Comments on: Is A Compelling Testimony Required To Inspire Others?

By: Mr. Not the Jet Set

Mr. Not the Jet Set — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:05:17 +0000

A story isn’t necessary, but it sure helps, and usually makes for an interesting read!

There are many ways in which our society will give equal weight or even preference to experience over education.

As a colleague used to say – “I like my engineers to have a few grey hairs”

By: Foxie@CarsxGirl

Foxie@CarsxGirl — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:12:40 +0000

Well, if I didn’t have some sort of unique angle, I’d never have anything to write that was unique, now would I?

While I hate leveraging the “girl” card, I’ll do it — I’m a girl, after all! And it gives me something different to bring to the table, which helps me get noticed and helps spread the message I’m trying to convey.

No, I don’t write about money as much anymore, but it’s still the same sort of thing. Though I’d argue that for cars, it’s more important to show that I know my stuff… For obvious reasons, I’d think.

By: Credit Restoration Bureau

Credit Restoration Bureau — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:47:08 +0000

The information will either be good or it won’t but having a story goes a long way and helps people identify with you. In my experience, having a story is usually better than not.

By: Diane

Diane — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:46:41 +0000

For me, the story isn’t important to add credibility, the information IS. I want to know the steps someone took to achieve success so I can learn and follow. I don’t care if they started at the bottom or mid-way thru. How many writers (generally, not necessarily in finance) have recently been “out-ed” as frauds for created a sad life history to show credibility. An older couple allegedly meeting as children when he was in a concentration camp, the “million little pieces” guy (or whatever the title was) that Oprah originally praised, then was embarassed because it was a sham. I’m much more interested in the story, the how-to, the “meat” of the book, rather than the life history of the person writing it.

By: J. Money

J. Money — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:56:13 +0000

Thanks for the shout out my man, I’m glad it sparked some thoughts I’ve come to realize that as long as you’re “real” and you make this finance stuff interesting, people tend to enjoy it – crazy story or not. I guess that’s why we call it Personal finance, eh?

Looking forward to hearing more perspectives as people comment. Keep spreading the good word!

By: Karla

Karla — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:13:56 +0000

Great topic! I’ve often felt as though my thoughts and ideas were somehow less compelling to potential readers, since I’ve never had a financial crisis or meltdown. If I hadn’t taken the plunge to go ahead and start a blog a few weeks ago, I’d certainly be doing it after reading this post!

By: Samuel

Samuel — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:48:08 +0000

I agree that a personal story that others can relate to would have a more positive effect than only offering straight advice. But as you mentioned, it would be far more believable if someone was heavily in debt and overcame this situation and now offers his personal advice on how to become debt free.

A true story always has a better effect on readers as I can see. People are more open and willing to read everything that person has to share.

Thanks for providing this interesting post.

By: Squeaky

Squeaky — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:01:08 +0000

Maybe it depends on what the reader is trying to learn.

There’s a certain attraction to a story about someone who really has “been there and done that”. It’s inspiring. We all love Horatio Alger for that reason. Rags to riches, or better riches-to-rags-to-riches appeals to us.

At the same time, when I’m looking for someone to imitate, I want someone who’s actually done whatever it is I want to do. Maybe that means saving for retirement, or investing. So if I haven’t fudged up so badly that I’m, say, completely wiped out… then recovering from that far down isn’t what I need advice about.

By: Joel @ WeSeed

Joel @ WeSeed — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:00:52 +0000

An interesting question. When I did a review of the top financial blogs for beginners a while back, I checked out dozens of sites and read all about the people behind them. In almost all of them, the writer described a hard-luck situation: “I was overwhelmed with debt,” “my marriage dissolved because of money issues,” etc.

It almost became like a badge of honor, and part of me became skeptical after a while. That said, I think it’s important to know the writer’s story — it helps establish a connection in the reader’s mind.

By: Sid in Missouri

Sid in Missouri — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:00:28 +0000

The story is helpful, though not necessary as others have noticed. Humans as the social creatures we are tend to identify with those most similar to ourselves. Guys like Ramsey who have been to the edge of the abyss and come back with amazing success are one in a million, which could be a big part of his star power. He has, in other words, practiced what he preaches. He doesn’t look down his nose on people who are in debt; rather he can tell them that he honestly knows what they are going thru (i.e. he’s been there, done that, got the t-shirt) and that sometimes goes a long way to helping people who feel hopeless think: “hey, if this guy can do it, so can I.”
We won’t all have Ramsey’s star-power regardless of whether we hit bottom or not, but we can benefit from his intensely motivating success as we achieve our own. It is something special to behold.