It seems that we are debating what "edge" is defined as and I think the OP just wants to know how long did it take to become profitable. Assuming that definition,... it has taken me 3 1/2 years to be profitable. I studied charts for 8-9 hrs/day for most days of the years. I studied everything I could get my hands on and always tested my newest startegies using real money in a small account I could afford to lose. I am a firm believer that you should examine a strategy in old charts as some form of back testing but that you must try it in forward testing for a while. Essentially you need to get behind the wheel to learn to drive. Just theorizing/simualting it will not get you far....you must have money in the trade to know how you would react when the ticks start going against you. Review your system at least monthly and evaluate every trades. Do more of what is working and less of what is not working. In time you will become profitable. The last thing I will say is that I learned everything I could about trading until it is now quite simple in my thoughts and all those minutia details I looked at before are now boiled down to a few key things I look at to keep it simple. So dont be afraid to get into the little details on a chart because with clearer understanding you can eventually achieve simplification and efficiency. At least that's what's worked for me.
Edge is a combination of things all working together ... Pattern signal, entry signal, exit signal, reversal signal, experience, context, execution, data, platform, connection, broker, execution costs, position size ,risk management, stress management, discipline, control, disaster plan, staying focused, being alert ect.. Does it all come easy? Nope 3-5 years and 10,000 hrs you'll be off to a good start.
every new edge will come time by time.... some edges you have always to refresh, to keep them being an edge....... after all the most difficult thing in trading is to find the edges. then you have the edge.
no real "long lasting " edge is easy to learn. exploits may be simple to acquire. but trading style edges, takes years to refine and never dwindle in profits. Example: MLMN exploitation - 1-2 year lifespan George soros/Buffet style - 50 year lifespan.
the biggest edge of all, is to note everything on paper by hand, and write every thought you have down, so you never miss an maybe importand thought. I also always have an small note pad with a pen with me when i am outside.... That is really the most importang edge. Because the best ideas are coming when i am away from trading or before and after sleeping.... dont miss your chance and write them down....
if it came easy, many have thought and done it before you and it probably is not a very reliable edge.
heres your edge,the market moves,it makes one of 4 patterns each day,start hand charting the desired contract with market profile,you will soon see 1 of these 4 patterns each day,this will diminish your doubt and increase your confidence,you will most likely never master it,or the market would be too easy and locked up,but you can increase the likelihood of your success by trading the setups that you recognize,over time and repetitiion,you will recognize more and have more setups,in the meantime sit on your hands and only trade the setups you recognize,this same scenario applies to whatever vehicle,pair of glasses you use to watch the market,it's important to note that sitting on hands is a great trading strategy when combined with setups and should be considered as a trade even though you have not entered an order
Well i have probably the same posting quote like SNAKY, but the difference is that i am a real trader and make a living of the game and i am realy interested in this forum and the thoughts of other traders..... Snakeeye dos not....acutally i think he isnt a real person, he is probably some kind of weird computer troll programm, cuz his posts are always the same = "hahahahahaha" or ""$%$"))(=="§%".... !!! But i should get a life too. peace and good trading day