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I’m looking for some advice on how to attract more followers for my strategy, SK Small Caps, here on C2. My current approach involves adjusting position sizes based on market conditions, but I often stick with the same names rather than making major changes. I’m wondering if it would be more appealing to potential followers if I closed out entire positions and reopened them at adjusted sizes to make the strategy appear more dynamic and trade-oriented.
Would this give the impression of a more active trading strategy, or would it detract from the long-term focus? I’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, or any experiences you might have had with similar strategies. All feedback is welcome!
If I were a subscriber, I would be kind of annoyed that extra trading costs were incurred just to give the appearance of an active system. I subscribe to one system that keeps trades open for months at a time (Spire). That does not bother me – it is the performance that matters.
I just checked out Spire and saw that it only charges $20/month, and I really like that approach. I’ve been pricing my system in the $100-$150 range, as was recommended when I first started, but I have to say, I’m much more drawn to the idea of offering a lower fee like Spire does.
I don’t think the price matters THAT much, if the strategy is solid and meets my criteria. I personally follow only one strategy right now, with 100k invested, and would happily pay 5x what that leader charges because it’s been that good for me for the past 18 months since I started. That said, a higher price does turn me off at first glance, so I’d likely offer a discount rate to interested newbies for the first couple of months. Or perhaps offer a lower price now with a clear disclaimer that the price will go up in the future if your strategy’s performance continues to excel.
That’s my advice on pricing, but on other fronts, I’d never personally choose to follow someone who tends to get hackles up in the forums for (1) criticism or (2) politics. Both tend to be evidence of a … perhaps a less open mind, where confirmation bias plays a significant role. I’d prefer evidence of the opposite, where a leader welcomes criticism as a chance to explain their actions or strategy more thoroughly, and where politics is perhaps addressed through policy comparisons or other topics relevant to markets or strategy, preferably in a non-combative, fact-based approach. An open and self-critical mind is particularly important in any quantitative or semi-quantitative strategy leader because backtesting strategies is overwhelmingly sensitive to confirmation bias.
Thank you for your thoughtful input. While we may not agree on everything, I genuinely value critical evaluations, as they are essential for refining and improving any strategy. That’s precisely why I chose to test this approach on C2—separating it from my other successful strategies to invite objective feedback. Critiques are welcome, and I appreciate open, constructive discussions.
On the subject of politics, I completely disagree with the old adage “Don’t talk about politics.” In fact, I believe we need to talk about politics more, but in a way that fosters real listening rather than the blind following and closed-mindedness we often see today. Politics deeply affect our lives, markets, and strategies, and avoiding these conversations only limits our understanding. It’s essential to hear people’s honest beliefs, even when they challenge our own.
Though I share your frustration, particularly with the Democratic party’s dishonesty, giving up on political conversations only deepens division. We must stay committed to dialogue, even when it’s uncomfortable, because meaningful change and better decision-making rely on our ability to listen and learn from one another.
If your system has a long-term edge, you will eventually gain followers. Currently, your strategy has 38 closed trades viewable to the public, with a net profit of $3,008. One trade on LUMN accounts for 96% of the total net profit. Since leaders on C2 are strangers on the internet, it takes time for people to feel comfortable following them. When a small percentage of trades (especially on individual stocks) are responsible for the bulk of returns, it takes even longer for people to assess whether it’s due to skill or luck. So, just keep at it, and if you have an edge, it will become apparent over time. I definitely wouldn’t just increase trade frequency to appear more active.
I’ve heard statements from you (rough quotes) such as, “Indexes get 20% per year on average, so you need to achieve 50% annually as a trader to make it worthwhile.” Shortly after, I saw you promote permanent life insurance by claiming that indexes earn closer to 9% (which isn’t wrong) and then assume the average person will face a 40% tax rate by giving examples of them liquidating their entire retirement accounts in a single year (highly unlikely). I think that’s misleading. Permanent life insurance is less than ideal for almost everyone, although those policies do provide great commissions to salespeople. On top of that, I don’t appreciate the vitriol toward people who don’t agree (assumed or actual) with your politics. I felt this strongly when I’ve described real problems with backtests using Zacks Research Wizard.
All that said, these are the reasons I wouldn’t subscribe yet. However, if you get a few years of solid returns, I would certainly consider subscribing. I do like that you don’t use large amounts of leverage or double down on losing trades, which makes me see little risk of you blowing up your account like some others here do. That’s my honest opinion. Great review on permanent life insurance below from someone that doesn’t get paid to promote it or term policies etc.
It seems that you’re intent on portraying me as misleading or even proving that I am, and I understand that’s just your approach. However, regarding one of your repeated criticisms, where you claim I said, ‘Indexes get 20% per year on average, so you need to achieve 50% annually as a trader to make it worthwhile’— What I recall saying is that the very best indexes have achieved 20% or more over the past decade, which is factual. Take a look at the Semiconductor Index as an example.
As for your other assertion that ‘permanent life insurance is less than ideal for almost everyone,’ I must respectfully disagree. Who is making that claim—yourself? In my 30-plus years in this business, I’ve seen a valuable place for both term and permanent life insurance, depending on the individual’s needs. To suggest that you are correct and I am wrong, without opening the matter to debate, is frankly insulting.
If you wish to discuss or debate these points, I welcome the opportunity. But I cannot allow the kind of unfounded criticism you’ve been making to go unchecked, particularly in a time when such slander often goes without consequence. I’m happy to engage in a thoughtful and fair discussion, but I won’t accept baseless attacks without challenge
You’re absolutely right—if the strategy has a long-term edge, it will naturally gain followers over time. As you pointed out, one trade, specifically on LUMN, has indeed contributed significantly to the current net profit, but that aligns with the system’s approach.
The strategy does not often change tickers; instead, the bulk of trading revolves around adjusting position size based on market conditions and rebalancing as needed. It’s more about effective management of the positions than high trade frequency. I fully agree that increasing trade frequency just to appear more active would be counterproductive.
Time will indeed reveal whether the system has a sustainable edge, and I’m confident that as the strategy continues to perform, it will speak for itself. I appreciate your perspective, and I’ll continue to focus on refining the process.
Alright, I gotta get this off my chest. You know what you remind me of? Those random, self-righteous folks who kept telling me to slap a mask on during COVID or get jabbed like it was their moral duty. And you know what? They annoyed the hell outta me. So, naturally, I didn’t just push back—I hit 'em harder. Way harder. 'Cause that’s what you do when someone’s up in your face with their holier-than-thou nonsense. You don’t just take it—you give it back with interest!
Sir, This is a Wendy’s. - All anyone on this site cares about a RAW performance - Decent returns will acceptable Drawdown Risk. Its Simple but Not Easy.
After taking a look at your system I have no doubt you will eventually have subscribers. The only thing really lacking is the signature 45 degree upward slope of your profit bar. At this point you can see the rough dips so people are hesitant. Time and continued profit will smooth out the visual and reinforce that the systems always prevails over the dips. You could also ‘advertise’ on the website to attract subs and sims.
My subscribers are fully entitled to critique both my trading approach and the system I use—after all, I’m my own harshest critic. However, I’m uncertain about the specific issue you’re referring to. Could you clarify? The quote you mentioned is being taken entirely out of context and bears no relevance to my trading practices or methodology. It was part of a personal exchange with someone with whom I have a history. Frankly, the individual in question even admitted to being somewhat obsessed with me.
Thank you so much for the fantastic feedback! I couldn’t agree more—everyone here is laser-focused on raw performance, and achieving strong returns with acceptable drawdown is key. It’s simple in theory, but we all know it’s far from easy!
I’m thrilled that you see potential in my system! You’re absolutely right—over time, those dips will smooth out, and the steady upward climb will become more obvious. It’s just a matter of consistency and letting the system do its work. And I love your idea about promoting more on the site to draw in subscribers and sims—I’m excited to explore that further!
Your encouragement means a lot. Thanks again for your insights and support!
I completely agree, especially when it comes to the flat-out lies and Marxist tactics used by Democrats and the fake news media. Sometimes, being a bit unhinged—or simply thinking outside the box—gives you the clarity to see through the manipulation that so many others fall for. The mainstream media and political elites often rely on groupthink to push their agenda, so it takes someone willing to break away from that and question everything to avoid those traps. In a world where propaganda is dressed up as news, a little unconventional thinking is what keeps people sharp and able to recognize the truth.
