I received a letter over the weekend from a reader who had the following question:

I didn’t used to like sports but I have to admit that I’ve now joined the dark side. I’m not a sports junkie who can rattle off names and stats without thinking twice. I think I more enjoy the drama of the against all odds team, the too close for comfort final 2 minutes or the dominating power of people like Tiger Woods. (So maybe I do know a couple of names.)

Are you thinking of starting a stock portfolio? I have a guest post on another website about beginning tips. This article has caused some very spirited dialogue. Here is an excerpt.