GIVEAWAY - Charlie Munger’s “Poor Charlie’s Almanack”

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GIVEAWAY - Charlie Munger’s “Poor Charlie’s Almanack”

By JLP | April 9, 2008

Okay, this is perhaps the coolest giveaway I have hosted on AllFinancialMatters.

This time I’m giving away ONE very nice copy of Poor Charlie’s Almanack - The Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Charlie Munger, he is Warren Buffett’s partner and friend.

This giveaway is cool on two fronts:

1. AFM readers get a chance to win a really nice coffee table-style book, and

2. The net proceeds from the sale of the book go to support the Munger Research Center of the Huntington Library.

So, for a chance to win this giveaway, leave a comment below along with your ideas on how I can improve AllFinancialMatters (NOTE: comments will have no bearing on whether or not you are selected, as the winner will be randomly-selected). Please remember my two rules:

1. You must be a resident of the U.S. or Canada, and…

2. You can only enter ONE TIME!

I’ll randomly-select a winner on Monday, April 14th.

GOOD LUCK!

Topics: Books |

Comments to “GIVEAWAY - Charlie Munger’s “Poor Charlie’s Almanack””

Rachel Bergman Says:
April 9th, 2008 at 10:25 pm

I like the honesty and practicality of this blog. I also like the calculators and other resources found here. Thanks for encouraging us all to live wisely with our money.

gp Says:
April 9th, 2008 at 10:31 pm

Book looks weighty.

acehbee Says:
April 9th, 2008 at 10:51 pm

Count me in!

Jane Says:
April 9th, 2008 at 10:55 pm

The “books” section book comments and reviews are always interesting as a reading guide.

MoCat Says:
April 9th, 2008 at 10:57 pm

I really enjoy AFM because the financial information is varied and written for easy digestion without dumbing down the context.

Thanks, and keep it up!

Ken Says:
April 9th, 2008 at 11:06 pm

I am thinking of improvements to layout.

Maybe make the post header blue to match the rest of the site instead of green.

Clean up the spacing in the calculators, so it doesn’t take up to much room.

I think the links box is pretty worthless. Also maybe try to even out the length of the right and left columns.

But other than that, content is good and is in my feed

GL Says:
April 9th, 2008 at 11:12 pm

I really like the fact that you blog frequently, unlike some of the other PF blogs I’m subscribed to.

Thanks for the giveaway!

JLP Says:
April 9th, 2008 at 11:31 pm

Ken,

Thanks for the suggestions.

I made the title bars green to break the monotony of all the tan and blue.

The reason for all the space between the calculators is that without the space, they all sort of blend together.

The links box is gone.

I’ll try to figure out a way to shorten the length of the categories section.

Jeff Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 12:12 am

I read from an RSS feed so this doesn’t bother me on a daily basis, but I’ve never been a big fan of the color scheme. So perhaps make the colors a bit more vibrant.

David B Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 12:56 am

Ditto on the category section. Why not have a pop-out menu, and possibly sub menus? Helps consolidate and if done correctly provides a better user interface.

What about adding a drop down box for the directory instead of the list as is?

Eric Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 1:08 am

Well I love the content so no complaints but the layout….. not feeling it so much.

First on my list would be a change of color…asap!

Adam Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 3:17 am

I would just like to say first, I am a long time reader of your blog, very valuable and down to earth information (I placed your feed in google reader on my homepage).

I’m a big Warren Buffet fan, the guy has done some great thing with his money (other then valued investment decisions).

As far is improving your site, I would probably start with changing the layout overall, colors, title, etc..
Changes will bring a new feel to the site and attract more readers and make the existing readers feel refreshed! Second, you have some valauble tools listed to the right (calculators) and the site index of catagorized information. Bring both of these boxes closer to the top so that it’s the first thing you see when lurker stumbles across your site.

Keep up the great work!

Tracey Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 6:23 am

I’m a recent arrival to the blog, but I can see how you’ve created such a loyal readership. Your range of postings and clarity of thought make for excellent reading. Keep finding your own topics and takes on subjects, and I’ll keep coming back.

Mae Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 7:07 am

While I am a UofM supporter, I won’t take exception to your April 8, 2008 post! I have say, the KU coach out foxed us in the last 2 minutes of the game… Oh, well! Congrats!

Now to the point…

First, I look forward to reading AFM. Your blog is REAL and unpretentious (and I mean that in a GOOD way). I come to rely on the your recommendations (and, I understand any disclaimers). Plus, you give great real life advice.

I would recommend starting a financial events listing where readers could know where on-the-level financial learning events are scheduled (whether on-line or by travel). Also, this could increase your advertisement revenue as a result of forging a ‘partnership’ with sponsers of the events.

Ron@TheWisdomJournal Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 7:19 am

Hey JLP count me in, too!

How to improve AFM? Hmmm — how ’bout adding The Wisdom Journal to your blogroll! LOL!

John Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 8:03 am

I’d like a chance at the book.Thanks

RL Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 8:06 am

My only suggestion would be to, when appropriate, add charts/graphs that help get your point across.

Bobby Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 8:20 am

I really enjoy your posts when you walk us through complex investing results. You crunch the numbers and then present them in a way that makes it easier to understand. I haven’t noticed as many of these posts in the recent past, maybe I just started reading at a time when you were doing this a lot OR maybe I just have selective memory.

Either way, great blog!

VG Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 8:40 am

I love the site. Count me in for the book.

PBJ Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 8:54 am

Count me in.

As for suggestion, how about an ‘event of the day’ sort of thing where you’d pick a big finance story from the day befores news and break it down as to how it affects everyday Joe Sixpack.

Beth Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 8:55 am

JLP,
Thanks for allowing us the opportunity to register for this book. The only advice I have to offer regarding the website…keep it honest and personal. Too many bloggers ‘fluff’ their stuff to get hits and I just want the good ole honest truth!
Thanks

No Debt Plan Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 8:58 am

I almost wanted to say change the design of the site, but I do like it’s consistency. Hard to say. Perhaps you should link to me more often, I think that would be great

shiwala Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 9:17 am

I think a color change would be good.

Anoop Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 9:33 am

I am an ardent follower of this website. I suggest this website to several friends.

Thanks for your information.
Anoop

David Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 9:34 am

Site is great, book sounds like fun! Perhaps more images on blog posts to make them more interesting?

harold Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 9:48 am

Finish 24 days to Better Finances. Dont know why but it drives me nuts.

Yana Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 9:49 am

I enjoy this blog, and read it via RSS. I know there’s always room for improvement, but can’t think of anything to suggest - I don’t actually see the site often due to the way I read it.

Steve Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 9:57 am

Sure. Why not!! I’ll take one. As far as AFM website goes, it’s OK for me. I don’t really look at it every day but probably 2-3 times a week. Love them JAYHAWKS!!

Billy Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 10:02 am

I think tweaking the color scheme would make your blog look nice, but the color scheme doesn’t need a total overhaul.

Adam Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 10:04 am

Count me in.

Biggest improvement to layout would to limit the use of fixed width columns, since unless my screen is maximized I can’t view the riht hand side bar contents fully.

Mike Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 10:13 am

How bout more contests?!

Srikanth Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 10:14 am

Ping! I like AFM the way it is. Simple and Precise. No distractions!

Ernesto@InsuranceYak.com Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 10:21 am

I like your site as is. With so much of the web being about image and not content, more bells flashing links would just add distractions.

You could add my site to your blogroll; nothing improves your site like a little blogroll love

savoholic Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 10:23 am

Super content, but I have to agree with other comments, the beige on tan has got to go.

Ben Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 10:47 am

pick me !!!!

Erik Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 10:56 am

Count me in. Thanks,

Master Phu Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 11:02 am

I’m a fan of your content JLP but along with the other commenters I read the site from a RSS reader because the Beige/Tan is a boring color scheme and it puts me to sleep.

js Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 11:25 am

Munger!!!! MUNGER!!!! MUNGER!!!!

I am in!

EL Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 11:42 am

I don’t care for the colour, but I like the content!

Albert Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 12:22 pm

I think you are on the right track.This is my first time on this blog but already i see you applying some of Munger’s ideas viz: the super power of incentives.

I’d say as you continue to apply Munger’s ideas, you’d have greater success with this blog.

fin Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 12:23 pm

First visit to you website: I thought the appearance was a purely advertising website selling a product.. The same color is used in the story area as well as the advertisement area. This keeps your eye from focusing one particular area of interest on the page. A little more color may go a long way. The color coding of the story quotes is good.

Maybe put the categories list under the article if you want to see more about the topic.

sam Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 1:31 pm

I would like to be entered into the giveaway.

Improvements to the site: 1) My biggest gripe is that it takes a long time to see my comments show up. 2)I’m also not that big a fan of the color scheme. But it is much better than this site. http://www.samizdata.net/blog/ 3) Since your site is my one-stop-shopping site for personal finance information, any linking to good articles on other sites is welcome.

Chris Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 1:39 pm

Good book. Great web site.

Rob W Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 1:40 pm

A more visual appealing layout will help the eyeballs.

Seth Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 1:54 pm

I agree with Rob, there is nothing wrong with the current layout but a more visual appealing layout might be easier to read.

Esmond Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 2:02 pm

Great book!

1) I’d also enjoy reading posts about anything finance, including home improvements, any large expenses, or other things like hedging (the concept), real estate investment, and gathering some papers about active vs. passive investment.

2) Yellow is kind of a funky color.

3) I don’t really like the inner panel of content (a column on each side) - I’d rather it be on the left side, and the rest of the boxes in a column on the right.

Agus Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 2:27 pm

Count me in!

John W Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 2:30 pm

Love your articles. Keep up the good work.

Joe Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 3:00 pm

More book recommendations, like Poor Charlie’s.

shouldbeworking Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 4:08 pm

Count me in on the giveaway.

I don’t think I’d change a thing. You definitely have one of the easiest writing styles to read.

Mike Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 5:19 pm

Count me in.

Add more personal development ideas.

JSB Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 5:43 pm

I would change to a non-serifed font - and make the font just a bit bigger.

Mrs. Micah Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 6:09 pm

As a general rule I like the site. The theme is a bit web 1.0 looking. And the background color is aesthetically pleasing, but a bid sandy. Maybe something a little lighter?

Alan Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 8:04 pm

Would prefer more in depth financial analysis and review of other financial information outlets.

jtc Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 8:36 pm

In to win.

Anne Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 9:16 pm

How about a list of columnists / writers, especially ones who favor index funds? Now that Clements has retired, I feel a bit at a loss. I know about Jason Zweig and Scott Burns, and of course Jane Bryant Quinn. What should we be doing in the face of a potentially enormous financial crisis?

futuralogic Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 9:18 pm

I regularly visit your site. It resonates with my thoughts, you being an accountant drill it down to numbers so that it all makes sense. My suggestion is: Just keep the focus on the site with average American in mind, I make less than 6 figures. Thank you.

Bob Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 9:32 pm

Echoing a few other posts, perhaps consider formatting and aesthetic changes. A minor complaint considering that this is really a content / information driven site and delivers on just that.

yabadaba Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

me me me

Russ Says:
April 10th, 2008 at 11:48 pm

Pick me, pick me! My turn!

tom Says:
April 11th, 2008 at 8:10 am

I like the layout, but perhaps an updated template would work wonders.

Vic Says:
April 11th, 2008 at 10:04 am

Great!! I’m in

Joe @ SimpleDebtFreeFinance.com Says:
April 11th, 2008 at 11:52 am

Count me in! I have a big ole coffee table that stares back at me forlornly, and bare. sniff..sniff…

How to improve the site?
Hmmm.. you could snag an interview with Munger himself! (hey, you didn’t say it had to be an easy way to improve the site )

GLM Says:
April 11th, 2008 at 8:25 pm

looks like a neat book , count me in. Only sugetion I can think of would be a search function to make old topics easier to find.

Tiffany Says:
April 12th, 2008 at 6:56 am

I’m fascinated by millennials (or Gen Y). I’d love to hear more posts about this group, and especially about what needs to be done to improve this generation’s financial literacy.

Arun Says:
April 12th, 2008 at 4:09 pm

Why improve it ? You have a lot of readers as it is. Are you focussed on your target audience ? If you are, you’re doing just fine. If you are planning a makeover, then I would consider different background colors and a better font. Besides, I use a feed reader to read your blog, and feedreader doesnt do a good job of displaying your site, I’m not sure the ads and other notices are being displayed correctly. That could be another improvement you could think of. You could also think of advertising your blog on google or other ad sites.

guinness416 Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 2:40 pm

I’m definitely not a design expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I REALLY don’t like the yellowish/blue colour scheme here. It’s not the biggest deal in the world, but your site design looks a little more “homemade” than your peers/competitors, some of whom have really slick sites …. sorry! I’m finding recently, to my amusement, that I spend more time at white blogs. They’re just easier on my old eyes. So that’s my idea, an updated, mainly-white design.

peggy Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 3:13 pm

Hi! I actually really like your site as it is, with no frivolous flashy grahics, banners, ads, etc. The only thing I would recommend is, as above poster has mentioned, bring more attention to your useful calculators (on the rightside). Thank you and keep up the fantastic job!

The Impecunious Investor Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 3:22 pm

I’ll throw my hat in the ring! Great prize and contest idea!

Mike Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 3:38 pm

Keep up the great work that you do!

Jinny Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 4:16 pm

I would like to enter too.

Robby Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 4:34 pm

I like the new look! And the Almanack looks cool, too!

Pedro Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 4:43 pm

The site gives me great tips and outlook on financial matters. Keep it up!!

paidtwice Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 5:19 pm

Make the archive list a dropdown menu?

I love the content

Kelly Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 5:59 pm

Found this site through Money magazine!

Kristin Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 8:00 pm

Count me in. Thanks for offering the giveaway.

Vicki Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 8:50 pm

Just found the site….looks great so far!

moonimus Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 9:57 pm

I have also found your blog through Money.

brian b Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 10:40 pm

Sign me up! Thanks for the great site!

Cindy Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 10:52 pm

Thanks for listening to your loyal readers, JLP!

I would second the comment for more graphs/charts, to compliment tables. I’m a research scientist, and I know many of my colleagues who can absorb data better in a graphical format.

CMD Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 11:13 pm

I’m in.

2million Says:
April 14th, 2008 at 12:38 am

Sign me up — I would love to finally read this book in detail — only had a chance to skim it. I would agree that more charts & graphs would be good.

thomas Says:
April 14th, 2008 at 12:52 am

west coast.

Meenakshi Says:
April 14th, 2008 at 9:26 am

I am in - I love Buffet’s wisdom and his SOH!

Gerry Born Says:
April 14th, 2008 at 11:08 am

Me too

Kristin Milek Says:
April 14th, 2008 at 11:14 am

I am a first time visitor to this site and look forward to returning.

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GIVEAWAY - Charlie Munger’s “Poor Charlie’s Almanack”