Thanks Rtharp:
They play reversals mostly, not breakouts.
I use a combination of trend lines, and a variace of fib retracement percentages based on actual price points; Basically determining if the price action is due for a reversal. I recognize how far the price action has run, and how fast. In addition when playing NASDAQ stocks, I also pay attetion to the NDX cash, in particular, along with the OEX to follow reversals of these averages with the same reversal identification criteria. When these match I feel I have the odds in my favor.
The problem I had with this a chat room is that I feel that these guys know more than I do leading me to break from my individualism to follow(Not that I know more, but that psychological feelings take over). Then when the price action does not go in the direction expected, I get a panic feeling wanting them to hold my hand. Ex: Normally, I would short a stock, and stop out if it moves 40 to 50 cents in the opposite direction, and short again at a higher price level. When following someone elses call I give more room. The price action moves quickly one dollar, and more, where I take a loss right where I should be getting back in if I had followed my own strategy.
Maybe when, or even if, I get L2 then I will be able to see how they make their calls.
I noticed calls(breakouts) that didn't that I couldn't understand, and that would be where I could, or would not follow blindly, even if trying for only 50 cents.
I think that going after 50 cents is good, but for me at this point-without L2, is to small(to much work; commissions).
Thanks for pointing out Tony Oz's book. I will be ordering it shortly. Do you have a comparison to his latest book?
Thanks,
Jeffrey