Yes to the archives. I used to trade with DBphoenix. Some of it is outdated as the markets have changed and the rise of the algo driven trading. We watched when the spoofing DOM just started! It is a good starting point and provides a context to all the people who grew up on cell phone trading, thinking options is automatically the way to riches, and only have experience in a Bull market and rarely have been in position when the markets turn disorderly.
as a rule I would look for people who have institutional experience. they typically have learned proper risk management techniques.
I've picked up a lot here on ET, mostly through those hints. You really just have to pay attention and be diligent enough to stitch the hints together. Even in the last few months, I've seen some truly massive edges hinted... I've even seen hints about the hints.
In my experience, nearly all successful traders have at least some industry background. There are exceptions (e.g. Maestro/Bogdan at Castle Ridge and a few other autodidacts), but they are few. And the exceptions often have a relevant degree (like Maestro... sort of, I think his Phd. was in "Cybernetics" from a Byelorussian university).
Gold Diggers shouldn't be digging gold on a Forum. What's known isn't worth knowing, anymore. That's all you need. One Bar Chart and 3 HLines. Money / Risk Management and Ur done. Why waste time digging for Bullshit ? This is for Entertainment only. Don't expect to learn anything here. Deliberate practice is the way. There are maybe 2 or 3 books worth reading, But most of the work is done on the battlefield. You need to find yourself.
Damn, sorry to hear that. I haven't checked in on Maestro in a couple of years. I should keep more up to date. It's too bad, he was my sole example of an ET retail trader who successfully went institutional.