first.
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It’s a tough one, but I’d like to read more from April or Neal. Least favorite is AJ, but that observation speaks more to the demographic distance between us than to his talents as a writer.
It’s pretty hard to judge from two posts each, so good luck with your decision, JD.
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Generally speaking, it would be nice to have more female voices and writers in the field of personal finance, including in the blogging arena. It might also lend a different slant on some issues than what JD experiences.
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I really enjoyed the tone and content of Karawynn, April and Adam’s posts.
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I preferred Jason Barr and Karawynn Long. I also agree with KF that it would be nice to have some more female voices represented. Men and women do tend to think differently about certain things, and I think it would help the site continue to be well rounded.
Still loving your work, though, JD!
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April and Karawynn’s articles had the most resonance for me. I agree with the readers who feel that a feminine voice would be a welcome complement to JD’s writings. My only concern with Karawynn is that is seemed like she dropped her own blog due to a hand injury or something … will she be available and able to take on the staff writer position?
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Adam Baker’s writing appealed to me the most, both of his articles were interesting, well-written and on topics relevant to my concerns about personal finance. I also enjoyed April Dykman’s mindless spending column. The rest of the columns were okay but not what I’m particularly looking for. Some of the columns had interesting ideas that weren’t explored fully. Other were poorly written, and bad writing makes me stop reading no matter how interesting the topic. As I just reviewed all the columns written over the past couple of weeks, the ones you wrote were my favorites. Glad to have you back.
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I liked Neal and Karawyn. The others didn’t seem to speak to me in the same way.
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Neal Frankle gets my vote.
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I think that the most important thing to do when picking the new writer is to get someone with a different perspective than you J.D. (assuming that the new staff has good writing skills). Your perspective on personal finance is what has driven this site to its success, and as you are still planning on writing this trend should continue. Adding a new voice could help bring in new audiences and add diversity to your posts.
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Hi, I really preferred Jason Barr’s articles and think he showed the ability to discuss a wide range of topics (emotional, psychological, financial, technical). Even though not everyone liked his articles, they sure brought up lots of discussion which I think is a huge plus!
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The true test for me is – would I continue reading any of their blogs if they weren’t on GRS? For me, the answer is “no” to all except Baker. (But I already subscribe to his blog.)
So my answer is – the staff writer is not adding any value for me and I’ll probably skip their posts on GRS.
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I think you will get as many differing opinions here as you have yourself! But my vote would have to go to Lynn, because although her ideas may seem more “basic” than the others, that is the kind of stuff I am really looking to read about in my financial journey. Yes I know the cost of college (and stuff like that) is a big deal, but I think you bring a lot of those type of articles to the table yourself, I think Lynn’s voice complements yours, but is different enough to shake up the blog a little when you’re not around. I found her articles interesting and a refreshing change from all the heavy, how much is college going to cost, how much should I have in retirement, what’s the best interest rate on savings type stuff. Like I said I like that heavy stuff too, but I think you have that covered pretty well.
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I know its not an election but my “votes” would be for Karawyn, Adam & A.J.
All three of them had the same things in common for me – well written, enjoyable read & I learned something new from at least one of their posts.
The others were good, but i think these three were significantly better.
Just my 2 cents.
Christy
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Jason Barr’s topics resonated with me, since I have a variety of life experiences. It seems he knows how to stimulate thought not only in the facts and figures (he is obviously astute in finance), but he brings real life and “posits” to his writing. He has a bit of the financier, intellect, philosopher, counselor,and conversationalist all fit into provocative articles. I find myself thinking about something he’s written, later on, and being able to relate it to my every day financial decisions–and also thinking about his posits with regard to other aspects of life. He’s bright at finances, he’s a great communicator, and he’s real.
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I got the most useful information and “makes you think” advice from Karawynn and Neal. I also liked April’s advice for shopping the internet a lot.
A.J.’s posts were too vague to get anything useful from them and I did not enjoy his writing style at all.
The others must not have made an impression to remember.
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They’re all brilliant writers, but my vote is for either Neal Frankle or April Dykman because they bring an element of seasoning that I think is critical to a personal finance blog.
Nothing against the younger writers here, but I just don’t see that a person in their 20s brings enough real life experience to a large PF blog. Though I have to admit that they are entertaining.
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You know if we truly had to decide, JD, we would solely desire to leave all of this blog to our one-and-only master-writer, YOU. But in searching for a staff writer, I thought alot about who truly practices the fundamentals taught here at get Rich Slowly as well as who’s writing style and blog “voice” seems to compliment your own and is the most appealing to the readers.
I would have to say (and I can tell from the majority of comments) that April Dykman is certainly the best choice. Her style of writing compliments your own, both personal and reader-friendly, as well as the methods she practices and experience she speaks from are both interesting, psychological and practical.
I’m glad we had the opportunity to read from an array of such talented and interesting writers, and I surely look forward to reading from their own blogs (especially Neal and Jason) in the future.
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I was a big fan of Karawynn’s ‘Island Of Misfit Foods’, particularly because this is an area I am trying to save money in right now so it was specifically applicable. But I do feel that Karawynn’s writing style overall is top notch, easy to understand, and matches well with the established vibe of GRS. My vote is for her!
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Karawynn’s article on financial values was the most interesting to me of the whole lot.
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Hi. I’m another vote for a woman’s voice, on the idea that it will provide the most “different experience” insight from your own. I liked April’s first article the most, though Lynn may have the most different experiences than your own…
Someone above mentioned using all of these folks again as guest bloggers, and I’d second the idea of continuing to have guest bloggers on occasion. Choosing and editing guest blogs is a good editorial addition to your work as a writer…
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The overall quality of the candidates is incredible. As others have said, I would enjoy hearing from all of them periodically.
Here were my favorite articles:
“Discovering (and challenging) your financial values” by Karawynn
“Freedom from Mindless Spending” by April Dykman
“How a haircut led to a handy acronym” by Lynn
Though I’m male, having a female and family-oriented voice provides a good balance to J.D.’s.
Matt
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Karawynn!
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I’ve enjoyed and found useful articles by Karawynn Long.
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JD, All of them had some very good articles. The found that appealed to me the most were:
(a)Karawynn Long –> Discovering (and challenging) your financial values
(b) Neal Frankie –> The benefits of starting a side business and Do you spend differently with friends?
Regards
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I think A.J.’s and Adam’s articles interest me the most thus far.
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I like Karawynn’s articles best. And AJ’s too…
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Karawynn and April were by far my favorites. Thought-provoking, useful, and a nice complement to J.D.’s posts.
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This will be a tough one JD! I like this process, I’m not one of the ones that feels we have to give everyone warm and fuzzies all the time. Let’s face it, not everyone is ideally suited to every task. I don’t believe we should slam people either and some of the comments were quite unfair.
That said, in my book it’s all about April, April, April. I really enjoyed her writing style and the content in both cases was great.
I did enjoy Karawynn’s second article, her first didn’t do much for me but her style is good. Adam’s was another good writer and had solid content.
Unfortunately I felt that AJ’s article were a bit shallow/immature and didn’t demonstrate the writing skill I’d prefer.
The rest feel somewhere in the middle for me.
Good luck in your decision! (did I mention April is the one! LOL)
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I would rather see a variety of guest posts over a staff writer in general. I think most people read blogs because the writing style and topics are applicable to their life. An ongoing staff writer with a style I didn’t like would be more of a turnoff than occasional guest articles that I didn’t like.
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I would like to vote for NEAL — hands down. The man is extremely hard working, and the material was engaging and thought provoking. I love that he has significant knowledge and research skills to supply informative and useful posts. I will say that his audition posts seemed a little different then what I have read on his blog (maybe like he was trying to “fit in” around GRS). However, I respect his work and since this audition I have been reading his blog now.
Most importantly, I think he is very different from JD (and that is a good thing in that I like having 2 different styles and perspectives).
As a side note, I read one of his recent posts today – very good. My favorite quote was:
“I’ve always thought that its’ dishonest to spend money that I don’t have (credit cards) and don’t have a way to pay back. I have always lived well within my means.”
Well done Neal and good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!
PS: I also really enjoyed April – I would not be upset if she were chosen either.
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I liked AJ the best – he is where I am, financially. I also enjoyed Karawynn’s second post.
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I wanted to put my vote in for Karawynn Long and her island of misfit foods blog post. It was both interesting to read and made me get up and research discount food alternatives in my town. I also liked the what is your appetite for risk article (different author).
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I liked Karawynn’s second article the best. It’s the only article I thought about hours later! Her writing was interesting and engaging and the idea that our upbringing influences our financial choices hit home for me. I liked her so much that I subscribed to her blog.
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My favorites were Karawynn and April. Their posts were substantive and well-written.
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Karawynn, please!
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You can’t go wrong hiring any of these folks! That said, I enjoyed articles from Neal and Adam the most. Neal brings more in-depth investing/planning experience that J.D. has admitted to as a weak area (it’s mine, too). As J.D. moves along in his financial turnaround from debt repayment to wealth building it would be fun to shift some of the posts towards investing as well. Neal’s life story is a compelling one, too, and something I’ve been inspired by through following his blog the last couple months.
Adam brings a different perspective with unique life experiences, and I like his writing style. He’s got a small child and often writes about going through his experiences with kids – something I can relate to as a father of two myself.
Again, I’ll enjoy reading material from any or all of these contributors!
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I enjoyed the “guest” articles, but I felt like something was missing. With the guest posts this felt like an entirely different blog. No criticism on the writers. Their work was strong, good quality writing.
I guess I follow this (one of two) personal finance blog, out of all the others on the net, because I somehow find that it matches my opinions in terms of financial views and priorities. I also seem to feel more attuned to J.D.’s experiences and his projection in the blog. Does that make sense?
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I really liked both of Adam Baker’s articles…they both made me think about how I spend money and what other alternatives there are. I LOVED the couch surfing article – especially the focus on the benefits of couchsurfing as cultural exchange and conversation about a variety of issues. The “do I have enough for this” effect hits it on the head for my personal spending habits/downfalls.
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My vote is for Karawynn. She thinks outside the box. She is open, honest and vulnerable with her readers and her writing compliments yours. She also gives that much needed ‘woman’s voice’ to the topic.
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I can tell you who I am not interested in reading more from via GRS: AJ, Neal, Adam. For different reasons, their posts did not resonate with me.
I think each of the rest would offer me some perspective, to varying degrees.
Good luck with the decision.
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I have to say that I most enjoyed Karawynn’s articles. I felt that both topics were unique and honestly, I either skimmed or completely skipped most of the other’s articles.
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I liked April’s posts the most. Several of the others didn’t rate even much of a reading.
That said, I’m just not liking the idea of a second writer at all. To be honest I think I’ll just stop reading GRS if any of them are posting very frequently.
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Folks, I understand that many of you would prefer there were no Staff Writers at all, and that I provided all of the content here. While that’s flattering, it’s just not possible.
I can see elements of my future, and I know that they mean I’ll have less time for GRS. I’m looking for the best solution possible. I think that adding Staff Writers will allow this site to remain vibrant and informative while giving me time to pursue other projects.
I realize that this may turn some readers away, but I think it’s a better solution than sharing just two posts a week, don’t you?
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I haven’t read all the comments, but my vote would be for Neal Frankle. He can give a perspective that most of us who are not from the financial world don’t have. I think this would be extremely beneficial than having another person who is coming from a similar background can ever provide. I personally enjoy posts that talk about mutual fund prospectus’ and other similar technical talks that would be of practical use.
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I think that each of your guest posters had something to offer.
There is an advantage to having a writer with children. Children add another complication to the equation and lots of possible topics, such as their need/desire to fit into their peer culture; dealing with their education and the relative costs. A woman would add an additional perspective.
For some reason, Jason rubbed me the wrong way. His article on the value of a college education spoke a lot about the financial value but little about what actually might be learned there. The whole point of money management to me is to have a better life – which doesn’t always involve having more money. My college education made me an intellectually richer person, even if it didn’t add much to my accumulated earnings.
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I liked Karawynn’s writing a great deal, but found her “Island of Misfit Foods” article a little…bland.
I liked April’s voice a great deal, and got useful financial advice from it! Win!
I really like the idea of having a woman’s voice and a parent’s voice more strongly represented.
And finally, I care a lot more about writing ability than I do about financial credentials. Anyone can call an expert for advice.
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Karawynn Long gets my vote! I honestly wasn’t so impressed with the content and writing style of the other candidates.
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I appreciated April’s article and so did many of my friends. Her article really made me think about my spending habits. I thought it was well written!
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