Author Archive

TBT: Caution for big guys, hope for little ones

December 19, 2019

I posted this on October 11, 2016. I think it’s still a good reminder for giants and aspiring giants alike. * * * TODAY’S OBJECT LESSON begins in the mid 19th century, when a Minnesota jewelry store declined a shipment of watches. Railroad agent Richard Sears purchased the shipment, peddled the watches, and ordered more. Knowing a […]

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These days, Uber (and just about everyone else) is playing bank.

December 16, 2019

It was a dreadful advertising campaign.  I figure it’s safe to say that now, since the bank in question has long since been acquired by another bank, which was in turn acquired by another bank, and that one by another, and so forth.  The tagline was “We want to be your bank.” They even set […]

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TBT: Looking back on some predictions

December 12, 2019

Nine years ago to the day, I wrote the post below, in which I offered some predictions about the future of mobile banking. I’d say the predictions held up pretty well.   The Future of Mobile Banking (2010)  With every technological advance, there’s never a shortage of cheerleaders predicting around-the-corner marvels. Their timeframe of choice […]

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Sales tax in a digital age

December 9, 2019

I shall open with something of a circular observation: If it weren’t for digital technology, there could be no Internet commerce.  Lest you think I’m being too obvious, I’m not talking about payments via wearables, portables, laptops, or desktops, vital though they are. I’m talking about a morass that would be all but impenetrable without […]

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TBT: In a hollow in the snowy ground

December 5, 2019

Here’s a poignant, year-end reminder I shared in 2017.   * * *   In a hollow in the snowy ground This time of year it’s traditional, and I am inclined, to offer a holiday thought. I admit to a bit of apprehension. Of late, what one says or fails to say has the potential […]

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