Allow me to propose something that many may object to, but I believe, is essential for the growth of this trading community as a whole. Before I continue I wish it to be known that Forex Factory has the best spirit of any forum I have come across and we should work hard to preserve it. In that same spirit I offer the following.
After being in the game a while, you’ll find that courses, books, coaches and most other means of instruction are of little interest to you. This is because once you have the basics down, had some screen time and you’ve had to fight one or two of your own personal “demons”, the market itself becomes your chief means of instruction. The reason for this is that, believe it or not, the markets change in subtle ways forcing you to become flexible and adapt. You will find yourself constantly trying to improve and searching for new methods which will enhance your existing repertoire.
The problem is that, by and large, trading is a solitary occupation with very little in the way of outside opportunities, on a day to day basis, in which you are can be challenged in your thinking resulting in growth. Forums, on the other hand, offer a unique opportunity for this.
With this in mind it is apparent to me, and I’m sure to others, that the community here at Forex Factory and participation thereof, is heavily weighted to toward the beginner or novice leaving little of interest for the serious “hobbyist” or professional. The reason for this is that this forum is comparatively new, the threads herein rarely reach their full potential and thus, never really mature due to lack of friendly debate. Information is literally spoon fed and loses its value because we cheat ourselves of the opportunity to think through and thus work for, the knowledge we wish to gain.
Debate, on the other hand, affords one the opportunity to re-evaluate ones own point of view while considering another’s. It stretches your thinking and forces you to consider things that may not otherwise cross your mind. It corrects misconceptions and filters out erroneous council. Debate for the sake of debate is pointless but in the right context, it’s priceless because it teaches lessons you may never otherwise learn.
On occasion I have posted an opinion, within a thread, contrary to that of the thread starter. Most often my post has been politely ignored and I’m not held accountable for or asked to qualify my remarks. This is shame because;
One, I may be dead wrong in what I’m thinking and need to be corrected, in which case I, and the silent few who agree with me, continue on in error.
Two, I may be misunderstood but won’t know it because there is no challenge.
Three, I might have touched upon something that, although on the surface, seems at odds with the overall subject but may in fact, with a bit of reworking, make an invaluable component, further building upon what has already been discussed.
Having said all this, it is my belief (feel free to disagree) that the introduction of more civilized debate will only serve to improve Forex Factory by making it appealing to a broader cross section of traders both amateur and professional alike. In addtion the threads and their given topics will be much more intellectually stimulating, dynamic in nature and richer in content, further benefiting us all.
It could be argued that encouraging debate is a risky proposition and I would have to agree with that. On the other hand I would also point out that one cannot put a price on the potential rewards thereof. Risky it is but at the heart of it, that’s the business we are in.
Yesterday Muddbudda and I were in the midst of a debate on a thread that I see has now been deleted. This is shame because although the exchange was getting quite heated and direct, the manner in which it was being conducted proves that debates can take place without it turning into a mud-slinging contest. (No pun intended). Debate is not a duel between two parties; it’s an essential component of growth.
Best wishes to all,
Steve
After being in the game a while, you’ll find that courses, books, coaches and most other means of instruction are of little interest to you. This is because once you have the basics down, had some screen time and you’ve had to fight one or two of your own personal “demons”, the market itself becomes your chief means of instruction. The reason for this is that, believe it or not, the markets change in subtle ways forcing you to become flexible and adapt. You will find yourself constantly trying to improve and searching for new methods which will enhance your existing repertoire.
The problem is that, by and large, trading is a solitary occupation with very little in the way of outside opportunities, on a day to day basis, in which you are can be challenged in your thinking resulting in growth. Forums, on the other hand, offer a unique opportunity for this.
With this in mind it is apparent to me, and I’m sure to others, that the community here at Forex Factory and participation thereof, is heavily weighted to toward the beginner or novice leaving little of interest for the serious “hobbyist” or professional. The reason for this is that this forum is comparatively new, the threads herein rarely reach their full potential and thus, never really mature due to lack of friendly debate. Information is literally spoon fed and loses its value because we cheat ourselves of the opportunity to think through and thus work for, the knowledge we wish to gain.
Debate, on the other hand, affords one the opportunity to re-evaluate ones own point of view while considering another’s. It stretches your thinking and forces you to consider things that may not otherwise cross your mind. It corrects misconceptions and filters out erroneous council. Debate for the sake of debate is pointless but in the right context, it’s priceless because it teaches lessons you may never otherwise learn.
On occasion I have posted an opinion, within a thread, contrary to that of the thread starter. Most often my post has been politely ignored and I’m not held accountable for or asked to qualify my remarks. This is shame because;
One, I may be dead wrong in what I’m thinking and need to be corrected, in which case I, and the silent few who agree with me, continue on in error.
Two, I may be misunderstood but won’t know it because there is no challenge.
Three, I might have touched upon something that, although on the surface, seems at odds with the overall subject but may in fact, with a bit of reworking, make an invaluable component, further building upon what has already been discussed.
Having said all this, it is my belief (feel free to disagree) that the introduction of more civilized debate will only serve to improve Forex Factory by making it appealing to a broader cross section of traders both amateur and professional alike. In addtion the threads and their given topics will be much more intellectually stimulating, dynamic in nature and richer in content, further benefiting us all.
It could be argued that encouraging debate is a risky proposition and I would have to agree with that. On the other hand I would also point out that one cannot put a price on the potential rewards thereof. Risky it is but at the heart of it, that’s the business we are in.
Yesterday Muddbudda and I were in the midst of a debate on a thread that I see has now been deleted. This is shame because although the exchange was getting quite heated and direct, the manner in which it was being conducted proves that debates can take place without it turning into a mud-slinging contest. (No pun intended). Debate is not a duel between two parties; it’s an essential component of growth.
Best wishes to all,
Steve
I was here, here I was.
Was I here? Yes I was!
However, that is not to say we cannot use your post as a springboard to begin those useful and instructive debates once again.
Kinda reminds me of when we used to "stone" miscreant posters).
