I Am Just A Blogger, Damn It!

By Pinyo, on April 9, 2009

Today I am not going to write about making side income, frugal living, investing, or any of the usual stuff. Instead, I want to share something that has been on my mind for the past few days. Consider this the “get to know me better” article.

Why I Started Moolanomy…

I started Moolanomy in mid-2007 for three reasons: (1) to learn more about financial concepts, (2) to improve my finances, and (3) to better my writing skills.

writing

Photo by matsuyuki via Flickr

I don’t know if I fully accomplished all three goals. I think I am doing well with #1, because I did learn a lot over the years. I am doing okay with #2, because I did improve my income and investing skills — but it sure doesn’t feel like I did with the recent stock market downturn. As for #3, I have to say that English is a very difficult language, especially as a second language. Each day that I write, I spend an tremendous amount of effort putting together words and sentences. I have to read and reread everything multiple times. And I do know that I still make plenty of mistakes. Unfortunately, I just don’t know exactly where they are, so you will have to live with them until spelling and grammar checking tool in Word gets better.

Who I am…

Most of you don’t know who I am aside from the guy who runs Moolanomy. But that’s by design because there are so many creeps and predators out on the Web. Beside, I am not 100% comfortable to fully reveal myself.

However, I can tell you that my real name is Pinyo. I am a real person. Some bloggers actually have seen me in person. And yes, they are real too. Overall, I am a fairly normal person just like most of you. I am a son, a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, and a friend to many people.

Moreover, I am a writer if you consider how much time I spend writing, and an entertainer if you find my articles worthwhile. I enjoy learning and I writing about what I learned. I love putting fresh spin on mundane ideas. And I found numbers intriguing. This is why I write about money.

But one thing for sure….I am not a financial expert.

Stuff that I write…

What you read on Moolanomy are financial concepts and ideas that I have learned along the way — information that I believe to be true and accurate at the time that I write them. I tend to simplify certain things and intentionally sacrifice accuracy in favor of having articles that are easy to read and understand.

This works well most of the time, but certain people may find some information lacking and inaccurate. But that’s okay, because I am writing for people that are like me — e.g., moms, dads, sons, daughters, etc. I write for people who enjoy reading my work, and for people that are trying to learn and improve their own finances. And most importantly, I write for me.

If you find something that I got wrong, please tell me because I am here to learn as well. Just leave a comment, or send me an email.

Information sharing versus advice…

While I work very hard to give you the best information possible, you should never assume that I am 100% correct. Please do not mistake my opinion as advice. Remember that I am a blogger and not a professional. This brings me to a point I want to make.

In general, you should never believe information you find on the Web without applying some common sense and due diligence. If you need help, find a professional that you can meet face-to-face and hold accountable.

What’s better for me may not be better for you…

Additionally, I may occasionally conclude that something is better than another. I may even call something the best or the worst. However, what’s best for me may not be the best option for you. For example:

I swear by my cash back credit cards, but for many of you credit cards are your worst enemy.
I think paying down highest interest debt first is best, but many of you will do better by paying the lowest balance first as recommended by Dave Ramsey.

Not to mention what best in one situation may not be the best in another. Again, use common sense and do your own research.

My pledge…

However, you can rest assure that I will never intentionally support something that’s bad. For example, you’ll never see me recommend a payday loan company, tell you to cheat on your taxes, etc. That much I can promise you.

Lastly…

I just want to say thank you to all my readers. I also want to thank every bloggers that linked to my articles and shared Moolanomy with their readers. And lastly, to all my friends who have supported, encouraged, and challenged me along the way.

Over the years, I met many people, made a lot of friends, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Thank you!

This article was featured in the Carnival of Personal Finance hosted by Money Ning.

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Pinyo is the brain behind Moolanomy personal finance blog and a few other web sites. If you like this article, please subscribe for free daily email updates.

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33 Comments

Steve
April 9, 2009, 23:27

Pinyo, thanks for sharing a bit about yourself. By the way, I do hope that your relative is doing ok. I am referring to a twitter post last week or the week before. Blessings, and thanks for all you do.
Pinyo
April 9, 2009, 23:30

Thank you Steve, especially for remembering the tweet from last week. We are all praying for my FIL. My wife is with him now in Thailand. Unfortunately, he fell ill after the first operation and is still in the hospital. We are not sure if he’ll be ready for the second operation next week.
Four Pillars
April 9, 2009, 23:42

Pinyo, I think you do great work on your blog even if your writing may not live up to the expectation of some unemployed hedge fund managers.
MoneyEnergy
April 10, 2009, 0:00

Hi Pinyo, I wouldn’t have known your first language isn’t English, so I wouldn’t worry about that. And hopefully you didn’t encounter some threatening emails which prompted you to write such a thorough caveat/disclaimer about the nature of the advice on the site:). Your blog is a great inspiration.
Mrs. Micah
April 10, 2009, 7:06

Yep, we’re all just bloggers, dammit. I remember reading about your motivations when I first started reading the site—oh so long ago. I think you’ve made real progress with the English, most of the time one would have no idea that it’s your second language. As for the financial stuff, well I’ve never adopted you as my unconditional guru, but I’ve learned a lot from the site.

I’ll also attest that you’re very much a real person with a whole family, just as you’ve mentioned them on the blog. I’m sorry to hear about your wife’s father I’ll keep him in my thoughts too.
Patrick
April 10, 2009, 7:35

Wait… so I shouldn’t have sunk my life savings into Bear Stearns last December?

Good points on all accounts, Pinyo. Well written.
Gem
April 10, 2009, 9:10

I’ve been subscribed to your blog for awhile now and have learned a lot from your posts. I can tell English is your second language in some ways but the grammar and sentence structure are very good! So you’ve made a lot of progress, or the spelling/grammar checker is picking up a lot before posting.
Thanks for this little post, it’s great to know a little more about the person behind the blog.
The Weakonomist
April 10, 2009, 9:18

Pinyo, I’m sorry that you had to do a post like this. I know it takes a lot to get one of us irked enough to do a full disclaimer post. Whoever set you off is an ass. Most of us know better than to make those assumptions. And if English is your second language you’re a hell of a lot better at it than this native speaker.
Pinyo
April 10, 2009, 9:21

@Four Pillars – Thank you. And I would be a fool to think everyone is going to be happy with my work.

@MoneyEnergey – Thank you. There was no threatening emails, but I do get occasionally unconstructive comments and even some blog posts (but very rarely).

@Mrs. Micah – Yes, that was a long time ago and I haven’t update my goals or status for a long time. May be I should do that more because I was doing better back then. I guess it’s true what they say about you can only improve what you measure.

It was great to meet you in person way back when. And thank you for the well wishes.

@Patrick – I think even CNBC said that Jim Cramer is an entertainer and not a financial advisor…isn’t that correct? I would never tell you to go buy Bear Stearns, you should really put your entire life savings in GM. The price is really low right now

@Gem – It’s good to see that this post bring out a long time subscriber who have not commented before. It’s very nice to be able to say “Hi”.
Miranda
April 10, 2009, 10:13

I enjoyed reading a little bit more about you. And I love your blog
FFB
April 10, 2009, 13:40

All my cash in GM, off to Sharbuilder I go!! Pinyo said so!! Just kidding.

Thank you for all of the great content, help, and support! If you’re just a blogger then I have a lot of work to do to be just a blogger too.
craig
April 10, 2009, 14:58

Always enjoy the excellent content, never take your advice too seriously anyways, ha. Just kidding. Nice to get to know the person behind the blog and prefer listening to a person who has similar situations.
Steve @ brip blap
April 10, 2009, 19:58

Nice post, Pinyo – echoes a lot of my thoughts, too. Whoever got you annoyed enough to write this, ignore them. It’s tough putting yourself out there on the anonymous internet and offering advice or opinions or even just idle thoughts.

You’ve got a great blog and I look forward to reading it for years to come!
Chiko777
April 11, 2009, 1:21

Thanks for sharing from the heart, I like to see people sharing from the heart.
Chiko777
April 11, 2009, 1:22

Great post, straight from the heart. Good stuff!
Pinyo
April 11, 2009, 1:25

@Miranda – Thank you. I appreciate the love.

@FFB – Please don’t do that. I live to close to you. I don’t need a crazed broken down man near my house. And don’t be too humble, your blog is just as good (if not better).

@Craig – Thank you… and you should never take any blogger’s advice seriously, at least until you confirm the accuracy.

@Steve – How’s my favorite blogger? Thank you for the compliment.

As for the person, I just ran across a couple of people who are sick and tired of poor quality and bad content offered by bloggers. They are kidding right? If they want professional quality writing and expert advice…don’t read blogs. Most of us are very good, but only a handful are professional writer and/or financial pro.

@Chiko – Thank you. I do need to write like this more.
MoneyNing
April 11, 2009, 12:09

Many of us enjoy your writing and opinions. There will always be someone out there that will disagree but know that for everyone who doesn’t like your style, there are millions more that do.
Pinyo
April 11, 2009, 12:38

@MoneyNing – Thank you for the vote of confidence and amen on the millions comment
Lisa Spinelli
April 11, 2009, 14:59

Hey Pinyo,

This post is just one more of the many reasons I think you’re a great guy.
marci
April 13, 2009, 10:14

I enjoy your outlook, and always find the sharing of viewpoints refreshing.
Keep up the good work!
Pinyo
April 13, 2009, 10:18

Lisa and Marci – Thank you. I appreciate the positive feedback.
J. Money
April 13, 2009, 11:53

nicely done, sir! you are a true gentleman, and i am proud to share the pf niche w/ ya
Ken
April 13, 2009, 12:24

Keep up your writing. I enjoy it.
vh
April 13, 2009, 13:03

Wow! I make my living coaching international scholars for whom English is a second, third or fourth language, writing in arcane topics from math to Renaissance history. If you hadn’t said so, I would scarcely have guessed that English was not your first language. Your blog is an awesome accomplishment.

Not only that, but I sure have learned a lot about money topics from you!
Andy
April 13, 2009, 13:55

Nice article Pinyo. Kinda like a mission statement for your blog. Keep up the “great” writing and rarely do I find mistakes in the stuff you write.
Anne Pridemobilityscooter
April 13, 2009, 17:53

No wonder you’re good with no.1 and 2…you are one of a kind, honest blogger. No.3 will just flow smoothly if your eagerness becomes enthusiasm. Continue the good work.
Pinyo
April 14, 2009, 8:51

@J. Money – Likewise. Thank you.

@Ken – Thank you for the feedback.

@VH – That’s a huge compliment. I do work very hard at getting things right — so hard work do pay off.

@Andy – Hmm…mission statement. I like that. May be I should update my almost 2 years old About page.

@Anne – Thank you.
Secondo
April 14, 2009, 10:23

Hmmm, nice post. True, you are just a blogger and not a professional. I do believe you are right, at least for now.

I think we are in the midst of a major shift in information source. It used to be that our single source of information was the morning newspaper, information filtered by that one source. Then came radio, enabling us to have more than one source. Then came television. Then came the local newspapers. Then came the internet which allowed us to look at other local newspapers. Then came bloggers. We can clearly see the shift is leaning towards the grassroots level.

During each shift, the “new” source of information would always be deemed not as accurate as the proceeding larger source. During the transition period, that is true. Kinks were being worked out by the pioneers. If looked at this way, then I’d say we are in the transition period to having bloggers as a reliable source of information. That is why I said that yes, I think Pinyo is right in saying that he is only sharing information, not advice. But I think Pinyo is one of the pioneers in this shift. I think in the future, however, bloggers will be held to a higher standard whether they like it or not, and will hold greater responsibility.

I realize I don’t have a fully solid and coherent argument yet; but this is something that just pounds in the back of my head. Does anybody see things this way too? What do you guys think?
Pinyo
April 14, 2009, 11:34

@Secondo – You made a very good point and I agree that it’s bloggers’ ethical responsibility to present information in an honest and as accurately as possible manner. When I wrote this I was also thinking about the depth of information, and there’s only so much depth that a blogger can cover within each article. As a result, readers are advise to explore other related information to make sure that they aren’t surprised by information that’s left out.
Matt Jabs
April 14, 2009, 11:55

I am just getting to Moolanomy for the first few times, so I will try to comment regularly to help give you feedback on your English and your content.

Thank you for sharing, as a fellow financial blogger I know the challenges you face. Just know that you are not the only one who has to read & re-read his posts…I have to do the same thing & English is my first language!

I’ll be around Moolanomy more & more as time goes by. PS…thanks for visiting Debt Free Adventure!
Dan
April 16, 2009, 22:26

Very nice! It’s quite amazing how much we all have to learn from each other.

Dan
Jerry
May 8, 2009, 8:03

Your blog wouldn’t lead me to believe that you are not a native English speaker, Pinyo. Your English is excellent, and your layman’s advice on all things financial (savings, insurance, whatever) is usually quite sound. I am living in a foreign country right now and trying to learn the language (Bulgarian) — it’s tough! I couldn’t put together a blog right now in Bulgarian to save my life. Good work and keep it up!
Jerry
Pinyo
May 8, 2009, 14:27

@Jerry – Bulgaria,eh? That’s pretty cool. Thank you for your comment. Many people don’t realize the challenge unless they faced it themselves.

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