The Motley Fool has jumped the shark

Act now! A chance of a lifetime! The secret that will make you rich!

Is this the latest infomercial? House flipping or selling time shares? Or one of those "work at home" ads stapled to a telephone pole?

No, it's the friggin Motley Fool!

I had some respect for these guys. In a world of get-rich-quick, and secrets of day trading, these guys tell you about index funds, and diversification, and the way that patient investors build wealth slowly and reliably. Sure, they'll tell you that this stock is better than that other stock, but it's usually backed up by some research into the company's financials, market changes, and whatnot. Overall, pretty respectable.

Now, every week I get an email from them about the one stock that's poised to pop. 3800% returns could be mine if I just knew. "Sign up now for this $169 newsletter, and we'll make you rich!"

Seriously, dudes. You're just like that timeshare guy on TV. If you've got such a sure thing, then milk it, and don't worry about your subscription revenue. You should be rolling in dough with your weekly 3800% secrets.

I'm conflicted because I read the damn site every week, and all of the analysis and advice seems good, but then I get these desperate pitches that look like they're on their last dime, I worry. Why the hard sell? Why can't we share investment advice without looking like a bunch of used car salesmen?

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