What does free charting really cost.

Charting in the real world cost money to buy or rent. Over at Broker discussions there is a thread about the dealer plug-in for Metatrader, you should all read. Do you really think the charting is free. Is it true that the software comes from Russia ? Don't we still have nuclear weapons still pointed at each other.

Yes it is true that the software was developed by Russians but so was Vodka. But PLEASE PLEASE Don't tell anyone about the Vodka.

Very good point, now get drunk on Vodka, and trade with Meta trader, and do not forget your rabbits foot. A Russian artic Hare of course.

Actually I think a introducing broker is sending a case of vodka with every funded account of $2000. I think that is a great deal. .. Nosrovia!

If you're making the argument that the Virtual Dealer plug-in is acceptable as a trade off for "free" charting, it doesn't hold much weight. Basic charting (i.e. MT4) is essentially free. You can download NinjaTrader and use it with yahoo for 100% free. QuoteTracker is free with ads. There are numerous free Java forex charting providers. The list goes on.. One should not receive an inferior spread/execution/marketplace simply for access to a basic charting/developer platform.

Yes, advanced charting/developer platforms (Amibroker, OpenQuant, etc) are far from free, as are premium data providers (eSignal, etc). Until the day MT4 allows the end user to choose the imported data feed, and adjust the bloody timezone displayed (!!), it is far from being considered an advanced charting/developer platform (thus it should be free, i.e. without the necessity of the VD plug-in).
Just my 2 pips

What I am saying is people are hooked on the fancy free charting that the brokers are offering...but they are really paying big time with the broker manipulation , evidenced by the plug -in. I give this less than a year before the .....hits the fan

I agree with you there, MetaTrader is the crack that keeps us coming back.

I'm sure those of us who use MT4 demos but trade with ECNs are a growing number too. From all of us, I say thanks to those who are supporting MT4 brokers so that we too can continue to have free charting.

ROFL