Disclosure: I own shares in one or more of the stocks mentioned. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from ShareProphets). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

What I’ve Learnt From Saying ‘Shares Are Real, not An Imaginary Game’

By Mark Howitt

6 January 2015 02:16

More:

Well this article certainly has made quite an impact! I can let you know that before it was even published I had a writer who I like and respect contact me telling me I was wrong to say it. This was solely from reading the title of the article on Twitter.

Already a member? Sign in

• All premium articles

• Tom Winnifrith’s Bearcast

• Access to all the entire nearly 13 year archive

• ShareProphets Daily Newsletter

Cancel any time

This area of the ShareProphets.com site is for independent financial commentary. These blogs are provided by independent authors via a common carrier platform and do not represent the opinions of ShareProphets.com. ShareProphets.com does not monitor, approve, endorse or exert editorial control over these articles and does not therefore accept responsibility for or make any warranties in connection with or recommend that you or any third party rely on such information. The information available at ShareProphets.com is for your general information and use and is not intended to address your particular requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by ShareProphets.com and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining from making) any investment decisions.

Comments

Mark Howitt

6 January 2015, 02:30

Quick addition…

Since I’m a long term buy and hold share investor, I’m not looking to benefit from a sudden spike in a share and sell it. It’s been now over eight years since I’ve sold a share… perhaps this may change in the future and I’ll let everyone know if it does! With massive shares like BP or HSBC, sadly I don’t think my articles can send the price rocketing up!
J P Spaghetti

6 January 2015, 03:38

In fairness, Mark did ask why it is that people “constantly” praise shares without buying. I suppose this does inject some subjectivity into the interpretation of the question. Perhaps I’m taking this now to a slightly absurd degree, but if they were to do so for years, for instance, it may seem a little strange. Just sayin’.
wildrides

6 January 2015, 04:01

If you own a share and you advise others to go long or short on it your view is biased by your own ownership .
What is so difficult about this concept that you dont get it ?

Personally I am fine with people doing the above provided it is clearly stated in the piece . I can then adjust my “calibration” of the information imparted to me in the article accordingly .

Scientists will tell you that it is impossible to observe any experiment done in this universe without affecting the result to one degree or another . Thus it is true that a piece written by an impartial bystander ( Toms position ) will still affect the result ( ie move the market ) . Infact I rely greatly on Tom and other SP writers with high credibility having this affect on the market when they publish an impartial piece on a share . This allows me to day trade the movement caused .
Mark Howitt

6 January 2015, 04:09

Some writers have and are doing it for years….
Oxford Whale

6 January 2015, 15:16

How exactly can you claim to be a professional investor, if you haven’t sold a share for 8 years?

What exactly have you been living on during this time? Rice and Beans?
kempie jon

6 January 2015, 16:10

Oxford Whale,
How do you get rice from shares?
I get plenty from shares by dividends.