I've been emboldened by this verse to be free with my knowledge and expertise. I admit there's a fine line between being generous and being foolish, and I don't doubt that I've crossed that line more than once. But when it comes down to it, when I'm debating in my mind whether to share information or hold it close, I usually share it. Our March 2004 newsletter recounts the business decision I made to give away free user licenses to our content management system to every one of our clients. We also decided that we would write newsletters like this one detailing our ideas and strategies, from our process of grayscreen prototyping to our content and search engine optimization strategy. We also give away our book Client vs. Developer Wars online and via PDF. Why give away so much research and development and hard earned industry knowledge? If all the ancient wisdom from Proverbs and Ecclesiastes has benefited me in my business, I figure that Proverbs 11:25, which states: "The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered," is dependable too.


With that, I will end this exceptionally long newsletter. If you've made it this far, I thank you for your endurance. There is so much wisdom in these two books that I just couldn't stop writing. In fact, I could write more, but I must confess that I am weary and am just barely getting this out on deadline. Besides, it would be much better to dive into these ancient treasures yourself. I can recommend a few other good business books, but none as rich as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.