Yesterday’s gripes gave me an idea of how I can revitalize the mission organically instead of seeking new readers. My problem with ERE is one of “been there, done that”, whereas many other pf-blogs are of a “follow me as I go along” getting out of debt, earning my first million, etc.

So the idea is to take on one or more apprentices. This would essentially be coaching… and yes, the first round will be free.

Now, I there are two kinds of coaches. Those whom people seek to motivate them and those whom people seek to teach them. I am one of the latter, so if you are not motivated and willing or able to at least go through all the steps of the 21 day makeover, I am not interested (currently). Usually the latter kind of coaches will create some kind of barrier of entry to test dedication (Wax on, wax off) to ensure commitment before taking on a student. The former will just ask for a deposit and an hourly rate.

Well, I’m going to naively assume that potentials can sort themselves out.

Now, in return and too keep things interesting and perhaps also to create a sense of accountability, I am going to require one weekly post or status update from you about how things are going. I am going to post this on the blog. I have seen this system working pretty well on a watchmaking blog, where an established watchmaker lets a couple of students who just started their schooling post on his blog and in return gives advice, etc. Consider that your “payment”. This also means that potential apprentices should be able to write fairly decently and not have any issues about sharing their successes and failures. Of course you can remain anonymous if you want.

If you are interested in this, send me an email with 400+ words about your background and why you want FI/ERE. If chosen, this mail (slightly edited) will be your first post, so make it good 🙂

Five “apprentices” have signed up, so the door is closed for now while I figure out if that number is about right.

Meanwhile, a thousand thanks to CC, PS, and CH for each donating $10 to the “coffee fund”.

(I just put in a donation button in the top right sidebar yesterday evening. It’ll be interesting to see how this works out. It’s a lot more rewarding to monetize through donations compared to payday loan banners 🙂 )