*AV*--Personal to Sam Armstrong and Alias
I just finished reading the last 50 posts and GADZOOKS!!! It would be real is easy for me to comment on reply #4346, but it would serve no purpose no matter which way I respond. Therefore, I would like to graciously respect the wishes of those that want to leave this issue to the email system. As I have said before, Shawn does not need anyone to defend his honor and my participation on this thread is from a different perspective. <end>
However, there are comments I would like to make that I want directed to both you and to alias.
1. I have tried not to hype a stock and have tried to outline my personal biases on the stocks that I stand to gain considerably on, should they move up in value. Hopefully, I have conducted myself in a manner that seems ethical to those that read my messages and esepcially the 2 of you.
2. I have tried to refrain from giving "picks" but rather rather provide a smorgasboard of stocks that I beleive will perform for the group. ALYD is probably the closest thing to a hype by me, IMO, but even with this, I have stated it is out of my area of expertise and was the result of research into the expanding YR2000 market that thread participants seemed to be interested in.
3. I have tried to back up all stocks mentioned with facts, data, or documentation such that an informed decision could be made. When asked, I have doen research on stocks out of my area of expertise and reported back.
4. On numerous occasions I have posted my activities prior to making a move into the stock and have advised when to exit. Both entry and exit strategy were shared. To my dismay, I have told people to exit a little too early at times (CFMT, ASYST, etal.). However, I also hope that this too, was ethical and above board, since those instructions were based on my personal strategy of how and when to take profits. And on one or two occasions, with a written gun to my head, made an actual BUY this or that stock (but I was forced into a corner).
5. I am reluctant to tell people to go out and buy a stock in a straight forward fashion which is possibly why Sam made the comment,
<It would be nice to get Shawn or one of you guys to email a solid "pick" at the moment you take your position. Of course, don't we all.>
None of the stocks, with the exception of one, is traded thinly enough to make a difference to me as to whether you get your information before or after I invest. None of these stocks run up that fast. If I make a decision prior to the market open, I bring it to the thread's attention. I also publish entry points and sometimes re-iterate them as they approach, discreetly. If the market is already open and a decision is made, sometimes I place my order then post (I do not wait for confirmation of trade). Again, these stocks will not jump up or down based on the volumes traded by myself or this thread (with one exception). Therefore, I believe some opportunities have been presented by me, albeit subtlely. I also believe numerous other people such as Webster, Kevin, a Steve or 2, and Patrick, among others, have done so also.
6. I have tried to direct or inform people (if indeed that is the correct way to actually describe it) towards the NASDAQ or NYSE type stocks with large floats and prices above $5 and mostly above $10, based on my feelings towards the pennies and under $5 offerings. I have seen some people here moving towards these and other stocks.
7. My position on penny stocks, options and under $5 stocks should be well known. However, there are those on this thread that do an excellent job with the pennies and the options (both of which I have documented my incompetence in) such as Patrick and Webster.
8. Under some slight duress, I published my portfolio as an example and as a warning as to where my financial allegiances are.
So, what is the purpose of all the above? Well, Shawn and I are 2 major members of this thread, amongst other major players that participate openly and honestly, so a comment about one, raises certain questions relative to others and their motives. We will all address #4346 in our own way, if we choose.
As for myself, I want honest feedback from the both of you as to my performance and ethical standards. I do not ever want to see a post #4346 on me printed here on this website. I do not want a flood of approvals or trashing from anyone else reading this message since I am not asking for a global poll here. Both of you have been chosen, by me, as my judge and jury of my character. If you find nothing that concerns either of you, no response is necessary. If you find something lacking or questionable, please highlight it and I will see if I can adapt to the request (except for brevity in replies).
It has been my intention to help, as it the intention of many others on this thread, but if I am acting in a manner which you beleive perpetuates the "snake oil salesman and shill" scenario, call me on the carpet.
As I have stated, my motives are genuine but they may not come across that way sometimes on this thread. I can very easily sign off this thread and tend to my own business (that is not my intention nor is that anything I am remotely considering, so no response from anyone is necessary). I want to be active here and I want to help others make money slowly and surely. My motives are not egotistical or even altruistic (an arguement could be made for selfish). It makes me feel good to have Monique write that she got into a stock and made money, that Jeff got into some stocks and is happy he did, to see Kevin and Steve agree with me on a stock which everyone may consider down the road, see a pastor invest in a stock (on my recommendation) that he had more faith in than me (and he was right, it went up further), and to share my technical expertise (and sometimes bias) on topics that I have 20 years worth of industry experience (different thread). I also enjoy the comraderie of this community of people from across this country (and I beleive we have 1 or 2 extra-continentals).
BTW-I just re-read this reply and realized it rambled on, as usual. I was tempted to delete it and remain silent but it's done. I felt like writing this 30 minutes ago, and for better or worse, belemishes and all, the submit button is being pushed. |
