Edge types, efficiency, etc

It seems you're a newbie on this thread, at trading, at life ... Opportunities come and pass, most of the time you having no clue ...

 

I'm not even sure what this is supposed to mean. Care to elaborate? Sure sounds like an insult to me, but I'll try to assume it isn't and give you the benefit of doubt.

Yes, I'm a newbie at trading, I made that extremely clear. Before I even extend into the rest of your comment which sure sounds like an unnecessary stab, I'll let you explain. Possibly I read WAY to deep into the words, I tend to do that. Jack, does this mean my future trading career is doomed? I drank too much diet soda tonight; back to water.

Thanks,

 

Yeah, I already expect to not know the future per se, and only expect to be right a portion of the time. What % of the time I also realize is dictated by your P/L ratio, and whether your method is open-ended or target-based. Oh, and of course by what your advantage over random is.

I don't expect a holy grail, nor did I ever. I may be new, but I'm not stupid. It's very interesting to me to create dialogue and find out what others are doing. I know it's all hearsay until it isn't, but I find it encouraging, because I believe some are truly honest in their stories.

What amazes me most about the trading scene though so far? How many a-holes are abound... Whether it be in these forums or on the street. You've got a fair amount of decent individuals that are down to earth and boat loads of egocentric mental masturbaters that love to insult you when they don't know anything about you (not referring to you, in case that wasn't clear). You have people on these forums that can't even structure a sentence, can't demonstrate 4th grade grammar skills telling people like me who are just learning that you're naive and will never make it, etc. It's fairly disturbing. In other words, it seems with rare exception each trader or wannabe trader (depending on the instance) thinks they are smarter than the next.

Anyway, good deeds shouldn't go unpraised. To that, I thank you and anyone else that has contributed honestly and humbly. I hope this discussion can continue a bit longer without wearing its welcome.

 

BH's words are worth repeating

Now my two cents…

I could tell you exactly how my platform is set up (I’ve already pretty much posted it before)… and exactly how I trade – It would not do you one bit of good (you will never see the market through my eyes, nor I through yours)


On another note;

Some will say fundamental analysis doesn’t work – others say technical analysis doesn’t work…

Some say listen to the news/ pundits – others say ignore the news completely

Some can’t make a dime day trading – Some say it can’t be done – others make millions

Some say always be in the market – others say remain patient and pick you entries

Some say every trade is a 50/50 shot – other say wait till the odds are in your favor

Some say trade price only – others say use a few indicators – still others use every indicator ever invented

Some say use candlesticks – others say use bars – other say use no charts… same with level II and T&S

Some want to make trading sound so sophisticated and elitist that only a true intellectual can learn it – some say price going up – buy, price going down – short

Some say trading is predominantly psychological – other say that’s stupid thinking


ad hominem – ad nauseam – blah blah blah


My point – Every one needs to figure out what works for them and stick to it – and I’m certain you realize no two people are exactly alike – so….




Here are some truths

No matter what – protect capital first, make money second

Learning to trade is a journey – more so of self exploration & discovery than anything else

None of us are going to be there to click the mouse for you, protect your capital, share in your success, or smack you upside the head when you screw up – learn to be you own teacher/ coach / mentor / disciplinarian/ cheerleader first

90% (or whatever the number is) fail because they can’t do what they need to… (most absolutely know what to do – they just can’t do it when it’s time…) Now you probably want to know what the “it” is that they can not do – here ya go... exit a loser, and stay in a winner – in that order

BTW – When trading it never matters what you think – it ONLY matters how you think…., and what you do.

KISS

No matter what I or anyone else says, posts, publishes, or teaches – it is not yours until you work to make it so
(Yes I know I’ve posted this same sentence a few times now – but I can think of no better way to say – there are no short cuts – and every one must do the work for themselves by themselves – in order to get it)



Just some food for thought Sir

Regards

RN

 

To me, this post seems to hold a lot of wisdom. Clearly I'm biased, and am smart enough to realize it may simply be confirmation bias that leads me to say so, but here goes:

I resonate with the correlation/causation comments and fully agree that patterns that exist likely won't always, or can change, invert temporarily, or whatever. I tend to believe this is what makes trading so terribly difficult.

I don't find it hard at all to find something that repeats in a temporal window. I find it hard to find something that repeats and holds efficacy outside said window when going back further or stepping forward. That lead me to a question I posted a while back in this thread: Is a requirement for a truly successful trader, the ability to adapt quickly to changes? What I was really shooting for there was to pinpoint whether anyone finds methods that repeat indefinitely or is it more of a matter of ORB strat 1 is performing great this month, but then realizing that reversion 2 strategy is working better the next.

OK, so is it a requirement for a great trader to know when to apply a tool? Is that more of a boon that just being a hell-of-a system designer? I mean to say: Is a better sign of a great trader the ability to find tendencies that are so robust they can ride the coattails for long periods of time without adjustments. Perhaps that sounds silly, but I think it's a fair question.

 

Hi bighog,

I've been slapped around a bit by both women and the markets. I don't have much experience, but I do have some. I've made some mistakes and expect more. I'm just going through the motions and I think one of those motions is feeling out others for what they can contribute.

We all put pants on one leg at a time, I know. I don't think I'm better than anyone else. I just don't like when people tell me (not you) what I can and can't do, or will never do. I hope I never came or come across as trying to sound like a smartie or whatever. If anything I was/am only trying to convey that I have a high enough IQ to figure things out with enough support, research and guidance. I fully expect you and virtually every other poster in this thread know more about making money in the markets than I do at this point. I hope that chances quickly of course

I'm just a dude trying to find his way. I will ask some good questions and stupid ones during the ride. I am learning some things in this thread and I hope others do as well.

Thanks.

 

Redneck,

I appreciate this post. Thanks.

I think there is a lot of wisdom here as well... If I've discovered one thing it's that when it comes to trading opinions are extremely sharp. I have no doubt that if you put some of the best traders in the world in the same room they'd eat eachother alive in debate over why eachother's methods can't work or are better than the other, etc. It's a funny thing really. I'm sure psychologists could have a field day studying the incredible ego of most traders.

I think I had it right at first spending time alone looking for my edge. I probably need to do more introspection.

 

You are Very Welcome Sir


Based on your last couple of post I feel compelled to add


There are no great traders – only broke ones and profitable ones…. (we are only as good as our last trade - no matter it a loser or a winner - which btw is why it vital we always accept & manage both)


Ego will break your account – confidence will make you money…



Regards & Much Success to You Sir

RN

 

The most important thing you can learn is protect your capital,cut losers quick. Learn to ride your winners trendlines help me. Trade in the derection of trend don't call tops or bottoms go where the market goes don't fight the market you will end up broke. Buy a pullback, short a popup in the direction of trend. Great way to enter trade is 3 bar break.

 

I know its spelled direction.