if you read the preface to the book Al clearly states the book is not FOR NOVICES HAVING NO PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE OF TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OR TRADING. THE EMPHASIS IS MINE.
how to understand Al Brooks
- Thread starter padutrader
- Start date
Thanks for the highlight of the difference between a definition versus explanation. Usually I mix both terms together but usually will careless use both terms in the same sentence as if there's no difference when there is a difference.
Completely agree that the author "must" define and explain the info when first used instead of doing such on a later page or giving refernce to a prior book. The latter should be clearly stated to someone prior to reading the current content that there's a prior book that must be read/learn.
Unfortunately, I've seen to many academic texts that do such...some will even provide a "footnote" to the location of a later chapter with the explanation to understand the current chapter while others refer to a prior book.
Yeah, highly technical books do such and there's those that don't...the publishing company editing department that Al uses should have notice this in Al's book. Like I said, publishing editing departments pay people +50k per year to do the editing...in reference to technical books.
Some do it and some don't but should do it...Al's publishing company obviously doesn't do it. Maybe they charge too much as an additional fee and Al decided he didn't really need it.
wrbtrader
Last edited:
You misunderstood my post.
@wrbtrader mentioned "explanation" when the discussion was about "definitions."
My point to them was: of course, explanations can come later in a highly technical book.
No one will know what "H2" means inherently. What first comes to (my) mind is dihydrogen.
It should be defined at or by the time it is first encountered in a work; otherwise, that term just dangles in a fully functional mind while the reader continues reading the work.
Just to be clear...because things get so clusterfcked in online forums:
My points:
1. Stating that a proximate definition should be provided is not the same as stating that a proximate explanation should be provided.
2. No one inherently knows wtf "H2" means.
EDIT: To address your specific point. Let's say H2 truly needs no explanation. I won't know that until it is first defined. Once one reads the definition, it then becomes clear, and no explanation is desired/needed.
Or maybe a reader can 'figur' it out from the context. Again, that shouldn't be required.
Last edited:
I don't have the book...wouldn't know but I do completely agree. Yet, I don't agree exactly with that type of disclaimer considering I know for fact that people think they "know TA" when in fact they do not.
Thus, I'm sure people have ignore that generic disclaimer and still purchased the book. They problably thought they'll just figure it out and if they can't...they would then ask someone for help in understanding the book.
A more specific disclaimer that spells out clearly what's needed to be known prior to learning that book...doing such will discourage sales.
You know how we traders are...we think a book will explain everything. We don't need any prior knowledge...its all there in that one special book (sarcasm).
wrbtrader
i am really impressed with your posts, replies and insights. yes it is like Tiger Woods telling you how to play golf and then you just do what he says ....and you succeed
funnily enough i too was wondering what the hell is this H2 when i first read the book.....but Al does mention early on that he uses terms which he explains later on so just keep reading!!!!
to be fair there is glossary at the end of the book
i know this is an absurd way of writing ....but that is just Al
Ok, yeah, I saw that mentioned earlier in the thread.
By the way, I haven't read the book or watched any of his videos. I really only posted to respond to the "highly technical books" comment; then I got sucked into the rabbit hole.
After all of this...I at least have to try to watch one of his free videos.
This Al Brooks guy sure seems popular (and controversial) - lots of comments in this thread. Does he have any track record or big credits/achievements to his name? I saw a jibe earlier in the thread that he now just says he doesnt lose money. I am going to google him as well, just curious for ETers perspective on his track records, if there are any.
Ok, yeah, I saw that mentioned earlier in the thread.
By the way, I haven't read the book or watched any of his videos. I really only posted to respond to the "highly technical books" comment; then I got sucked into the rabbit hole.
After all of this...I at least have to try to watch one of his free videos.
haha his way of reading the market is simple,out of the box.....worth taking a look ...but proceed with caution...his way is not an easy way....so trade his ideas for a long time in demo
none verified