Wednesday Notes – Breaking the Silence

While it’s been almost a full week since we last “chatted”, the mind has been in full gear at this end, so let’s break the silence.

True Trader Follow-Up – One of the reasons I went silent over the past week was to allow at least some time to pass to emphasize the prior True Trader post, which hopefully underscored the purpose and intent of every word ever spoken in this blog.

So if you’re ever wondering things like, “Why the blog?”, “Why the teaching?”, “Why the charity work?”, “Why the Jellie concept?”, “Why share your successes (and failures)?” “Why rant about trading injustices?” … you hopefully have your answer (which if you’ve been a longtime onlooker has been clear all along).

And while I personally have a LOT to do to continue to strive to become “that” trader, I will never waiver in the convictions of this business or life which I know to be fundamental truths.

For in both life and trading, you must have both truth and conviction.

We have to sell hard when the whole world is at its buying peak, and buy hard when the whole world is selling … and with conviction.

And the only way to do so is to not succumb to the noise of this world.

Expo Plans - For those who have asked when I’ll be speaking publicly again, the answer is that I have no immediate plans to.

For while I agreed to a limited appearance at this year’s New York Expo and the response was overwhelming as we had the fire marshals scrambling, I’m not keen on traveling and continue to prefer less “noisy” environments.

As I’ve said before, if you do attend such events, the real wisdom can typically be found searching out that guy standing quietly in the corner with a silent smile on his face.

And he likely won’t be selling any books or courses.

For he’ll be that trader you want to seek out.

At this end, while I offer educational services from time to time on a limited basis, I make it a habit to avoid chasing “trader” ambulances.

I figure (1) there are enough car wrecks in this business without creating them, and (2) quality education is typically best offered when folks have sought it out after having done their due diligence.

Twitter – I found it interesting that during our silence, that we set blog highs for (1) post re-tweets (of the True Trader post), and (2) twitter traders that are closing in on 800.

Perhaps there’s something to be said for Roosevelt’s “speak softly and carry a big stick” in an industry full of noise.

GrowUganda.org Mission Update - I spoke with John Norquay last night upon his return from the Uganda mission, and listened to the wonderful work that was done in part because of your generous support.

The fact that we were able to fully fund three individuals – thanks in part to one large contributor with whom I’ve never spoken - speaks volumes about the quality and substance of those in this virtual community that we’ve created.

Look for pics of their trip and work soon on the GrowUganda.org site.

Trading Rhythms – Have you noticed that during 8 of the last 9 market closes, including six in a row – the market’s strong closing “trend” was fully negated during the overnight trade, effectively torching those playing the closing equity momentum game for a hold into the next day??

Such is why I’ll always (1) be “cash at close”, while (2) recognizing that the best market setups are often between 4pm ET and 9:30am ET when the noise (there’s that term again) is far less.

EMails – As I continue to receive a plethora of emails, I’d like to remind everyone to use the comments section here whenever possible so all can benefit from the dialogue.

Also, please keep in mind while I try to respond to most emails during non-trading times, I simply can’t respond to every one.

It’s also become apparent given the continued growth of our efforts, that some are essentially “trying to learn how to trade” or asking me to “troubleshoot” hitches in their swing” via reading the blog or email snippets.

While I’ll continue to be open, candid, and generous with insights, etc., please don’t mistake such efforts as replacements for formal educational and growth through experience.

My trying to troubleshoot someone’s trading via email would simply do a huge disservice.

At my end, in-between the occasional formal education I offer (that’s why the Jellie training videos are there gang), I’m busy enough focusing on my own swing.

For first and foremost, I remain a trader.

You know, that guy standing in the corner with a smile on his face (unless the trading day was tough!)

Photon Update - One of my accounts will be active tomorrow morning as I trial it side by side with TT.  I’m excited about it and will keep you posted.

Current Goals & Projects - As I work on year-end planning and efforts, here are a few current objectives.

- Trade less freqently and at heavier sizes
- Continue to make Trading After Dark (TM) a reality and trader tool
- Continue to apply our highly successful intraday strategies to longer-term asset management
- Find more creative ways to support our charitable causes
- Hold one 2011 Jellie course (quality over quantity)
- Have one $100K day (one of the few goals that has alluded me … when/if I do, 15% of that day’s proceeds will go to charity)

So much work … so little time.

In just three short months, I’ll hit the half-century mark.

Yet I feel as if we’re just warming up.