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Non-Tech : Dorsey Wright & Associates. Point and Figure -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Tommy Dorsey who wrote (7473)	4/22/2000 1:51:00 PM
From: Carolyn	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 9427

Hi, Tom. I mainly use full service, not only because I am a beginner, but for the convenience of writing checks, account keeping for my accountant, dealing with various entities, some advice, etc. If I am away, I can call and do whatever I want. The broker is never "down", trades are immediate, and I can negotiate commission fees. I do think there are a vast number of people out there, with huge accounts, who prefer it this way; particularly the pre-boomers. JMHO

To: Tommy Dorsey who wrote (7473)	4/22/2000 2:30:00 PM
From: SmoothSail	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 9427

Hi Tommy: I've been lurking on this thread for some time. I'm Jorj's mom. He introduced me to P&F sometime ago and I use it religiously. I think you've asked a very interesting question and it'll be interesting to see all the responses. I use CS and get the discounted discounts. My son doesn't like them (and has been very vocal here on SI about it) but I find the service very convenient. I use the account to write checks, VISA, and trade over the internet plus I like the reports I get monthly and quarterly. I've had full service brokers in the past but didn't feel that they helped even a little. It never made any sense to me to pay them $200-300 commission for a decision that was mine. Not being able to get them on the phone is what bugged me the most - and it was always at a critical time.

To: Tommy Dorsey who wrote (7473)	4/22/2000 3:03:00 PM
From: Jorj X Mckie	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 9427

Tom, I use Chuckie and MER. I went to MER for the flat rate commission structure and more importantly the reliability and service orientation. 1% of my account value per year. It works out to be significantly less than the 14.95 per trade at Schwab. Schwab had some very serious reliability problems with their online trading product in the past year. This in itself would not have caused me to jump (I know that the internet buildout is still in its infancy). However, Schwab's arrogance and cavalier attitude toward customer service caused me to move 75% of my assets to MER... Customer service is going to be the key to the success of companies offering services over the internet. In the long run, I am convinced that you will see a serious backlash against those companies that do not show their customers respect (like Schwab) and don't take the reliability of their system seriously. MER is setting up a financial plan for us, as well as accounts for Jackson's college as well as our nieces and nephews...pretty much no hassle. Their online trading pretty needs a lot of work, but they appear to be open to input. I end up placing most of my trades with MER directly with my broker and not online. Until MER has a decent online user interface with timely account information, I will continue to use SCH. And, of course I make all of my own investment decisions. Oh yeah, and MER will match up my trades on the end of year statement:-) JXM

To: Tommy Dorsey who wrote (7473)	4/22/2000 3:53:00 PM
From: Rich1	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 9427

Hey Big guy welcome back. I use Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. Get great service, 10 cents a share always there. The are the leader in the IPO market so what I make in IPO's usually pays the cost of the higher commish. My broker is the #1 Broker in their chain so he has 3 assisitants and someone alwsy there to help you. How was the Ride?

To: Tommy Dorsey who wrote (7473)	4/22/2000 7:28:00 PM
From: Doppler	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 9427

Hi Tom- I am the one who recommended MER to JXM because I was so happy with them. I am not an active daytrader, but more of a "position trader", and my trades came out to be about $10 per trade. The executions are the best, they give you the benefit of the doubt if there is a question, I never have to worry about getting through to someone, and I know I can trust them. (one of my best friends is my broker). I use their research and try to combine it with PnF and other TA. What I like most though are the other bennies. Free estate planning. Points for any purchase I make on VISA. I can redeem those points for airline tickets with no restrictions, or literally anything else I want. I can even use them to pay the yearly 1% commission fee. I've been on big cruises, bought most of my computer stuff, and lots of other stuff, all for spending an average of 10 bucks per trade. Then like Jorj said, there is the end of the year statements where they match everything up for you, and the VISA statements where every purchase is broken down and categorized for you too.

To: Tommy Dorsey who wrote (7473)	4/23/2000 1:12:00 AM
From: Lost1	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 9427

I have several online accounts and a full service guy as well. The main problem with online is that they change their rules from time to time and they aren't in rush to fill you in on them. Most, except for Brown, have ridiculous margin requirements to where your margin buying power is barely above your cash value. That is what I like about my full service guy. He can stretch with me when appropriate..He's also a P&F guy. I get the minimum he can charge and at this point I think I make him more money than the other way around. He uses many of my picks to sell to his other clients..<G> He actually has offered me a job many times, but I ain't leaving Tx.

To: Tommy Dorsey who wrote (7473)	4/24/2000 2:39:00 AM
From: SpecialK	Respond to of 9427

Hello Tom, I have been investing for 6 years now, only using the discount brokers. I currently use Etrade and have a bank account with them as well(formerly Telebank). This is the type of service, integrating different financial offerings, that I like. I have used Ameritrade and can't see choosing freetrade, the same as I have not used Juno, Netzero or other free ISP services. For active traders, Etrade offers free DSL service and installation and modem. Unfortunately, SBC is not offering to my residence at this time. I fully expected the brokers to offer ISP service as an added benefit, vs. lowering commissions. Ketan