Originally posted by GaretJax
Nobody seems to really describe their trading techniques - Why doesn't anybody want to talk about their setups and what indicators/timeframes they use?
I think settings on most indicators and timeframes are largely irrelevant. As you find those tools you prefer, overtime you will develop an understanding of their relationship to the market.
I feel that what I do is relatively unique and offers me a decided advantage in the market. I would not publicly discuss specifics. Privately, I would not have a problem pointing a trader in a direction I have found profitable. He may find that he is capable of expanding on the idea. I have found general concepts far more valuable than specific techniques.
The other aspect is that over the years when I have talked to new traders, everyone wants to know the specifics or they want me to validate concepts they already have cooking. Every time I discuss the most important aspects of trading (i.e. money management, discipline, etc.) the lights just go out. I donât think new traders what to hear it or they just canât relate to significance of what is being conveyed. Even my partner, who I trained, admits to trivializing many of my initial warnings. He lost a significant amount of money and is just now coming back. He had the tools, but he fell into some big traps and he readily admits that he thought it would never happen to him.
The last and most frustrating reason is that many times I have run across traders who think the deserve something from me. Maybe theyâre just frustrated, I donât know, but theyâve definitely got the wrong attitude. I have spent years of my life learning about myself and the markets. When I share something with someone, as my mentor did with me, I want to feel like that person appreciates it whether they think itâs valuable or not. My mentor and other traders told me things that I no longer agree with but youâd better believe I thanked the trading gods that they would share anything with. Thatâs the way I feel and felt about it.
Finally, it can be very difficult to explain to someone what I do. It is very nuanced and I inevitably forget some important caveat. Hell, I canât explain it all to my trading partner and we're face to face. I always forget something.