Do you tell people you're a trader?

Quote from flat5:

Because it isn't productive. It's a way to take money from somebody else's pocket and put it in yours, but accomplish nothing in the process, much like shuffling cards around on a table in a poker game.

People have more respect for people who earn their money by producing something in an exchange that is not zero sum.

I think that's the root of it, and it's not particularly irrational.

Increased liquidity, smaller spreads!
 
Quote from Thunderdog:

Evidently, you have an aversion of some kind to trading.

No, that's your assumption.

What I don't have is some fantasy that trading is something other than a purely selfish pursuit to take money from others' pockets and put it in my own. Nor do I have any illusions that that is the core reason why people often receive it poorly.

It's quite similar to the shell game played on the street. People think of that as a con man activity. Don't you think the shell game con man justifies his activity by saying "people are entertained by this, I'm providing a service." Of course he does. But people still think it's a con and not a legitimate business.

After all, you could be a teacher, or a doctor, or a policeman, and help others in the process of earning a living, rather than simply taking people's money.
 
Quote from flat5:

No, that's your assumption.

What I don't have is some fantasy that trading is something other than a purely selfish pursuit to take money from others' pockets and put it in my own.

That's exactly the purpose of any legal or illegal business...
 
Quote from flat5:


After all, you could be a teacher, or a doctor, or a policeman, and help others in the process of earning a living, rather than simply taking people's money.

Yeah okay, keep dreaming.

"Just look at us. Everything is backwards; everything is upside down. Doctors destroy health, lawyers destroy justice, universities destroy knowledge, governments destroy freedom, the major media destroy information and religions destroy spirituality"

—Michael Ellner

There is no selfless 'noble' profession so get real.
 
Quote from flat5:

No, that's your assumption.

What I don't have is some fantasy that trading is something other than a purely selfish pursuit to take money from others' pockets and put it in my own. Nor do I have any illusions that that is the core reason why people often receive it poorly.

It's quite similar to the shell game played on the street. People think of that as a con man activity. Don't you think the shell game con man justifies his activity by saying "people are entertained by this, I'm providing a service." Of course he does. But people still think it's a con and not a legitimate business.

After all, you could be a teacher, or a doctor, or a policeman, and help others in the process of earning a living, rather than simply taking people's money.

This is true only if one is a good teacher, doctor or policeman. But do people open up businesses for anything other than purely selfish pursuits? Give me a break. The vast majority of people work to make money, and they hope to do something enjoyable in the process. Same with trading. And the market has more liquidity and smaller spreads as a result of short-term traders.
 
Quote from flat5:

No, that's your assumption.

What I don't have is some fantasy that trading is something other than a purely selfish pursuit to take money from others' pockets and put it in my own. Nor do I have any illusions that that is the core reason why people often receive it poorly.

It's quite similar to the shell game played on the street. People think of that as a con man activity. Don't you think the shell game con man justifies his activity by saying "people are entertained by this, I'm providing a service." Of course he does. But people still think it's a con and not a legitimate business.

After all, you could be a teacher, or a doctor, or a policeman, and help others in the process of earning a living, rather than simply taking people's money.
A rather warranted assumption given the general tenor of your posts, wouldn't you say? Please be honest with yourself and admit that you have some kind of repulsion to the markets. If you don't believe me, then ask a trusted friend to read your posts and draw his own conclusions. Once you get past that, you may then wish to consider why you are drawn to sites such as Elite Trader.

I don't know what your history is with the markets. Perhaps you were raised to believe that occupations such as trading are "bad." Perhaps you lost money trading and are now resentful. Perhaps it is for an entirely different reason altogether. Regardless, I think that our exchange on this matter has run its course. We each have our own reasons for appreciating and liking the markets, or condemning and disliking them, and neither of us is likely to change his mind any time soon. So let us not continue this merry-go-round. Good luck to you.
 
Quote from TooL:

Yeah okay, keep dreaming.

"Just look at us. Everything is backwards; everything is upside down. Doctors destroy health, lawyers destroy justice, universities destroy knowledge, governments destroy freedom, the major media destroy information and religions destroy spirituality"

—Michael Ellner

There is no selfless 'noble' profession so get real.

Very well said!
 
Quote from TooL:

Yeah okay, keep dreaming.

"Just look at us. Everything is backwards; everything is upside down. Doctors destroy health, lawyers destroy justice, universities destroy knowledge, governments destroy freedom, the major media destroy information and religions destroy spirituality"

—Michael Ellner

There is no selfless 'noble' profession so get real.
Personally, I think that is being a bit too cynical. While there is certainly some truth in the quote, I would refrain from speaking in absolutes, as per your final comment. Just my opinion.
 
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