Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Strategies & Market Trends : DAYTRADING Fundamentals -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Robert Graham who wrote (5843)	12/3/1999 7:09:00 PM
From: Eric P	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 18137

Sounds like you need a new futures broker. I have not traded futures since 1989, before the internet revolution. However, I have traded with five different internet stock brokers, three of whom were focused on daytrading services. None of these firms were anything like the negative qualities of the firm you describe. I would have to assume that there are excellent online futures brokers, but unfortunately, I don't have personal experience with whom to recommend. Perhaps Theresa or Steve could provide a recommendation of a good firm. -Eric P.S. I assume your current firm does not have other outstanding redeeming qualities that offset the problems you noted!

To: Robert Graham who wrote (5843)	12/4/1999 2:11:00 AM
From: Dan Duchardt	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 18137

Robert, I guess that depends on what "normal commissions" are, and the frequency with which one had to rely on the telephone. I recently opened and account with a broker (sounds a lot like the one you speak of) that charges very little for online trading. One of the concerns I had was that they had no back-up in place to deal with the inevitable technical failures. I told them I would be happy to pay $30 for a telephone trade if I ever needed to place one. They don't have an 800 number either, and I have placed several calls in my first several days because of problems I have had getting the system running properly, but phone calls these days are relatively cheap if you get a decent long distance service. Most importantly, there has always been someone to answer the phone, and they have been very responsive to my concerns. The system seems to be starting to behave as it should. I'd rather live with a system that is normally reliable and have to pay more for the extraordinary cases than to have one that has no extra charges but is less reliable and has an 800 number that might or might not be answered at all, or answered by someone who cannot help you. I remember the days when I tried to use Datek with its frequent system failures (that seem to be ongoing) and the inability to get anyone to answer when I called their 800 number. No thank you. Dan