Jack founded DotNews way back in 2005, and he’s now Reader #1 of every issue of FinDotNews. Just don’t ask him to change a plug…
1. Tell us a bit about how DotNews started?
Back in 2005, smaller law firms were being outgunned by the big guys with their fancy marketing departments and deep pockets. In those dinosaur days, monthly newsletters were time and resource hungry, being written, printed and posted at great expense. The little guys just didn’t have the time, expertise, or financial resources to compete. That’s where the idea of LawDotNews was born – we would do everything for them electronically (cutting-edge stuff back then), just as effectively but at a fraction of the cost. We launched with our maiden issue in October 2005 – a text only email that’s unrecognisable from the fancy web-based newsletters we produce today.
2. What do you do for FinDotNews?
I help Linda and Nick choose article topics, then I “stress test” the finished articles by asking myself what a lay reader like me would want from my own financial advisor’s newsletter. Our authors do such brilliant work that I personally get huge benefit from their articles, so my job is easy!
3. Tell us something no-one knows about you.
Yikes, what a question … One thing I don’t share with too many people is that the manly art of DIY is not one of my core strengths. Only my wife and kids know all about my total inability to wield any form of tool. And now the whole of the internet, too…
4. What’s on your bookshelf at the moment?
A lot, I love reading when I get the chance. Currently I’m tag-teaming between Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Alien Clay (brilliant new sci-fi), Denys Reitz’s Commando (been on my reading list for decades, very chuffed I finally got to it) and The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo (no idea how to describe that one, you’ll have to look it up – but highly, highly recommended).
5. What’s your best holiday ever?
Plett with my family, every time. Warm sea, bodysurfing, chops on the braai and red wine calling its siren call. All with sunset views over Lookout Lagoon as a backdrop. Perfect.
Jack and his wife Jeannie on a hike at Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay
6. What’s the best financial advice you’ve ever received?
Invest long-term. Don’t ever panic over short-term shocks or be distracted by “the latest thing”.