One of our longtime members suggested that this blog--as we know it--has ceased to exist--and that a memorial service would be appropriate. I offer my eulogy below; and others can feel to add their reflections (Please note that Ken is doing fine--this is a memorial for the Deposit Accounts Blog).
We are gathered here today to express deep appreciation for the outstanding and diligent work of Ken Tumin. His in depth analyses, thoughtful commentary, outstanding work ethic, and warm and humble approach to leadership enabled so many of us to grow in our knowledge of savings, economics, and the Fed; and in doing so, empowered us to make wise and prudent financial decisions for ourselves and for our families. We are glad to know that Ken has not left the website entirely and are thankful that he will be still be sharing his reflections about the Fed meetings from time to time. While Ken's cameo presence remains most welcome; we know that executive and editorial control has passed hands to Lending Tree senior management. When that transition occurred, this blog quickly moved to hospice care and has for all practical purposes passed on. Many of us (I cannot speak for all) are disappointed that the new leadership didn't take the time to introduce themselves, to get to know the readership, and to solicit our counsel and suggestions--as any wise senior management team would do. Had they realized the financial knowledge and sophistication of the readership, we would not have been shocked by grade school level articles on how to open bank accounts or how to find our account numbers in the first place. While we understand the need for businesses to implement search engine optimization, the most searched and sought after banking topics are consumer and commercial banking, risk management, and technology--not a primer on how to tie our financial shoes.
We grieve as well that commenting on blog posts has been severely limited or eliminated all together, taking away the wonderful opportunity to learn from one another--especially those with different perspectives than our own. Yet even as we grieve the passing away of our beloved financial blog, we nevertheless express our gratitude for Ken, for our fellowship, and even for our disagreements--for iron always sharpens iron. Though I will periodically stop by this ghost town to check on rates, and to see if there are any prescient miscellaneous posts; it is time to grieve what has been lost. I close with the conflated words of The Carol Burnett Show and Cheers: "I'm so glad we had this time together; sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your (user)name. In Memoriam, KCFIELD