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To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 4:13:00 PM
From: mtnlady	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 35685

Hang in there clappy.. I'll tell you what. With the knowledge you have gained over these last few months you will be back in the hunt before you know it. Just be patient and don't rush it to make it back in one fell swoop. Stay cool my man. Build it up and wait for the next big drop .. and be ready.. cash in hand. You will be back in the game at 110% before fall settles in. Patience.

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 4:30:00 PM
From: Jeffry K. Smith	Respond to of 35685

Forgive me for blowing off steam. I hate days like this. I knew I should have just held on You made the best decision you could at the time. Remember that. I did the same thing last week, and lost 90K when it would have been a 12K loss had I done something different. Oh God, Clappy, I feel for you. You will make it back, as I will - the process you went through to get here, getting the feel of things and knowledge of stocks is not wasted. We both probably need more market feel and margin risk management. I called my broker and they said the risk department was selling without calling some customers. I was sick, since my portfolio was down to 12% of what it was March 19th. All day I lived with the fear they would start dumping. Thank God they did not, but I am damaged nonetheless. Know that others, such as myself, have been where you are (and I'm not talking about today). You can make it back. PM me if you wish. Sincerely, Jeff Smith

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 4:37:00 PM
From: Dealer	Respond to of 35685

Clappy don't feel alone. I had a margin call yesterday for 25,000....gonna try to hold on until Friday hoping for an up move. We have all been beaten down.... When we get these stocks moving we are all going to be fine. Please try not to dwell on today. If I can do anything to help you know where I am. There is so much love on this board and we don't like one of our family members down......at least we're still here and only down but not out. I would guess we lost a few porch sitters today. Hope not! If so hopefully they will return soon. A time like this is when I wish we were all together on the porch able to console one another. Love you, dealer

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 4:40:00 PM
From: dangergirl	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 35685

Hi all-- thank goodness for cree and qcom. I almost finished the day above water. Now the question is -- when and what cc`s to write to get out of the margin call. That brings up a question--If you get in a margin call and the next day your portfolio is up enough to get you out of the call, is everything cool, or do you still have to make a trade to get out of the call?

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 4:57:00 PM
From: shamsaee	Respond to of 35685

I am sorry to hear that.The Nasdaq is at 4148 and a lot of people are predicting 6000 by the end of the year.You can build it back up and learn from it.

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 5:14:00 PM
From: Red Scouser	Respond to of 35685

Hi Clappy, Keep your pecker up. My wife dumped me after 30 years of marriage and took 60% of what i had. You know what, it will come back ten fold (and stuff the ex). Neil

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 5:20:00 PM
From: Dalin	Respond to of 35685

Clappy, Words aren't much help right now.....I know, I've done almost the same thing. Time does heal these kinds of wounds though, and you can reap rewards from the lesson learned. Hardly, no one person gets in this game, without learning the same hard lessons. Here's hoping a quick recovery for you! :) D.

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 5:31:00 PM
From: elpolvo	Respond to of 35685

GEEEZE CLAPPY- don't worry about it. yer just a kid. i done the very same thing twice when i was a wise old fart in my (VERY) late forties. i've had to rebuild a portfolio four times in the last 2 1/2 years and twice in the past year. you'll be surprised how soon you'll rebuild. the only thing that saved my ass through this so far was my offer to be the BEANO guinea pig (thank you god and thank you voltometer). i sold off a bunch of margin about two weeks ago, remember? if i had the wisdom and knowledge of the market that you do at your age i'd be in margaritaville right now. you'll be there by the time you turn 40 dude. i hope i make it too. i love you man! -polvo beano

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 5:41:00 PM
From: mrs goldberg	Respond to of 35685

Hey Clappy I'm here for you any time you need to talk, and I mean any time. Bud keep your head up and chalk it up to a learning experience and remember there is a reason for everything that happens, it should make you feel a little better knowing of all your porch family that cares and feels for you and most have expressed this. Believe me I have in my life time been on top of the world to be knocked flat on my ass, and you like me are not quitters and it will pay off, just be patient getting it back, IT WILL HAPPEN!! I posted this earlier today never thinking you would be one of the millions I would be defending, now I feel even better about posting it!! <To: ----- who wrote (10833) From: coonaz Tuesday, Apr 4, 2000 11:57 AM ET Reply # of 10944 Man all this screaming about "buy this and buy that" may be rubbing salt in a lot of people's open bleeding wounds. There are a lot of people out there that are scared shitless and don't have the money to get them out of margin calls without selling CC's or the stock and believe me if they had the money I don't think they would need anyone of us to point out this is a buying opportunity! I know your intentions are good, but some, if not a lot may take it as a slap in the face or an I told you so. I know there are a lot of people wishing they would of done a few things a little different and would have dry powder right now. Let's at least give those in these conditions I stated above the peace of mind and our prayers for now. Thanks, this is not directed at you, but to all that are posting these kind of post. Coonaz> God Bless you all who are in these terrible conditions

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 5:51:00 PM
From: Percival 917	Respond to of 35685

Friend Clappy, If I could change a thing today, I would have you with me and my wife driving up to Newfound Gap in a snow storm here in the Smoky Mtns. Then you would have missed all this craziness like I did. I shudder to think what would have gone through my head had I been watching. It would have been hard to resist the impulse to do exactly what you did. I know this will NOT be what you want to hear but you will get it back and a whole lot more. However expensive it was, consider this a learning experience. It is only a true loss if you don't learn and benefit from it. You know you have your extended family here to lean on. Take Care, Joel

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 5:55:00 PM
From: lindelgs	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 35685

Clappy....please use me and this board as needed for support and guidance. You can do it again and I think you're in the right place to make it happen. I sincerely feel for you and your family. Although its easier said than done, don't beat yourself up, like someone said, you did what you thought you had to do at the time. You are empowered and strong. Your friend, Legs

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 5:57:00 PM
From: T L Comiskey	Respond to of 35685

Sorry to hear this Mr C...have done the same in the past.........Words Fail........Stay Well...let go of the Blame...self defense is no crime Tim

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 6:13:00 PM
From: she_x	Respond to of 35685

clappy, it's not a waste of time. old chinese saying: "when you get knocked down make sure you grab a handful of dirt before you get up." in other words, take something away from from the experience. looks like you have a pretty good handful as you get back on your feet, BVSN, GMST and RNWK, a learning experience, a lovely wife, two beautiful children, you youth and a whole porch of people that love you, support you and are rooting for you. not too damn bad, huh? hope it dulls the pain a little anyway. she

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 6:27:00 PM
From: Len	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 35685

Clappy, Sorry to hear that. I know how you feel,though. All day today I was walking around my house saying "Don't panic, don't panic." I held. I feel lucky to have overcome my instinct to sell. Len

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 6:35:00 PM
From: Grandk	Respond to of 35685

Looks like you've gotten plenty of support. No need for me to repeat what so many others have been saying. However, here's another guy that may be in need of some serious support/help from those on the board. siliconinvestor.com Post 87 :(

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 6:53:00 PM
From: Ritch	Respond to of 35685

Clappy - Sorry to hear about your losses today. I have done the exact same thing in the past. I remember the awful feeling (like someone socked you in the gut) and it doesn't seem like it will ever go away! Believe me when I say it will go away. And also believe me when I say that you need to learn from this so that the next time it happens you can try to do things differently. I say try because I know it is hard. That is why I left today and went out to lunch and to play tennis. I knew that if I stayed and kept watching my screen that the temptation to panic sell would be too great. Last Wednesday my next door neighbor died from a heart attack. He was 48 years old, had two children ages 13 and 17, and no life insurance. When I think about this, I realize how much more important our health and family are than losing 25% of our portfolio. We still have many things to be thankful for - so keep your head up. Things will get better and I am sure that you will come back stronger than ever! Ritch

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 7:10:00 PM
From: Voltaire	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 35685

Hi clappy, just want say how bad I feel about your situation today. No miracle answers but you will be back. Maybe not quickly but you will. One method I used was to simply be in the markets only about 5 weeks before earnings for several quarters until I had built my stake back up, then I would get out two days before they reported. It is simply a systematic approach that keeps you from losing your sanity, takes discipline but gives you something to look forward. I am here if you need me. Tom

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 7:48:00 PM
From: Sully-	Respond to of 35685

clappy, man oh man oh man. I wish I had something to tell ya to take the sting out of a day like today. I really feel for ya. If nothing else clappy, do a thorough postmortem, but make sure you are over the emotions a day like today brings. I know it will make you a better investor if you do. I know this because I had to look into the abyss once. Oct-Nov 1998. I was facing a huge margin call, had less than $50k in equity & had to make some very hard decisions. I ended up borrowing $50 on my home equity & still had to sell massive amounts of stock. I totally re-evaluated my investment strategy I knew what I was doing obviously wasn't working. I dissected every decision & strategy I had employed. I sold some holdings at absolutely gut wrenching losses..... but they were losers regardless of their value & potential as my DD & investment style had me believing. I had to remove all emotion from each holding in the portfolio. To make a long story short, I took that >$50k + $50k loan & in 15 months my account equity went over $1 million. No doubt choosing QCOM was THE MAIN REASON I got there so fast. I was late to the QCOM party & I was out during one of the huge runs, but picking clear winners, not only to my eyes, but to THE STREET's eyes too, was the major strategy change The other main change was to not fight the tape. I can pick the winners, but sometimes the street & the tape are not seeing things the same way you do. I quit fighting... well, I try anyway. clappy, if a dense pack such as myself can make that dramatic a change in 15 months, so can you. You have a good head on your shoulders my good man. I wish you only the best clappy. Don't give up. The porch is here for you my friend. Man oh man oh man, what a gut wrenching day. Thank God I was en route to Philly. I might have jumped out my basement window too...... Soon to be permanently porchin' (April 10 is my last day in the office ;-) Clappy, I'm saving a spot for you. I know you can get here sooner than you think. Be well. w2

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 8:57:00 PM
From: Boplicity	Respond to of 35685

Well I wish I could help you today I hate seeing what happen to you. Maybe the next time you can pull up the following signs of bottom. I posted this back in Jan. on the QCOM thread. You can't let what happen today get in the way of your investing in the future, you need to learn from it. I was lucky I had a great mentor that held my hand in 1987. Message 13352341 Greg

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 10:26:00 PM
From: Jim Willie CB	Respond to of 35685

TearsfromHeavenMan, what a shame.. words fail me dont ever give up, you are too sharp and dedicated make a list of all your strong personal points immediately make a list of all your investing strengths be sure to include phenomenal stock picker put both lists on the wall, so you are reminded now fight back but dont be in a hurry call others for emotional relief when this happens time to listen to some Clapton I declared Ch13 bankruptcy in 1996 on a sad April Monday morning in 1994, I did the same thing exactly I wanted to slit my throat for weeks but didnt I was recently divorced, was recently unemployed, was laid up with torn knee, and had no family at first unsure what kept me going, felt sorry for myself over time it was probably faith in God, faith in my learning ability, absolute dogged dogged relentless determined fighting spirit and resilience I got up, made some 10-yr goals, and set my sights on early retirement and the search for pie dont attempt to make it back too fast, that was my mistake if a bonafide jackass can surge from ashes, so can you dont let loved ones get in the way of continuing to take risks / Jim Willie

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/4/2000 11:46:00 PM
From: Anthony@Pacific	Respond to of 35685

That about sums it all up..but be careful cause, this Mkt is good at sucking you in till you have lost it all. Thats how the rich guys at the NASD and at GSCO..live ..By sucking your eyeballs out through a straw

To: Clappy who wrote (10916)	4/5/2000 12:07:00 AM
From: John T.	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 35685

Clappy: I'm sorry your day didn't go well. Clappy, most new traders burn out within the first 6 months because they lack the proper psychology, trading tactics and money management. I'd like to give you some practical advise so that you can survive in the trading business. PSYCHOLOGY You should read the following book: Trading for a Living: Psychology, Trading Tactics, Money Management by Dr. Alexander Elder amazon.com I recommend that you concentrate on the Introduction, Chapter I - Individual Psychology, and Chapter 2 - Mass Psychology. The rest of the book is worthwhile, but do not adopt the author's trading tactics. TRADING TACTICS & MONEY MANAGEMENT You should adopt the trading tactics and money management principles described in the following books: *** How to Make Money in Stocks: A Winning System in Good Times or Bad by William O'Neil amazon.com In this book, William O'Neil describes his C-A-N S-L-I-M method of stock selection, which combines fundamental and technical analysis. This is THE BOOK. The principles set forth in this book should form the foundation of your trading business. (NOTE: In his original book, O'Neil suggested that traders limit their purchases to stocks with 5 to 50 million shares outstanding. O'Neil has modified this principle to include larger capitalization stocks. investors.com Also, O'Neil recommends buying when stocks break out of a limited number of consolidation patterns, such as cup with a handle, double bottom, and flat base. I feel that stocks can also be purchased when they break out of other consolidation patterns, such as symmetrical triangles, ascending triangles, etc.) * 24 Essential Lessons for Investment Success: Learn the Most Important Investment Techniques from the Founder of Investor's Business Daily by William O'Neil amazon.com * Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefevre amazon.com Reminiscenes of a Stock Operator is the fictionalized biography of Jesse Livermore, a successful speculator. There are really two stories in this book. On the one hand, there is the colorful biography of Jesse Livermore and his trading exploits. But, beneath the biography the author describes the successful trading tactics that Livermore used. I recommend that you study Livermore's trading tactics. *** I also recommend that you subscribe to Investor's Business Daily newspaper: investors.com and Daily Graphs Online: dailygraphs.com FOUR CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF TRADING All successful traders follow the four cardinal principles of trading: 1) Trade with the trend 2) Cut losses short 3) Let profits run, and 4) Manage risk CONCLUSION Clappy, you want to buy good, quality stocks that are breaking out to new highs on heavy volume after consolidation. You also want the general market to be in an up trend. This all goes back to the C-A-N S-L-I-M principles. Also, you don't have to trade every day, or every week, or even every month. There are times when it makes sense to stay out of the market. Now, might be one of those times. You may want to get out of the market for a while and wait for a good,quality stock to break out of a consolidation pattern. It might happen next week or next month -- but, it will happen. If you buy at the right time you could latch on to a stock that gains 20%, 30% or more in a matter of weeks or months. Be patient. Look for these kind of setups. Good luck, Clappy!