Pete, I'm glad to see that the market has not quelmed your humour
Thanks for providing some laughs and some good insight.
It also seems like we have only one trader here making a living from trading - quite scary - although maybe indicates rabid indiscipline is ravaging the world.
To condense your response it seem discipline is the number one rule and paramount to success. I have to concur although my trades are short (still emotional and sweaty-palmed even after 2 years!) they are highly controlled with rules that cannot be broken. e.g. have a phone next to me with every trade so if the system goes on the blink at a crucial moment I can make a call - Murphy does have an obscene sense of humour at times.
Based on your response I gather you are a day trader - can you recommend any good day-trading books that you have learnt from? I'm reading Market Wizards at the moment and very interesting. Atlhough it seems like alot of these guys were involved in markets at times when they were less efficient, or they worked at market makers and have some form of inside info - e..g ride larger offers from clients etc. - some sort of inside "edge" as one trader described.
I think making money without that inside edge is alot tougher - no easy money! Is there ever...
Cheers