Jim Cramer, and his Mad Money TV show, were heavily criticized by in a recent article by Paul B. Farrell of Marketwatch. Cramer responded well and pointed out the major downfall of Farrells arguments: he assessed Cramer after watching one episode of his show.

Jim Cramer’s book, Real Money, is on my required reading list, so you you’d be correct to assume that I am very much pro-Cramer. Here’s why I like him:

• He advocates investor education
• He is an excellent teacher
• He follows a common sense approach
• He admits that he makes mistakes
• His show is entertaining
• I’ve had great success following his advise

The main reason why people attack Jim Cramer is that they wrongly assume that he is providing stock tips that should be acted on. Cramer tells people not to act on his stock recommendations so often that those who do must not be listening. His philosophy of buy and homework takes time and work. I can only assume that some people are too lazy to do the work. Instead they blindly act on one of his picks and then complain when it doesn’t work out perfectly. You need to take responsibility for your own investment actions and then stay on top of your positions.

Following Jim Cramer’s advice and investment strategies are an excellent way to educate yourself and become familiar with how the stock market works. If you take what he says to heart, without focusing on the individuals stocks that he discusses, you will be a much better investor.