I have no problem with zany, off the wall trading calls and systems, particularly if it is in good fun. Amusement is a key part of message board participation.
Zany. Good word. Suitable. But what if this hypothetical fellow took himself seriously? Just supposing, for the sake of argument, that he claimed to have quant support and all manner of research to back these calls as I described them earlier. I know what you're probably thinking: parody. And in keeping with the parody, and because we're such an imaginative bunch, let's suppose he became very defensive when criticized for his zaniness (your word). And, going further, because he is a comedian without peer, he assumes the role of arbiter of all that is valid in trading and all that is not, in the most sweeping of generalizations and with an air of moral rectitude and disdain, as you would expect of a thespian at the top of his game. Would it still just be harmless theater -- performance art -- when you have elsewhere alluded to the gullibility of would-be traders?
Maybe the question really is... why should we take MS seriously ? Wouldn't it be appropriate for Baron to attach a disclaimer to his profile that his posts are strictly for entertainment value ?
As an amateur, i think a guru is anyone who trades for a living. I dont think this individual, or guru, could transfer "that" to someone else because it is razor thin , as in "one thing wrong" and it doesnt work. Mentoring might be extremely frustrating and unsuccessful. This implies a high degree of individuality. I am certain, as i can be, that a canned method cannot work for the masses. But we all know that. And if there is any doubt of that for newer folks then it would be wise not to waffle on this, pick a side, and dont waste too much time. IMO.
I have always enjoyed surfs calls, to me it is a bit of performance art, some good ideas mixed in, and also a diary of the trading struggle with all the inherent foibles - including at times sheer wrongheadedness, which most us have suffered from on occasion. The truth is he does know some of the best options, futures and quantitative traders in the world - so his claims are not as outlandish as they might seem to those who don't know his contacts. I've been told he is a good guy so I give him the benefit of a doubt. If you are trading and making money consistently u are justified, surfs or anyone elses opinion does not matter - though the debate might be fun.
And I know a couple of electrical engineers very well who are expert in electromagnetics. But I don't know anything about electromagnetics.
U should get these electrical engineers to work with you on trading systems, It is one of the better backgrounds for it.