Wow, I cannot believe all you guys flaming Don. I have to hand it to him keeping his cool. I would be swinging with both fists by now. If I had to venture a guess, it would be that all that come here and bad-mouth others are just losing traders needing to vent their frustrations. Winning traders are busy trading, refining their trading plan, and congratulating others on their successes.
I am currently a Bright Trader. While I can think of several areas of improvement in the mechanics of the operation, I really don't have any serious complaints. I don't mind the desk fee - I think it is reasonable. If I open and account and do absolutely no trading, they still have overhead in administering my account without getting a nickel of commission from me. If you trade enough shares, then you don't get charged. I do think a gradual reduction of the desk fee based upon shares traded should be implemented over the current "all or nothing" concept, but that is not my decision to make.
I think commissions are higher than what should be paid by an exhange member, but still in line with industry averages.
But, what joining the company has given me is the opportunity to trade my system without worrying about margin. I don't overextend myself when I trade and manage risk, but I don't have to think twice if I want to trade a $90 stock.
If better prop firms exist out there, then maybe I will come across them one day. If I don't like where I am at, then I am certainly free to go elsewhere. But I get the freedom to trade where I want being with BT, the capital I need, and don't get micro-managed by them.
Nuff said.