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Randy Cassingham's BlogHistorical Details and Author's Notes from This is True®
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The End of True?
I notified the Premium subscribers this week that I had removed the two-year upgrade/renewal options for paid subscriptions, and why: While I have NOT made any decisions yet (again, not!), I'm just not sure I'll keep going with True past 2011. With that in mind, to reduce possible difficulties later I'm only accepting one-year subs and renewals right now.
Weekly Weird News
True won't stop. Even if I got run over by a herd of elk tomorrow, I have plans in place to ensure you get a weekly fix for years to come -- I have 16+ years of archived stories, if nothing else!
So, might I be on the last year of True? Sure: but that has always been the case. We never know how long we'll be on this planet, especially with those heavyset elk running around out there. I am still having fun writing the stories, and I certainly haven't run out of things to say with them. (And I do still need to make a living.) But since I'm wondering to myself how much longer I'll keep at this, it means my gut is talking to me. I've learned to listen to my gut. While it ponders the situation, I've cut back on my exposure by stopping the two-year subscriptions.
So the upshot is, this could well be the last year for True. Not sure yet. If you've been "meaning to upgrade for years" (as so many say, when they get to it), this could be your last chance. (Upgrade Info) While, again, I have not made any specific decisions yet, my gut is talking to me. Once I get things clearly translated, I'll let the Premium folks know first, then announce whatever is next in my blog.
It was fascinating to see the response from the Premium subscribers when I announced this to them on Monday. Examples:
Hey Randy, I just read the latest True and saw your comment about maybe not continuing it further down the road. I just wanted to let you know that's okay! True really brightens up my day, it's a great publication, but if you ever feel it's time to move on, the last thing I'd want to do is make you feel guilty about it. So follow your gut, follow your heart, something something and enjoy life.As an aside if you did step down, would you pass the torch on to another writer? You could even alter the name a bit, so as to let True remain your baby forever more.
A sizable fan, --David from New York
I particularly like the "something something and enjoy life" part.
I too had the gut QUIT. I had it for 8 years. I should have listend to my gut though in the first two years. It was BURNOUT, not quit, but I did not see the burnout. I was afraid to quit.My accountant told me "It's better to have an end with a scare than a scare with no end". I ended it. It scared me but I'm alive and well.
--Ed, Washington State
I'm definitely not at burnout. In fact, I'm truly enthusiastic about my work -- especially my latest project (which I'll talk about below). I'm not stressed, my blood pressure is great, I sleep well. And, in fact, I'm very happy to go to work each day (and still work at least some hours every day of the week).
At times one must move on. You did such a lot of different jobs, that you may find this Internet business is not rewarding anymore after doing it for years. I think, quite many people consider changing their job at times, maybe too few do to increase the quality of life (possibly I am one of them, and being 50 since this January I found it difficult to get even acceptable offers, so possibly I must stay where I am for another 16 yrs).[But] I would really miss it. But if I was a person to advise you (which I am clearly not!), I'd say: consider what your guts say, and if you get to the proper reasons -- move on. The best wishes of a couple of 1,000 "lads an' gals" will surely be with you, including mine.
--Frank, Germany
Quit working on the Internet? No way! I love working for myself, and love working online. I hope to continue working it until the day before I die -- a long time from now. For me, there is no better working environment.
This is the one that really boggled me, though:
Wow. I was surprised to hear that you are going to move on to some other endeavor or other, and let someone else take over the reins of This is True. However, after the number of years you have put into it, building it to quite a delightful read, you do and did a good job. Just remember that most people, according to the statistics, have at least three occupations during their lifetimes, and some last longer than others. It's time for you I suppose.I wish I had known about it when it started, being the latecomer I am.
The body of work that I am familiar with has been amusing and thought provoking always. Sometimes it takes a lot to believe the things people do, other times I just shake my head.
I am writing this now, because when the change finally happens I won't be able to.
Thank you for your body of work.
--Sue in Bremerton, Wash.
Well, so much for emphasizing I've "not!" made any decisions!
I'm sure there are people out there who could write True the way I do, and even keep up the pace of 7-9 stories with catchy titles and "amusing, thought-provoking, and/or ironic" taglines each week. Some might even be able to continue with it for the 16+ years I have done it.
While there are surely such people out there, I'm not going to hold my breath that I'll be able to find them and that they'll be in need of work. So while I would, in fact, consider turning True over to another writer, I think it's unlikely to happen.
So, What, Then?
What's far more likely is that True will start running "Best Of" stories, and I'll 1) continue to include new Honorary Unsubscribe write-ups each week, and 2) I'll do "Special Issues" from time to time so that those who paid to "get it all" will, in fact, get their money's worth, even if original weekly issues stop before their subscriptions are up.
Yet, still (and again), I have definitely not made any decisions as to whether I'll stop writing the weekly issues and, if I do, when I'll stop. I do have the first message from my gut, though, and it's "Slow down and enjoy your success" -- it's definitely not saying "stop working," or "
But what would I do if I wasn't writing True every week? My newest project has me incredibly jazzed. One of my original goals with True was "To improve the world a bit." I believe it has. I wanted people to think more, to open their minds a bit more and look at things in new ways. It's tough to get people to do that "just because", but if they read something entertaining with a thought-provoking angle, well, they'll be provoked to think a bit. It's not my job to say what to think; I have no interest, for instance, in convincing voters to be Republicans or to be Democrats (I think both parties have screwed the country over in countless ways), but maybe you've thought about the issues more, and have been a little more demanding of the candidates, or the issues. Even if you're not an American. If so, awesome!
And hundreds of readers have told me that they do think about many different things more because of my writing. Cooooool!
I've been thinking myself, though, about how to leverage that even more. How can I impact more people? How can I help people not just to think more, but to have better lives in really measurable ways?
The answer to that hit me in April, at a conference Kit and I set up in Albuquerque for my Mastermind group. If you don't know the term, a Mastermind group is a number of people with a similar professional interest (in my case: successful Internet-based entrepreneurs) who gather together to help other group members be more successful. My group is, as I mentioned awhile back, the "secret" to my business success. With my group's help, True has been an incredible success. My group's members have enabled me not just to work in a job I want, but (importantly to my definition of "success") enabled me to live where I want, which happens to be on a mesa in rural western Colorado looking at two astoundingly beautiful ranges of the Rocky Mountains. A photo of just a portion of the incredible view from my office is the header of the new web site.
I'm far from the only one in the group to multiply their "success" many fold. Several members have gone from, literally, "I think I have to go back to a day job" to being millionaires due to what they learned from the group, and believe me, they're impacting the world in very positive ways, such as bringing lots of good jobs to their communities. One member is building a new multi-storey office building to house his headquarters; the moment it's ready, he's going to start hiring like mad; he'd do it now, but he needs more office space first! In this economy? Yeah. See what I mean by "success"?
Yet most Mastermind groups (just like most businesses in general) fail. And for the same reasons: people don't know how to do it. The idea that I got in April was to teach people how to create, recruit members for, and run Mastermind groups so they and their group members can be more successful. I came home and started to write a free course in the basics. I registered the domain MastermindSource.com so people could sign up and get the course. Really, really free? Yep: the site doesn't even have ads on it. This isn't about making a few cents per visitor for clicking an ad, this is about leveraging my knowledge to help others succeed in the business of helping other people succeed, getting the benefits that my group has gotten for years.
And: it's working. More than 2,500 people have signed up for the free course. Some have dropped out (the most-stated reason: "too busy." Second-most-common: "I'm retiring.") A few can't believe what I'm offering for free could possibly be worth anything and have expressed their suspicion in their unsubscribe comments. I happy to lead horses to water; I don't even try to force them to drink. "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." I'll teach those who are ready, and ignore those who aren't.
I love it when I hear from those who are "ready". Here's one example note, which came in yesterday:
I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to join, and not having set certain limits (such as a specific career or college degree, etc.) that might have kept 'certain' people out. I will do my level best not to disappoint anyone (including myself), or make you second guess your applicant choices. Your generosity in wanting to share your experience and knowledge is unparalleled as far as I'm concerned, and I foresee great changes in my (and my family's) life due to our work ahead.Thank you again for this opportunity, Randy. May you be blessed many times over for what you are doing.
--Marsha, Virginia
Marsha's talking about my "allowing" her to join the "next level" of help I'm providing to the people who are truly serious about creating Mastermind groups. I had scores of people who finished the free course ask for very focused help with making it happen, and what I came up with is the "Insiders" group -- a Mastermind Group for Mastermind Group Leaders (and those who are seriously working toward being one). I agreed to do it if they paid me for my time and knowledge, and they said "DEAL!" So that's what I'm doing.
So far, it has not been any sort of struggle to do that and continue with True. But if I did drop True, I'd do it to accommodate more Insiders. They're the ones who will leverage my knowledge and not just get more success for themselves, but create success for countless others -- the members of their groups. Then, I wouldn't be helping to create hundreds and hundreds of good jobs, but thousands and thousands ...or maybe even millions.
Insiders come from all over the U.S. and Canada, sure, but also the Netherlands, Mexico, Panama, Australia, England, and Wales (sorry if I missed any countries, but that's just the ones I remember). And the group isn't even quite a month old yet! So I'm not just talking about helping create success in the USA, but the world.
If this sounds intriguing, sign up for the free course and see if it's something you want to be involved in: http://www.MastermindSource.com.
Let's see if we can improve the world together. And if that means I need to mostly move on from True, I think that's a pretty darned good reason.
Update!
No, it's not the end! See the follow-up.
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37 Comments on This Entry
All comments in this blog are reviewed prior to being published. Spammers: don't waste your time. The posting criteria are simple: if a comment is worth visitors' time to read, it's approved. If not, it's not.
Posted by Nikki Lawrence, KS on August 27, 2010:
I totally just renewed my premium. I was messing with something and accidentally renewed WAY early. I didn't mean to, but figured what the heck, I have the money right now and I know it will tack on at the end. I hadn't read Monday's email yet. However, I'm fine with that. I sincerely hope that we get "True" for a long time to come. I don't even remember being online without getting it every week. However, if it does come to an end, I'm sure everyone will understand.
Posted by Dot in Detroit on August 27, 2010:
Say it ain't so Randy!! Say it ain't so! I let my Premium lapse when I got laid off. (I live in Detroit, go figure!) Now that life is back to being good in "the D" for me, I'll renew for that last year. If for no other reason than to say I was there when it ended.
I've been enjoying True for a number of years and have always gotten at least one good laugh a week out of it. But the more important part is that your ZT voice needs to be heard. Someone needs to lead the charge to end the insanity and your just the guy to do it!! All the best in whatever you decide!
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I'm happy to say other columnists have started to beat the drum against ZT, after so many years of me doing it alone. I welcome their voices to the fight. -rc
Posted by David, Canada on August 27, 2010:
As much as I despise Bill Gates, one of the things I admire most about the guy is that he stepped back from most of his Micro$oft duties to devote to using his squillions of dollars to make the world better.
While there's a lot of differences between you and Mr. Gates (you have better hair, for one), I'm glad to see you have your priorities in order as well.
My biggest regret if True goes would be its longevity, being the longest running for-profit email list, and having it end might be sending out a message that you don't want to send out: that email publishing isn't really profitable.
Since this is Randy Cassingham's This is True (well, not the legal title, but you know what I mean), you only have to do with it what Randy Cassingham wants, so I'll leave that to you. I hope that you do think to pass it on, to give others the same opportunity you had to quit your job and do what you love. (Being currently unemployed, I am envious of that same opportunity, and I now once I get things straightened out here, I do hope to (again) subscribe to your course, from what I've already seen I know it will work to help achieve my dream because it helped you do what I've always wanted to do.)
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TRUE is definitely still profitable. It gives me great pause to consider dropping it when I just refinanced my mortgage. But I took a big chance when I quit my Day Job to pursue my passion, and I consider this just an extension of that. -rc
Posted by Paul in NJ on August 27, 2010:
Mastermind sounds intriguing, so I just subscribed. It's time for some real success... and perhaps even in a different career path. I'm eager to see what I can learn!
Posted by Greg, Washington on August 27, 2010:
Dude, do a reality-show style competition where various contenders contribute articles to a second (and temporary) ad-supported version of This is True. Each week, the readers vote for their favorite story, and the writer with the lowest votes is out of the competition.
Start with 12 writers and go for 10 weeks. In week 10, the three remaining writers do two stories each and the readership votes. The winner takes over the column and you supervise with periodic guest appearances. You do a rev-share with the winner as h or she gets comfy in the driver's seat, then you can hand over the reins more fully, switching from a rev share to a licensing agreement.
Posted by Ron, Oregon on August 27, 2010:
I will very much miss your reporting and commentary if you do choose this path. I hope you won't, but I'll respect your decision either way. Thanks for the ride so far!
Posted by Julie, California on August 27, 2010:
I'll miss it, but you've done it so well for soooooooo long; wish I could have continued the premium sub, but lost the job, then found I have Lupus (can't afford it now). Have loved it from the first time I read it; if you move on, I look forward to hearing about your next endeavor.
Posted by Jennifer, Ohio on August 27, 2010:
Randy, if you stop True or if you don't it will be fine. I love reading the stories and your comments brighten my days. Just follow your gut and do what is best for you.
Posted by Jon, UK on August 27, 2010:
Don't quit, Randy. At least carry on until 2012, when we're all going to be destroyed by the end of the world anyway... ;)
Posted by Sarah, California on August 27, 2010:
Nooooo! Say it won't happen! This is True brightens my Mondays. I love your commentary to events.
Posted by Henry, Connecticut on August 27, 2010:
I've been a devoted reader for many years, and I look forward to True every week. I'd miss it if it was gone, but I still say do what's best for you.
Posted by Darwin, Idaho on August 27, 2010:
I love how most of your readers are mature enough to realize it's not all about them and encourage you to do what's best for you. Thanks for all of the great work and I do hope you'll keep it up for a while longer. I know we all need to change sometime.
Posted by Patricia, Michigan on August 27, 2010:
Sure as hell hope not, Randy! We would all miss your wit and thought-provoking newsletter, but most of all, we would miss YOU!!!
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I won't be going away: you can always follow along on my new adventure! -rc
Posted by Patricia, Michigan on August 27, 2010:
Nonononononononono!!!!! Oh, all right, we know its not about us, and it HAS been a few years now, AND the Mastermind group, AND you have a life (you DO have a life, right??) Sigh. I guess the rest of us'll have to get one, too....
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Marsha is the same Marsha in Virginia who I quoted above. -rc
Posted by Melissa, Calif. on August 27, 2010:
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOO. PLEASE DON'T!!!! I'll buy more GOoHF Cards. I Promise!!!!!!!! :-) I LOVE This is True.
Posted by Deb, Maine on August 28, 2010:
Randy, the real shame is that you'd never run out of material for your True newsletter, whether you continue to publish it or not. Whatever your decision, I wish you well. I've enjoyed reading This Is True all these years and will continue to read the archives.
I'm still hoping someone will someday come up with a "common sense" taser, that will make the recipient smack their forehead and say "ohhh, NOW I understand. What an idiot I've been!" but hey, who knows what the future will bring?
Thanks for raising our consciousness.
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If they did invent such a taser, do you think the politicians would let it be used?! Yeah: me either. And you're right: I've never come close to running out of material, and I know I miss a lot of the good stuff, too! -rc
Posted by Louis, Mass. on August 28, 2010:
I'll hate to see it go, but I can't blame you if you do decide to put it to rest. I've been in that "scare with no end" scenario myself.
For the record, I don't think any single source has made me really *think* half as much as True!
Still, I'm sure there are a lot of great stories in the archives!
Posted by Tom in California on August 28, 2010:
As someone who is facing a real life crisis (as opposed to a mid-life crisis) I can only say - live for you and your family - no one else. As much as I love this publication -- it makes my battle with cancer easier to bear by making me laugh AND think -- do what is right for you. We survived the end of M*A*S*H, cassette tapes, VHS...we'll get by and be left with fond memories of your work for years to come.
Best on whatever you decide...a fan for life.
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Thanks for taking time out to write, Tom. Best of luck to you in your battle, which indeed is a lot more pressing than mine. -rc
Posted by Don Wilcox, Titusville, FL USA on August 29, 2010:
I've been a subscriber to True since way way back...probably one of the first few thousand. True was the first of several humor or joke-a-day type newsletters I subscribed and the only one that has survived over the years.
Should you choose to move on I can understand and wish you the best of luck with whatever endeavor is calling you. I will continue to subscribe and enjoy the archives since I am sure there are some I missed with each email address change (I now have my own personal email domain so that will never happen again).
Thanks for making me think. Thanks for the Spam Primer. Special thanks for all the years of laughs.
Posted by Jim, California on August 29, 2010:
I will greatly miss the passing of TRUE. Both you and TRUE are the voices of common sense and the revealing of and the reveling in the absurdities of this world have been an ongoing pleasure over the years.
Posted by Paul, Colorado on August 29, 2010:
I definitely don't like this news -- but it's your ball game. I've loved it and learned from it. Maybe you oughta be in politics. We could use some common sense in that field!
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Gee, Paul: I thought you LIKED me! The reward for all these years of hard work should be that I should go into politics?! I think I need to lay a "Get Out of Hell Free" card on you.... -rc
Posted by Paul, Colorado on August 29, 2010:
Randy, I more than like you. I thoroughly respect your keen mind and sharp wit! (I even hoped we had a friendship.) I only suggested politics because we need people like you, especially those who think for themselves -- and you certainly do. BTW I still have a few plastic GOOHF cards left. The regular ones were very popular at my 50th HS reunion in Ionia, MI 7/31/10.
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I know, Paul: I was just giving you a hard time. :-) -rc
Posted by George, Florida on August 29, 2010:
You ask if this is your last year of This Is True. Not possible as long as Florida is still around. With the craziness that goes on in this state, you hardly need stories from anywhere else!
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I never said there was a shortage of material! -rc
Posted by Mike, Ohio on August 31, 2010:
I've been reading something of yours for years. Starting with an early version of the Spam Primer, then moving to the True Stella Awards, and finally ending up as a free, then Premium True subscriber. True is still the only newsletter I'm willing to pay for. Hopefully, True continues in one form or another for many, many years. It would never be quite the same without you, but if it meant I could follow you on to bigger, better things, then so be it!
I love True for the concept and your writing, but I'd happily sign up for the "next big thing" and, if the people that take it over are worth their salt, still keep paying for True. In MY perfect world, you'd stay on True, bring back Stella, and make Mastermind into something that would just send me massive checks every week for the rest of my life with no effort on my part. In the REAL world, I know that if you're doing what you love and hold true passion for doing, it will be great.
Sad part is, I signed up for the Mastermind group the first week, but somehow I never read any of the emails!! Guess I got some catching up to do!
So there you go. Do what you gotta do and your loyal subscribers will be there. Heck, I might even volunteer to be one of the writers if you go that way!
Posted by Lindsay UK on August 31, 2010:
I really hope you decide to continue doing This is True but totally understand how you may want to devote more time to the mastermind project and your insider group.
Please please consider letting someone else take over This is True. Archive material is all well and good but there is nothing like current data to make folk really sit up and think.
Perhaps the competition suggested by one of your other subscribers would be the way to go - you would get to have input if you wished as a guest contributor too.
Posted by Julie Manchester UK on August 31, 2010:
Although I will be sorry when you finally decide you have had enough of This is True, if your heart is not in it then the content would suffer. I would rather you go out at the top than let it become a shadow of its former self just because you don't want to let everyone down.
Follow your heart and dream, most people do not have the courage and/or talent to do so. Thanks for showing us the way.
Posted by Jim, Calabasas, CA on August 31, 2010:
I've been a subscriber almost since the beginning, and I always look forward to each week of your wit and wisdom.
If you decide to pack it in, and you do reruns, I probably wouldn't notice, as I don't remember the old stories for long, but there is something appealing about reading these stories as they are happening.
If you get someone new, the style would change, as that person made the concept their own, and I think that's better.
If you continue, I'll be most pleased, but all good things come to an end.
Whatever your decision, thanks for many years of enjoyment!
Posted by Steve, Sunnyvale, CA on August 31, 2010:
I've greatly enjoyed This Is True for many years and appreciate all of your work on it. You asked last night whether we would prefer a new writer or reruns. If you find a new writer to take over, who will continue providing current stories, I will happily give him a chance. If you switch to reruns, I will let my subscription lapse. I'm interested in This is True, not This was True. To me, the fact that the stories are current is crucial.
Posted by Lyn, Dallas, TX on August 31, 2010:
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I want to kick all those people who are unselfishly letting you off the hook! (YES, I read this week's edition, so I had no choice but to respond this way).
Maybe THEY can be professional and supportive, but I REALLY count on your insight and thought provoking stories and commentary. I cannot imagine anyone else being able to follow in your TRUEsteps without materially changing the product (Can you say Tonight Show?)
Please please please PLEASE don't give up something you love that is making a difference in this world. You are helping us with a completely different and healthy perspective and may even get through to the readers BLOWing in the wind! (See? I read the whole thing!)
Thanks for what you do and whatever you decide, I will be your loyal fan, I just won't speak to you again... at all... ever.
Posted by Shannah in San Jose on August 31, 2010:
Why be tyrannized by the "or"? It would be neat if another writer did new stories, and also did one or two reruns.
Posted by Dave, Golden, CO on August 31, 2010:
Nah! I'm not interested in re-runs. If that happens, I'll simply let my Premium subscription expire. It's not like there was any shortage of interesting stuff to read out there on the net.
Posted by Melodie, Washington state on August 31, 2010:
I love True and would be sad to see it go. But I'd also be sad to see it decline. And as much as I understand the desire to keep it going, generally turning something like this over to someone else both inhibits them (because they are trying to write in someone else's voice) and turns it into something else. So, while weeping into my hanky, my recommendation is to keep it going as long as you have the passion for it, then let it go. (Although an annual special would be something to look forward to.)
I do respect your insight and integrity so one service you could provide is to endorse similar projects. So that way, we would know it's at least worth a look and the authors would be able to continue to write in their own voice. Just a thought!
But, for now, I'm happy for the ? and to know that no decision has been made!
Thanks for all the good work.
Posted by Mike from Dallas on August 31, 2010:
And there is the crux of your business model. There are many online for-profit publications, but I'm noticing that the really successful ones are unique and personality-driven. The question is, could you duplicate this success by creating franchises or by opening up separate publications independently operated by others, subject only to your oversight as, say, Chairman Emeritus?
In a book by Jim Collins, "Good To Great", he points out that Chrysler was never able to achieve "Great" since Iaccoca was unable to duplicate his personality, that salvaged the corporation from the brink, after he left.
The rock band, The Doors, was more than just Jim Morrison. The band was very good, too. But when Morrison died, the band did lose an essential part of its collective soul, and subsequent albums demonstrably exhibited that fact.
No doubt that we'd really like to see "This Is True" continue if you decided to lay down the reigns, but I'm inclined to believe that it's synonymous with "Randy Cassingham" and future editions would lose the personality that made it the success that it is.
Still, the same was said about The Tonight Show when Carson left and it's still going strong. But notice that they went through several "guest hosts" in preparation for the change to find which one worked best.
And then, there is still the business model. Do you sell it outright, surrendering any control over the established personality, or do you license it, thereby retaining creative oversight, plus residuals from future revenue?
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Indeed it's a complex decision with a lot of variables. Some would like it more with a different writer, some less. One thing I'm glad for: I don't have to rush into any decisions! -rc
Posted by Stu from Michigan on September 4, 2010:
Charles Schulz said he wanted the peanuts characters to die with him.
Every time I see a Metlife commercial I wish they had.
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I actually don't mind the Metlife stuff. That's simply nostalgia. What I mind is that newspapers still give space to the strips, which means that fresh, new talent is kept out, since there's a limit to the space. Why not give that space to someone who can explore what's happening in the world today? Why not support new artists who need work, rather than dead ones with 9-figure estates? -rc
Posted by Sali, New Jersey on September 5, 2010:
I just want to say thank you for respecting and trusting your audience enough to actually discuss what's going on.
I know ultimately whatever happens (or doesn't ...) lies in your hands, but it means a lot to me (and others, I'm sure) that you're giving us some kind of heads up, and explaining things.
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You're welcome. I respect my audience, but I know that's not typical! -rc
Posted by judy, wurtsboro ny on September 11, 2010:
Randy...NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! You are a bright light in my universe. Lots of unhappy things going on now and this will be the cherry on the collapsing ice cream. I know this is selfish, especially after reading all the gung ho remarks from others, but I need these smiles and laughs and thought provokers right about now. If you must, you must but Will you at least promise to think long and hard (at least 6 months) before you decide to abandon us? (I'm truly trying to make this a difficult decision for you).
Posted by Maarten, Netherlands on September 15, 2010:
I am going to be blunt, not even for a change. Randy, do what you need to do. You're going to be sorry if you don't commercialise the MM concept to the fullest. It could very well be a breakthrough in how business are thought up. The possible implications of views on strategic management are vast. Opportunities there for you are probably begging. Unless there is a monetary need to continue 'True', call it a day, no matter how much I love it and have loved it since I first stumbled on it when I was looking for the Darwin awards website. I am sure you have a lot more to tell to this world more than funny and thought provoking stories, no matter how important they are to a lot of people. Time to move on. Don't forget it, the principles work, those principles are the core business, not the finished product.