By James Eli Shiffer

Please forgive our blog silence this week. I was too busy talking to you on the phone, answering your emails, reading your letters.

It was a year ago that I became the full-time proprietor of Whistleblower. The team has grown to three since then, but this week I'm on my own again because of well deserved vacations for Lora and Jane. That's why I might sound even more stressed than usual, should you succeed in reaching me at all. As much as I enjoy talking to Whistleblower tipsters, it's one of those times when I should lay down some ground rules. Since you're going to hear me say these things to you on the phone, you might as well hear them now.

  1. Don't ask Whistleblower to do something you haven't done yourself. For example, if you haven't officially requested your money back from Acme Megacorporation, it doesn't make much sense for me to ask Acme Megacorporation why you didn't get your money back.
  2. Make sure you leave a concise message that actually says what you're calling about. I get too many that say, "Hey this is Mike, call me." Mike, you're going to have more luck if you tell me what it's about. But if it involves the CIA wiretapping your toaster, I'm probably not going to call you back.
  3. Note to used-car buyers: Life would be much easier for you if you read the attorney general's car handbook. It offers a good view of your legal rights and best practices.
  4. If you're one of the lucky ones, and we actually do a story about your situation, it's your job to spread the word and get your friends to call or write Whistleblower with their tips.