Quote from archimedes:
And having a doctorate means what exactly, a free pass? As does a squash title?
There is a difference between 'top performer' in a CTA database and top performer period. A huge difference, as the best of the best don't even report. There is also a huge difference between achieving outsized returns with solid risk control vs achieving outsized returns by aggressively selling premium in a low-volatility market, which is basically the financial version of musical chairs.
Again, this only comes up because Niederhoffer has the arrogance to declare himself great when he can't even tie the shoes of the truly great.
You're a bit of a crank without much of a leg to stand on. If you don't see the importance of what I'm saying, it may be that the concept of arete is foreign to you.
Looking at numbers alone without considering the context of those numbers, or the character, disposition and methods of the trader behind the numbers, is exactly the kind of mistake that a mediocre player would make. Especially when the most important number of all, cumulative return in absolute dollars, is still nil.
I certainly suspect the analytical and psychological assessment capabilities of anyone who bangs a drum for Niederhoffer without considering the clear defects in his methods and the blatant character flaws that make him a danger to himself and others. What I'm saying is, your hamfisted defense indicates you probably kind of suck in these critical assessment areas. Hopefully you can improve. But if you take a page from Vic, you won't. You'll just rationalize and bullshit throughout your career and always stay the same.