Today’s issue marks the one-year anniversary of our first publication.  I thought this would be a good time to review our operating principles, our accomplishments and our goals for the future.

Our goal is to fill a niche in the advisory marketplace with sophisticated analysis and commentary on topical and important issues.  In so doing, we hope to be:

• Relevant. Each article must offer actionable guidance for advisors.  Many of our articles conclude with a section entitled “Implications for Advisors.”  If we can’t answer the question, “What does this mean for advisors?” we do not write the article.  We frequently review academic studies that cover theoretical topics. But if, after reading them, we shrug our shoulders with nothing more to say than, “That’s interesting,” then we move on to the next idea.

• Data-driven.  When we cover a topic such as market forecasts, we insist on backing our recommendations with data.   Our coverage of sub-prime mortgages, in which we analyzed the data regarding the size and scope of the risk, exemplifies this approach.

• Critical.  We do not publish academic studies without first assessing the rigor of the methodology and the justification of its conclusions.  Our article in today’s issue on equal-weighted indices is a good example of how we critique research.

• Original.  By monitoring all other publications in the advisory space, we avoid topics that have been addressed elsewhere.  We do not seek to add our “two cents” unless we believe we can offer a fresh and compelling viewpoint.

• Fearless. We are willing to confront controversy and tackle the most challenging issues affecting advisors in the marketplace.

• Responsive. We are guided by the topics that interest our readers.  Because we are a pure electronic publication, we have accurate data showing the level of readership of each article in every issue.  If topics prove interesting, we will continue coverage while, at the same time, introducing new topics to test their level of interest.

• Accurate.  We carefully check data in every article and we are proud that we have yet to print an editorial correction or retraction.  (We’ve had our share of typographical errors and we are happy that those have decreased over time.)

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