I just listened to the interview Mike Bellafiore ( @smbcapital ) did with Tim Bourquin of Trader Interviews and one of the points both Mike and Tim put forth was the value of talking to other people who do what we do. I’d like to add my voice to the topic.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or a paper trader there is value in speaking to other traders. That statement needs no caveat, in fact I believe it to be an axiom.
What some folks may not be aware of, and in fact has never ceased to amaze me, is the number of people who participate in the discourse. Those who know me are aware that I participate in StockTwits. An amazing number of traders, many of whom are professional traders and money managers, generously offer the benefits of their experience there every day. Of those who would ask why a pro would offer this experience with no personal gain, let me answer from my own opinion. It feels good. Those of us who have survived in this game for any length of time share a commonality of passion for it. In the same way it feels better to watch a ballgame with a group of people, participating in a social group of others who share that passion, feels good. I love the fact that a trader on the other side of a trade will take my lunch money without reservation and then share a beer after market close and discuss it in a collegial manner.
My participation in the discourse has made me better at what I do, which is my goal in all things. It has allowed me to dialogue with others of both like mind and opposing minds alike. It has helped me to adapt to a changing market environment by constantly exposing me to different viewpoints, and methodologies. And perhaps most importantly has given me the opportunity to establish contacts and friendships with a great many people.
So, Join the party. Learn, Teach, Share the Passion. You won’t find a better value anywhere.
