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nonmarket-related surfing, and less time interacting with live people in the real world, who may not seem as interesting as the stimulation we receive on the Internet. |
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Add to the undertow of the market the lure of the Internet itself, and it is easy to see how some spend hours surfing from one stock-related site to another. Just as with any other topic on the Internet, the numerous associated links and magnitude of information they lead to can keep one busy researching and reading for weeks on end. We can stay continually involved, either watching, trading, researching, or chatting. And consider for a moment how this will be magnified when we can trade at any time of the day or night on any exchange in the world! |
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It is not hard to understand why so many online traders and serious investors claim they can't wait to get up in the morning and hear the opening bell. The always changing nature of the market tends to keep those involved in it on their toes. They cannot afford (literally) to become too complacent or to take anything for granted. |
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While passion to learn and develop one's skills is admirable and to be encouraged, we need to make sure the market does not suck us in to the point that we can't keep it in perspective with other activities in life. The point is: the more we get caught in the Web, the more isolated from others we may become. |
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The following types of interaction are available online to help diminish the sense of isolation when you are trading: |
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Trading chat rooms. Some have a particular trading orientation and all cost a fee to join after initial free trial. May offer stock tips during the trading session and give ongoing guidance, leading traders in and out of trades in a supervised manner. May offer training and education in addition to chat room. Some offer data packages as well. |
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These will interest the active trader who wants close contact with others. In terms of style, these rooms look and feel like social chat rooms, with ongoing commentary being given in real time and where participants may have their questions immediately answered by those leading the room. In cyberspeak, these are what are known as moderated chat rooms, meaning they have a leader. |
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Message bulletin boards. These may be found at many stock-related sites on the Web. Some of the more popular include Yahoo! (worst), Raging Bull (better), and Silicon Investor (best). The Street.com also has message boards on specific topics but they are in the process of building active subscriber participation. New bulletin boards are |
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