If you’ve tuned into CNBC at any point, you’re likely familiar with the financial insights of Jim Cramer. Known for his bullish stock picks, it’s no surprise that the entrepreneurial world saw an opportunity to capitalize on his reputation. But here’s where things took an unexpected turn.

The brainchild of Matthew Tuttle, the Long Cramer Tracker ETF (trading as “LJIM”), sought to ride the wave of Cramer’s top stock recommendations. And if you think that’s all, there’s a twist! Alongside this, there’s its opposite number, the Inverse Cramer ETF, which invested in stocks that Cramer advised steering clear from. Think of it as the financial version of ‘Spy vs. Spy.’

Top brands like Nvidia, Wells Fargo, and JPMorgan found a place in the Long Cramer ETF, while big hitters like Tesla, PayPal, and Carvana got picked for the Inverse Cramer ETF.

Yet, despite the novel idea, LJIM faced an uphill battle in the competitive world of investments. Drawing in just $1.3 million since its February debut, the ETF is set for a curtain call with its last trade on September 11, followed by its official shutdown on September 21. But why?

As Tuttle remarked, the goal behind LJIM was more than just profit; it was an invitation for dialogue. “We aimed for a conversation around Cramer’s picks, contrasting the Short Cramer ETF. Regrettably, the response was cold shoulder treatment from Cramer and CNBC,” he said.

Shedding more light, Tuttle voiced his frustration over what he perceived as a lack of accountability regarding Cramer’s daily stock picks. He saw the creation of the ETFs as a way to bring balance to the narrative. In his words, “LJIM was an attempt at a civil dialogue, not an attack. I assumed Cramer would rise to the challenge given his confident on-air persona.”

While LJIM prepares to bow out, its counterpart, the Inverse Cramer ETF (known as “SJIM”), seems to have a slightly warmer reception. Peaking at $6 million in assets, it’s now overseeing $3.4 million. Although, in the grand scheme of things, it’s still on the starting blocks in the ETF relay race.

Now, for those scoreboard watchers, here’s the scoop: Since launch, LJIM managed to climb by a modest 0.3% at its best, even touching a 12.7% high pre-sell-off. On the flip side, SJIM dipped by 3.1% and faced a rough patch of a 13.3% drop before recent market jitters.

So, what’s next on Tuttle’s radar? It seems he’s setting his compass towards SJIM. But this saga serves as a reminder that while inspiration can come from anywhere, success in the financial arena demands more than just a well-known name.