Randy Cassingham's Blog

Posted by Mike from Dallas on December 27, 2010:

Two items. One is the ad pitch. Well, how else are you going to sell if you don't advertise it? There was a story about the Wrigley (chewing gum) founder on a plane who was asked why he continued to advertise since he was already successful. He countered by asking, "How fast is this plane going?"

"Maybe 600 mph," answered his companion.

"Well, then, why don't we just shut the engines off, since we're already going fast enough?" asked Wrigley.

And the second part, the fools who continue to pay you for unoriginal news? Gee, if I were easily offended, I'd take, um, offense, I guess. But I've read many of the original stories, and I like the concise synopsis that True offers, along with the BONUS of ironic commentary that's usually humorous as well. So I guess I'll just continue to be lazy or foolish, whichever the case may be.

By the way, I simply don't have time to go looking for all the weird stories around the country (or world). Thanks for doing that for me, Randy, and it's worth paying for.

Posted by Pete from Richmond on December 27, 2010:

Somebody complained about your ad for Premium in your own newsletter? Really? And to be anonymous about it as well - to even go to the trouble of rerouting the source of the email - THAT takes real courage. Somebody not only lacks the capacity to think but also must lack means of movement because they obviously have no backbone.

I must be one of the lazy and foolish because I've been a Premium subscriber for a few years now and I feel that it is money well spent.

Posted by Alan, Oregon on December 27, 2010:

I've probably been a premium subscriber since the late 90's - it's been a long time. I pay 46¢ a week to be really entertained. I'll stay a subscriber as long as Randy puts this out. Yes, I could get by with the free version, but I realize that without paid subscriber support, then the email newsletter is not going to make it. Fortunately, there are enough smart people out there that realize this.

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You upgraded in April 1998, and have never lapsed in that time. I appreciate your long-term support! -rc

Posted by Drew, CO on December 27, 2010:

If he can find so many more stories elsewhere for free, why is he subscribed to the newsletter in the first place? He must find some sort of value in it to be a subscriber. I guess he doesn't understand that others of us find that value to be worth paying for.

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You're obviously correct. He sees value in the edition he complains about, but no value in twice the stories and the other features only available in the Premium version. He really shows his intelligence in that equation, eh? -rc

Posted by Cory, Topeka, KS on December 27, 2010:

I'm totally OK with being a subscriber fool and not OK with being a story fool.

Posted by Viktoir, CA on December 27, 2010:

This sterling example of a sheeple who must be bottle fed should be pitied. He evidently cannot fathom the idea of being able to ignore regularly scheduled sales pitches for premium upgrades when he would rather mooch along with just the free edition. Tell you what I will do for you so that you do not have to endure such heartache from this sheeple anymore: I will pay a special premium fee to you if you will print up a special free edition sans any and all ads which would include yours for premium subscriptions, GOOHF merchandise or anything thing else that might cost money. The business of testing weapons platforms for killing people, breaking things and destroying world governments more efficiently paid me very well this year so I can afford it.

Remember that the world is full of two types of sad people, those who don't get what they ask for and those who do get what they ask for.

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Well, the one thing I don't want is more work, so I won't be creating a third edition, but your point was well made! -rc

Posted by Someone (Daniel, Riverside, CA) on December 28, 2010:

"Somebody", eh? As in, "The new phone book's here! The new phone book's here! ... I'm somebody now!"?

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Otherwise known as "The Jerk". An appropriate comparison, methinks. -rc

Posted by John, East Texas on December 28, 2010:

I wonder if "Somebody" habitually surfs the Web in this fashion. I'm not sure why he would do that, but I can imagine it happening. Maybe he's a bit paranoid or something. Anyway, I don't mean to make excuses for him, but it seems that otherwise he's going to a lot of trouble to make a minor complaint.

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Right. Imagine if he put that much effort into something productive! Why, he could be an actual contributor to society. But I won't be holding my breath. -rc

Posted by Mary in Georgia on December 28, 2010:

I was going to comment, but can't really add anything to what's already been said. Long-time premium subscriber (96? 98?) who has NEVER regretted the pittance I send you for the commentary you provide.

Posted by Ellen, Illinois on December 28, 2010:

I am on a very limited budget, but "This is True" is one of my favorite ways to "waste" money (;~D) Please stay in business, you make my Tues AM.

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I fully intend to publish for many years to come, thanks to all of you. -rc