Moving Forward: Your Opinion of ET

[R. Raskolnikov]

Read my post MORE CAREFULLY.

"Please provide the link where Baron provides this "well reasoned response" that occurred AFTER his most recent post that he will be implementing some form of self moderation "end of story". Thanks!"


Which Baron post came more recently, the one from 2009 or the one from last week? This is not a trick question.

Quote from FXforex:

I believe this is the link you are looking for.


http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=2489379#post2489379

 

[FXforex]

Quote from R. Raskolnikov:

Read my post MORE CAREFULLY. Which Baron post came more recently, the one from 2009 or the one from last week?

All this flip flopping has me confused, lets wait till Baron posts again with an update. He might have scrapped the idea of self-moderation.

 

[R. Raskolnikov]

It shouldn't be confusing. He had one opinion in 2009 and has since said he'll put some form of self moderation in place "end of story" after gathering input here on this thread.

No one really knows what is DEFINITELY going to happen (other than Baron), despite Rodsurfers guarantee of it not happening, so we'll all have to wait and see what Baron decides to do. Whichever direction he decides to pursue, I'm sure if will have been well thought out prior to execution.

Quote from FXforex:

All this flip flopping has me confused, lets wait till Baron posts again with an update. He might have scrapped the idea of self-moderation.

 

[R. Raskolnikov]

Reminds me of the current Surf alert thread; with Rodney King commenting on every uptick in your positions and you constantly thanking him for his continued and unabashed support.

Quote from marketsurfer:

Overtime these trolls will TAKE OVER THE SITE. turning it into a KUMBYYA campfire sing along that they so desperately want.

surf

 

[EricP]

Quote from FXforex:

I believe this is the link you are looking for.


http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=2489379#post2489379

Hard to deny the flip-flopper charge. Here's another supporting point. Baron promised self-moderation of threads six months ago, then apparently dropped the idea.

http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3741307#post3741307

The ET community has been begging for its implementation for over four years. At first, it was a bad idea (according to Baron). Then, perhaps it was a problem with the message board software that such a solution couldn't be implemented. Finally, it became a 'good idea' (according to Baron) that would be implemented (as ET traffic unsurprisingly deteriorated) => only it never actually got implemented (the failed site upgrade earlier this year likely made him understandably resistant to change, I suppose). Finally, it's going to be implemented a second time (or is it the first time?). In any case, I hope it happens, but I'll believe it when I see it.

If you're betting that self moderation of threads gets implemented this time, I would urge prudent money management by not risking more than you can afford to lose. :eek:

 

[R. Raskolnikov]

Thanks for the additional info. I guess we will just have to wait and see what he decides to do.

Quote from EricP:

Hard to deny the flip-flopper charge. Here's another supporting point. Baron promised self-moderation of threads six months ago, then apparently promptly dropped the idea.

http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3741307#post3741307

The ET community has been begging for its implementation for over four years. At first, it was a bad idea (according to Baron). Then, perhaps it was a problem with the message board software that such a solution couldn't be implemented. Finally, it became a 'good idea' (according to Baron) that would be implemented (as ET traffic unsurprisingly deteriorated) => only it never actually got implemented. Finally, it's going to be implemented a second time (or is it the first time?). In any case, I hope it happens, but I'll believe it when I see it.

If you're betting that self moderation of threads gets implemented this time, I would urge prudent money management by not risking more than you can afford to lose. :eek:

 

[FXforex]

Quote from R. Raskolnikov:

I guess we will just have to wait and see what he decides to do.

I think I know what the hold up is ........... modifying the PHP code and changes to the database tables. You need an intermediate level of PHP/MySQL to do the mod and any changes may adversely affect something else - especially on an old board like this one with the PHP code all over the place.

And another point - the rating system is a joke. My idea for a feature the mod should include was brilliant, but it gets a 1 out of 5 star rating.

http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/showthread.php?threadid=277694

 

[Jack_Larkin]

Quote from Lucrum:

I'm kinda looking forward to this new OP moderator thingy.

I think I'll start a thread on the wonderful wonders of TA, just so I can delete smurfs posts in it.

I bet his head explodes.

 

[slacker]

Magna suggested I repost this message from the 'Surf Alerts' thread

Quote from slacker:
The best argument for a change in policy is probably reduced page views, reduced number of posts, and sponsors... At some point you have to make changes. What other changes could Baron make that could improve the key metrics? He cannot layoff people, sell buildings, etc. etc.

Surf's RealWorldTrading.com was head and shoulders better technically than any trader forum at that time and I think it would still be regarded as the best. Software superiority did not help RealWorldTrading at all. It probably only increased the maintenance costs. The only thing Baron can do is to make ET a 'destination portal' where people come to hang-out. Baron has to change the culture from a 'bitch-fest' to a 'kitchen table' among friends. Look at successful Trader Portals and they follow the 'kitchen table' culture for the most part. Structure, predictability, usable content, and a friendly, safe environment.

Hey Baron, are you reading? --- I have given you plenty to think about. Most of the time I charge a lot of coin for technical advice.... Oh well --- please improve ET --- you are welcome --- glad to help

 

[RL8093]

Slacker wrote:

The best argument for a change in policy is probably reduced page views, reduced number of posts, and sponsors

Taking a quick look around, @ 10:10am 082913 - active users:

Trade2win 666
Big Mikes 533
Elite 377

Slacker wrote:

The only thing Baron can do is to make ET a 'destination portal' where people come to hang-out. Baron has to change the culture from a 'bitch-fest' to a 'kitchen table' among friends. Look at successful Trader Portals and they follow the 'kitchen table' culture for the most part. Structure, predictability, usable content, and a friendly, safe environment.

The 'culture' here at ET has definitely deteriorated in the past few years. Ime, traders overall are not a happy, carefree bunch of people - so I don't think there should be large expectations - but there's obviously both a need & room for improvement. Something needs to be done with the idiots who go from thread to thread and add their negativity. Trolls like Surf are allowed unlimited freedom to pollute threads while adding nothing in return (this thread is a reasonable example of how a simple request for input can get sidetracked/ruined). Others won't allow anyone to post unless they provide proof of success.** Thread-starter self-moderation is a good first step in this direction. The trolls argue that so & so must be kept honest & not allowed to fill a thread with lies. Why? If you don't like a thread, don't go in it - simple. Allowing trolls to ruin threads is worse (imho) than allowing someone to 'get away' with something. The trolls have managed to chase away almost every successful, helpful trader that tries to share their wisdom -- I don't believe this can be allowed to continue.

To follow up on Slacker's suggestions & the original post's intent (imo) - I think the question to be answered is what brings people to a forum & keeps them coming back? Some ideas / thoughts:

- sharing trading experiences & generally being able to shoot-the-breeze with others who have 'been there'. Many traders don't know other traders & really want to be able to unwind with people who trade. In the past, pit traders often gathered at local watering holes to share stories.
- learn from masters. Schwager's Wizard books are popular for a reason. Lescor's journal had over 800k views without him posting every day. Noobs want to learn from someone who is successful & even experienced traders like to read how others trade.
- ask questions & get answers from non-idiots

While Lescor's thread was kept relatively troll-free, I've watched many successful people I admire either leave ET or just stop posting. Many people will not open up to share info or ask questions in this environment***. Personally, I recently opened accounts at a few other trading forums ...

Fwiw,

R


** from what I've seen here - the trolls are never happy & will whine no matter what is offered:
- post blotters >> they can be photoshopped or people only post on good / outstanding days
- live calls >> while quite definitive, they get buried & forgotten. Trolls are lazy & either won't search or act like the posts never existed
- providing good advice & using common sense >> while experienced traders can often recognize another, the trolls (who have never tasted success) believe success is impossible & therefore attack anyone who claims it is

*** Michael Patak's last post on ET was July 9. There have been a number of questions & comments about the Topstep combine but he hasn't come on here to answer or clarify. That's not the case on Big Mike's. Has ET chased him away?