My next message contains, without comment, the final version of the first letter. Twice, I posted earlier versions, without comment. I’ve been interested in unfiltered comments and suggestions. That’s why I’ve been leaving off any explanations of my own.

Besides what’s been posted on the Message Hub, I’ve received seventeen Private Messages, even two from Europe. Fifteen of them were complimentary, with no suggestions. Two of them agreed with the sentiment but offered constructive criticism of my form.

I thank everyone of you for sharing your thoughts and offering your help. Perhaps it was most helpful when the messages suggested improvements. I’m certainly grateful to get contrary ideas. But the unreserved compliments also helped by showing me great support.

On occasion, so far as other topics, a few people have asked me to keep my messages limited to a few sentences, if that. It’s important to keep in mind, the letter to the directors has a different purpose than what’s generally written on the Message Hub. So, regardless of what you generally think of my verbiage, hopefully, you’ll take a fresh look at how I’ve written to the Directors.

Besides attempting to make the case, remember the letter’s purpose is to introduce our group of shareholders to the Directors and prepare the Directors for very serious discussions with me, at first, and with, very likely, others of our group in the future. I designed the letter to be a door opener for everyone who supports its sentiments.

Aside from the letter’s proposals and criticisms (which we’re all agreed on), the tone is almost as important. There’s no way Directors reading the letter will think we’re an organization that can be tossed aside or that they can monkey-around with us or that we’ll quietly go away.