Should i join a mentor/group ?

I'm pritty new to Forex,and am just wondering what the best route to take to become a decent ,profitable ,competent trader,and eventually to make a living from it.
I'm pritty much going it alone at the moment with some tips and stratagies from my broker aswell as a couple of books and this fine forum
My father allways told me that if i wanted to learn something new,that i should ask someone that was an expert at it,be it welding,fishing,deerstalking whatever.
I'm wondering if my time and effort would be better spent joining a mentored group ?
I've seen two on here ,Jackos and James16s,(appologies if i omitted others).
Have any of ye direct experiance with either of the above,or would i be better going it alone,reading threads,reading books and making my own mistakes.
I'm not looking for a get rich quick scheme(from experiance they dont exist)nor am i lazy and expecting anyone to drop magic formulas on my lap,but am just wondering the most efficient way to learn.

Regards Alb.

You mention Jacko and J16. Quite a difference in strategies.

Strat's thread is good too. More like J16. Both dedicated to teaching the new trader, without a hidden agenda, which a broker might have. Both have very experienced traders posting on the thread who are willing to help you on the right path.

What kind of trading appeals to you? What time do you have to put into the learning experience? Answering those questions will help you decide at least in the beginning, which thread to follow.

you might also check out the trade what you see and not what you expect thread there are a bunch of really great traders/teachers over there and the price of admission is free. I have nothing against the paid services but they are not going to teach you anything you can't learn in a solid thread like strats thread or eohaters trade what you see thread. The only way you are really going to learn is to do it, none of those services mentioned before are going to sit down with you and walk you through how to become a trader.

Full Disclosure: I'm a member of both groups mentioned and satisfied.

On the subject of Jacko and James16, you can learn both methods for free here at the factory. Also, as mentioned, there are some other fine threads for free. If you are really new it probably will be trial and error until you figure out what type of trading will suit your personality (scalper? Swing Trader? Breakouts? Trend Trading? ETC ETC).

Find find what works for you first, then join an appropriate group if you feel the need.

You have many options, but the most inexpensive one is to pick a method and practice it. If after 3-6 months of practice you feel you need for more hand holding or want to explore the method a little deeper, then look at joining a group.

forex trading is different then welding,fishing,deerstalking

be your own mentor.