Letters

A Blogging Fan
I read the article, “Would You, Could You, Should You Blog?” (JofA, Jun.05, page 36)—How appropriate! I also read several blogs on technology.

I’ve become hooked on RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds, one way to obtain news and blog updates without having to actually visit the site. And I’ve yet to see any accounting-related blogs in my travels. I was so inspired by the article I decided to help change the trend. I hope my blog, http://extremecpa.blogspot.com, will be of interest to those wishing to learn more about fully utilizing technology in the accounting world.

Accountants who would like to control their own future need to embrace this new technology, which Fortune magazine said in January was the no. 1 trend in technology. I also recommend learning more about RSS. See www.rssowl.org for a free news reader.

Kevin T. Ryan, CPA
Pittsburgh

The First “Last Word”
The JofA has every right to be pleased with its new column, The Last Word (Jul.05, page 104). I have been a reader for more than 50 years and wondered when somebody would try to humanize the publication.

You obviously fashioned a tool to help in your program to attract bright, young people into the profession. I like it. Too few high school graduates know anything about the accounting profession and the opportunities it creates. I personally wish there had been some guidance for me in 1948 when I was struggling with a decision on what to study in college.

It turns out I made the right decision, however, irrespective of how I got there. My college training led to auditing work with Peat, Marwick; then into accounting management of a publicly-held electronics company (stock options were the lure); and later to a position as VP of finance for a NYSE-listed Fortune 500 company. This was followed by positions as CEO of a construction company and an oil and gas exploration company. After “retirement” came law school and a law degree and license, and almost 20 years with a large regional law firm in Houston, where I serve as a partner.

Through the years I maintained my accounting certification and AICPA membership just to stay tuned in to the changing face of the profession.

There are plenty of other success stories out there. I’m sure you will be able to find some of the most intriguing ones for your new editorial page.

Fred A. Simpson, CPA, JD
Houston

CBT: Too Easy?
The article, “A Vision Fulfilled” (JofA, Jul.05, page 35), suspiciously failed to divulge what the actual pass rates for the computer-based Uniform CPA Examination were as compared to the paper test. I would not call the new computer-based test (CBT) a complete success until it is certain that it is comparable in difficulty to the paper test. To attribute the higher passing rate to a better candidate is nave as no matter what the reason, the perception will be our profession is making the test easier. That perception may dilute the value of the CPA. I would have expected and preferred a lower pass rate given the drastic format change. Better to be criticized as too difficult than too easy.

Carl Mahecha, CPA/CITP, CMA
IT Controller & Director,
Business Systems
LeSportsac Inc.
New York City

A Reader Approves
The JofA’s separation of each article by ads enables me to pull articles in their entirety from the magazine and provide them to my colleagues.

This is a brilliant and unique arrangement. Thanks.

Sam Rosenfarb, CPA/ABV, CFE
New York City