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Results of the 2005 reader survey

Read what our readers thought of us in the latest reader survey conducted in March 2005.

It helps me with my Financial Planning business
25	12%	Disagree
179	88%	Agree
204	Total responses

It is an important source of information
39	19%	Disagree
169	81%	Agree
208	Total responses

Do you always read your copy of the Weekly E-mail?
4	2%	Sometimes
57	26%	Most of the time
155	72%	Always
0	0%	Never
216	Total responses

What is your profession?
3	1%	Fund manager employee
7	3%	Dealer group employee
9	4%	Industry consultant
14	7%	Paraplanner
17	10%	Other
152	75%	Financial Planner
202	Total responses

Do other people ever read your copy?
59	27%	Yes
157	73%	No
216	Total responses

How many other people read your copy of the Weekly E-mail?
1	2%	6 to 10
11	19%	3 to 5
17	29%	2
29	50%	1
58	Total responses

On average how many times do you refer to your copy?
2	1%	More often
4	2%	Three times
73	34%	Twice
136	63%	Once
215	Total responses

Author Evaluation

Tony Negline
1	0%	I am not familiar with this author
1	0%	I am not interested in content by this author
1	0%	I dislike content by this author
42	6%	I have taken action after reading content by this author
108	15%	I think this author is knowledgable in their field
127	18%	I find content by this author useful
139	19%	I find content by this author informative
146	20%	I find content by this author relevant
152	21%	I find content by this author interesting
0	0%	I do not think this author is knowledgable
717	Total responses

Lester Wills
2	0%	I am not familiar with this author
2	0%	I am not interested in content by this author
2	0%	I do not think this author is knowledgable
25	4%	I have taken action after reading content by this author
97	15%	I think this author is knowledgable in their field
100	16%	I find content by this author useful
117	18%	I find content by this author relevant
141	22%	I find content by this author informative
152	24%	I find content by this author interesting
0	0%	I dislike content by this author
638	Total responses

Mark Edwards
6	1%	I am not familiar with this author
11	2%	I am not interested in content by this author
40	7%	I have taken action after reading content by this author
93	16%	I find content by this author useful
94	16%	I think this author is knowledgable in their field
103	17%	I find content by this author relevant
124	21%	I find content by this author informative
124	21%	I find content by this author interesting
0	0%	I dislike content by this author
0	0%	I do not think this author is knowledgable
595	Total responses

John Robertson
6	1%	I am not interested in content by this author
10	2%	I have taken action after reading content by this author
40	8%	I am not familiar with this author
68	14%	I think this author is knowledgable in their field
76	15%	I find content by this author useful
80	16%	I find content by this author relevant
104	21%	I find content by this author informative
107	22%	I find content by this author interesting
0	0%	I dislike content by this author
0	0%	I do not think this author is knowledgable
491	Total responses

Helen Bairstow
3	1%	I am not interested in content by this author
3	1%	I have taken action after reading content by this author
10	4%	I think this author is knowledgable in their field
18	7%	I find content by this author useful
19	8%	I find content by this author informative
19	8%	I find content by this author relevant
26	11%	I find content by this author interesting
149	60%	I am not familiar with this author
0	0%	I dislike content by this author
0	0%	I do not think this author is knowledgable
247	Total responses

How do you read your Weekly E-Mail?
23	11%	I print it out
183	89%	On screen
0	0%	On screen
206	Total responses

In what format do you receive your Weekly E-Mail?
98	48%	HTML (pictures and text)
108	52%	Plain text
0	0%	Plain text
206	Total responses

Overall, what do you think of the Weekly E-Mail?
5	2%	Neither good nor bad
74	36%	Excellent
124	61%	Good
0	0%	Poor
0	0%	Very poor
203	Total responses

Can you briefly tell us what it is you like/dislike about the All Things Considered service?
Short, sharp and to the point.
It is free of advertising bias and relevant in topics not generally covered by other newsletters.Tony and John's articles are particularly useful as is John's website Good Work!
Concise and topical - not always about FP directly.
I like that you bring to the newsletter information of the wider financial planning world. Sometimes when we have our heads down we miss looking for this sort of helpful stuff!
Articles sourced from up to date industry material I may not otherwise be exposed to.
Alternative views to what is recived from product managers etc. Deals with bigger issues other than those designed to meet immediate sales targets.
The articles are sometimes written more as a 'teaser' for the for-fee publications/subscription, which is fine from ATC's perspective but sometimes clouds the purpose of the weekly email. Some of the articles are also written with a sense of self-righteousness by the authors.
Great to read the varying opinions
Often there's not a lot of info that can be used. Pure opinions or referrals to other media articles that I have/will read in any case are a waste of my reading time. Some authors are way ahead of others in terms of communicating useful information. Many articles aren't financial planning related. Sometimes however, an article is enough to spark an interest and encourage further investigation. JR usually provides food for thought and LW, when not giving a teaser, may prompt action with his suggestions.
I find the articles interesting and topical. I like the length of the newsletter, enough to read whilst sipping on a coffee. I like that it arrives on a Monday morning. I definately notice when it hasn't arrived.
Provides a concise snapshot of issues in the financial planning world without too much waffle
Timeliness
You discuss issues that are fresh
Brief articles which are to the point, topical and in many cases educational.
The fact the authors are not shy of stating their opinions
Topical issues; research of investor motivation and actions fascinating
independent critical views on current issues occasional handy tips informative
It give me another sourse of information so as I am able to keep informed on various matters which are sometimes relevant and sometimes not to the financial planning industry. Always of some value in increasing my general knowledge. Which in it's self is a very good thing.
It provides a wide range of information
Have never missed reading it!
Good points: The fact that it's free. Always on time. Weekly so up to date. No real gripes.
Informative, topical - keeps me aware of current issues
Time efficient. Helps identify issues and allows us to research further if required. Also, sometimes the story has excellent historical perspectives which can be used where appropriate in client meetings. ie long term returns for asset classes or interest rates etc
I enjoy reading about latest developments in the industry as well as the qualified commentary on issues such as tax.
It is to the point and sometimes even controversial. I love the fact and figures of longevity and retirement issues.
LIKE Informative, topical and timely. Good source of updates on latest industry isues (eg choice, legislative updates etc). Good cross selection of contributors. Good cross selection of topics of relevance to financial planning practice. Almost always immediately useful. DISLIKE Mark Edwards articles always seem like ads seeking new business. Contributor biases sometimes evident (eg anti-property, pro choice etc). Sometimes articles tend to flog a dead horse too long (eg we know that choice is coming, most planners are dicks etc).
the weekley email provides information and insight into the ever changing world of financial planning and provides details of articles of interest from newspapers in different states. Keep up the good work
I find it useful to get facts + opinion on subjects covered in ATC. Most interested in the finance-related commentary.
It is always there on Monday morning
It's an inetersting overview of the big picture issues affecting the FP industry. It does not "tow the line" of the usual hype and crap that we are often served.
I value the point of view
Information is up to date & relevant The information provided is nearly always at a level appropriate to CFP advisers, that is it doesnt tell us how to suck eggs! Fantastic stuff.
introduces me to issues I might not otherwise have heard about
Deep experience of contributors mean they get to the crux of issues - unlike most of superficial stuff in the popular media. Weekly missives mean issues mentioned are topical/timely.
The articles could include more bullet points and sub headings to make it easier to read.
I find them interesting and informative and I like the fact that they are straigh to the point and easy to read. It also appears to me the authors favour common sense and logic in their appraisal/analysis of both business and the economy. Thank you I always look forward to opening them each week and keep them in a special folder.
Quick update on relevant information
I like the straight talking - tell it like it is - nature of the contributions. Relevant facts and figures.
It is good relevant timely comment. The authors don't pull their punches.
It gives interesting perspectives on a number of topics. Good general info.
Topics are relevant to business activities
Reinforces my views on various FP issues when other sources seem to contradict my views. ie helps me keep my convictions.
Good weekly snapshot, helps with conversations with clients & staff
I use it as a "thinking mechanism" It is one of many sources that I use within my business however ATC is excellent as it stimulates thinking about the industry and my business better than any of the other sources
Topical subjects, unbiased views.
I like the weekly bulletin as it gives a point of view from an individual on issues, whether I agree or disagree with the view is irrelevant, a basis for the point is provided. It also provides inforamtive relevant data/stats/facts from sources that i don't have access too.
In each edition there is usually one 1 story relevant to me.
NOT TOO "WORDY" - INCISIVE QUICK READING
It is brief and to the point. Topical
Some of the articles are very thoughtprovoking - particularly in stressful times when markets are plunging. It helps to have a regular dispassionate information stream to help us maintain our strategies for our clients.
Pertinent, informative, innovative, confirmatory, stimulating.
The technical information, the economic situation and the interesting articles about Computers and viruses
Like: the stated aim "Our stated aim is to deliver you information to help build your business. We want to help you explain issues to clients, or calms their fears when the popular press are preying on them, or educate them about emerging issues". Particularly the information when the popular press is mis-informing.
The articles are written clearly, without a lot of hype. Tony Negline's comments have particular appeal from a (day to day) technical perspective. The investment and behavioural articles provide very useful background as to the issues that investors may be grappling with. I have even learnt a thing or two about technology. Keep up the good work.
It is informative and up todate.
Like: Interesting facts or perspective on issues that you don't normally get in mainstream media. The IT info in some issues is also worthwhile (e.g. recommending firefox as a web browser)
1.I find sometimes that the discussion on a topic may not have relevance to me or possibly Australians as it is based on overseas data and trends. 2. I always enjoy reading the articles as it provides an opportunity to think about issues 3. Maybe some more in depth articles like the recent one that John did on Amcor.
information
Provides a snappy, relevant picture of events occurring in the industry
I am very fussy about giving an excellent grade, as I have high standards - which sometimes I do not attain for myself. Overall I have found the content good to very good and usually very topical. It is a very usefull additional source of information to all my other sources.
Topical and to the point. I enjoy reading the opinions of the authors. Usually a point of view that I have not had time to even thing about!!
It challenges conventional wisdoms It uses current research or facts to present new ideas and ways at looking at the world
Good: Highlights topics that may need further resarch Bad: Because of brevity, can only give so much
the diversity of the articles. However I do miss peter thornhill.
it contains topical relevent information.
Commentary that is one step removed from the industry. Thought-provoking, with no barrows to push.
Like it very much however am no longer holding a proper authority and don't use it as often.Only for super investments which is still very handy for.
Like: An extra level of detail than mainsteam publications
Invariably articles are pertinent and informative.
The articles are not too long, they are concise, informative, relevant and interesting.
Lester sometimes feels like he is beating the same drum. It's a little repetitive
Topical and interesting - with the occasional typo to keep me looking;)
A nice combination of technical issues presented in a timely fasion, and practical ideas (mark edwards) in relatively concise articles
Sometimes the information or comments provided are too brief.
Brevity and relevance
Poignant commentary on events that are current to financial planning; helpful advice regarding things to be aware of and IT solutions.
Up to date, informative, often relevant to situations i face ona daily basis.
Down to earth. Very little bulldust & not too much self-promotion. Keep up the good work.
I like the healthy cynism of the authors. I find most articles interesting and find some of these helpful in client situations. Since the Digest was introduced, the articles in the free weekly email have not always been as useful or as informative. The article download facility for client newsletters enables me to source some newsletter articles at a reasonable cost with a range of authors whilst still retaining control and being able to personalise these.
Short and to the point with issues and articles
Its conciseness. I can read topical information very quickly and refer to more detailed technical information elsewhere should the need arise. Can't say I'm over-awed by the web design, but everyone has their own taste!
I like that it is a free service with an option to buy relevant products for my business.
Relevant,unbiased ,consistent and goes into a little more depth than most of the other industry commentators.
Weekly up to date articles are valuable on current issues. Sometimes I feel an article appears for the sake of filling that issue. Better to have smaller issue.
Quick and easy to read. Topics generally of interest to me.
I can see the articles on screen and decide if they interest me they tend to be too long winded at times
I can decide which articles to read very quickly, I have a rough idea how much time it will take, it generally covers topics that I am interested in and offers some challenging ideas. The information is in laymans terms so that I can understand it.
So much of the opinions in the mainstream press are frankly, "boring as bat shit". I appreciate the sometimes controversial views expressed. So long as you dont sound like you a pushing a barrow like everyone else, bring on ideas which push the limits.
At times it gives a different slant on things which is always useful - makes you think "outside the square".
Topical Thought provoking At the cutting edge Relevant to my business
I particularly like the articles relating to investor behaviour and behavioural finance. The issues relating to the ageing population are always read with interest. I used to like reading Peter Thornhill's views on the world. Technical information is also interesting but I don't use it as my main source of information
Relevant, up to date and a good summary of what is happening in the FP world
It addresses relevant issues, topical issues and bigger picture issues, including policy matters. Some of the article make you think more broadly about my work as a financial adviser.
Informative and current information
its relevancy, topical issues facing our industry a very necessary part of keep abreast of isssues
The articles explore different topics to those that you get in the industry and fund manager magazines/emails.
I look forward each week to..AllThingConsiderd..because I believe it discusses issues that in many cases are overlooked by other publications.The articles are balanced and relevent to our everyday discussions we have with our clients
Short, interesting, usually relevent, sometimes topical and often an unusual perspective on something. Seldom read it without gaining some greater insight into something.
Looks at important and frequently covered issues, in a different way. I find the short format of raising a few key issues, and looking at them from a different perspective interesting and informative, without requiring a lot of my time.
Fresh news relevant to planners Different slant
I like the brevity and conciseness of the articles, and the fact that they are topical.
unfortunatley, the content has become technically less useful
on the odd occassion I disagree with the content or conclusion the author draws
Convenience, relevance, topical, challenging and informative.
I think your email service is excellent however since Peter Thornhill stopped contributing I have barely read it - this is due to two things, a) i REALLY enjoyed his articles and b) I have had time limitations that have actually coincided with his leaving the email service - hoping to get back into it though. Liked Peter's provocative way of writing.
Usualy has something relevant, but different. often leads what other services will cover a few days later.
There is a bit of flogging of old horses in it
It is an easy to use source of information which brings forth topics and opinions that I might not normally be exposed to and as a result causes me to think about the issues canvased
Broader philosophical overviews by some authors Take firm positions
raises relevant issues each week, is quick and easy to read and not too technical.
From time to time provides information and views not generally available in mainstream reading
It is a must read every week. It was better with Peter Thornhills articles. Can he be a guest say once a month or quarter?
Up to date information. Some of the articles I would not hear of otherwise.
The content often applies overall trends/strategic information/observations to daily behaviour.
good as it gets away from the ususal fin plan stuff and presents a bigger picture and with FP issues more RELEVANT DEEPTH AND NOT A LOT OF RCYCLING OF THE SAME FLUFF...
Reasoned opinions on topics that are relevent which assists me in thinking about where I stand on these issues
presents interesting views and angles that I frequently find refreshingly insightful. Quite often entertaining even humourous, making it easy to read.
ATC is timely and intersting to me for information that is pertinent and relevant. While I appreciate it at present, I am likely to consider it in more detail in the future and look forward to inspecting my first copy of the magazine.
Is usually topical and relevant.
ATC raises issues that are impotrant to the FP profession.
It is informative & thought provoking. I find it a pleasant change to purely technical articles in most magazines.
I broad view of the issues that affect financial markets over the long term. Not meant for immediate gratification or reward. It provides a great perspective of things financial that assist in positioning strategies for clients. I miss it when it doesn't arrive (as experienced recently with a technical hitch)
A source of interesting and useful information.
Interesting and up to date tid bits
It is always intersting and relevant and there is usually some little snippet that can be used when talking to clients.
I enjoy the research and IT tips. It prompts me to reconsider things we do and how we do it
You keep me in touch with changes to the Australian financial planning environment that is important whilst I am working offshore. You sometimes struggle to include relevant info but that's not unusual for a weekly publication. Big Picture website plugs are a bit annoying.
Broard brush approach Well written and researched
Issues are relevent and interesting, they also present alternative points of views which give question and make you think.
It gets me thinking and discussing issues with colleagues. Issues discussed/raised are different to the usual run of the mill topics in terms of content and approach
You provide insight into relevant topics that are not readily available without considerable research.
Generist nature of the email is refreshing and useful for background knowledge. Your survey was darned hard to read! Print was too small.
Relevance and currency of articles
Current, informative and relevant. I generally enjoy reading the entire email each week.
I find Tony's and Mark's articles particularly relevant. Altogether a very interersting and stimulating read.
Access to archives is valuable. Contents of each news letter in the archive could be more detailed. The subject matter most articles often is usually current. Clearly listing the authors name and subject title in bold font of their particular storey is an improvement. Reference to previous articles by authers could be more accurate and detailed. As also the inclusion of references or links to other sources pertinent main subject would also be an improvement.
Current issues discussed, warnings of scams, problems etc, sometimes too general.
It covers a range of issues relevant to the financial services industry, from market updates to virus and IT issues.
Easy & quick to read and I pick up relevant pointers for either further investigtion or interest. Thank you for this interesting service.
I like its regularity and the short but punchy articles. They are always relevant and I usually pick up at least one idea from each issue. I know it is a professional effort by everyone involved, but I particularly like the chattiness of the articles...not too stuffy. Keep up the good work.
overall v good articles - sometimes a bit too much waffle
A quick easy read of major issues, that allows access to the relevant articles if I wish to dig deeper
Good concise acticles that mostly have relevance to my business. Also often put a point of view I hadn't thought of/considered.
You think the authors are important - I see the Report as being a whole - so really don't take much notice of who the authors are - they seem to change every so often, and except for the guy who gives IT info - you all seem similar.
Sometimes thought provoking
short, informaqtive, to the point. For those things that I want to know more about there are links or references to enable that, without it becomming a huge newsletter
it arrives regularly.
I miss Peter Thornhill. Negline is always worth hearing; relevant, useful and I like his values. Lester is usually interesting. Perhaps it is not necessary for each author to contribute every week but only when they have something significant to say!
I have had two disagreements with an article so I emailed the authors and had a satisfactory exchange of opinion on each occasion.
I always find the subject matter topical and timely.
I have to be honest, I am retired but still find the information interesting. I am actively doing my own investments, although can see myself getting lazier and rely on others to to the some of the work, so that I can go and spend some money!!
issues raised are topical perspective is different from mainstream / financial media
Usually topical and up to date. Unbiased commentary.
1. I like its left-field view and choice of subject. 2. I do think the articles are reliable as useful information. Some are immediately relevent, some later down the track, some not relevent to me. That is fine, because we never know when and what will be appicable - the nature of information. 3. I need to take more notice of your contributors'names - I was apalled to realise I had not, so please accept my apologies and discount my comments on the authors whom I did not know. 4. I find the article length digestible. 5. When working out where to spend my hard-earned, I naturally start on hard inteliigence and then allocate in concentric bands, often by reference to relevance (up to 1 year- sad but true), value for time spent (some workshops and seminars and some conferences offer more), and finally by serendipitous wisdom. 4. We are talking about quality of thought here - not business productivity or relicable models or succession planning or service delivery. Consequently, time and effort have to be stolen from more immediate and pressing and quantifiable activities. SO, the impact has to have some penetration in order for the thoughts to result in client-beneficial actions. Such penetration can be by: themes run over several editions; several conflicting or angular approaches to one subject focus; or simply a new perspective that attaches to a practice or assumption that could be relatively easily modified by adhering to the new idea. 5. May I suggest a final sentence in each article that links the main thought to a facet of current action or thought?
It is very informative and a good source of information which is current.
brief, to the point commentary on a wide variety of topics as praticing accountants we receive truckloads of emails, flyers etc and most hit the bin but yours is highly informative whilst concise and reasonably easy to read
Since the subscription service commenced, the quality and relevance of articles in the free service has deteriorated and there are more frequent occasions when a regular author does not contribute.
There no padding and hype terminology. Just the story.
Encourages debate and stimulates thought. Keeps me in the loop with various trends, statistics and opinions.
It contains information I find relevant and of interest to me. I also like the fact that the articles are concise. I receive a lot of emails, (most disgarded) but I generally find the time to read (and save) your articles.
160	Total responses