Is it possible to be truthful and honest and make a living investing?

Yes, Ramu, I am new to the board but long in the tooth. I know more dead people than living ones.

Thank you. You seem to be a decent person.

ramu,

"paid rampers on MAM"?

Which threads do they frequent?

Any id's to be going on with?

I would have thought, if there were any paid rampers/derampers, they would stay on more vibrant BB's where there is more activity, and therefore where their posts would have more effect.

You can send me a PM if you don't want to post on the BB.

Would somebody define "ramper" please? I don't remember hearing the word before.

But hold on! I see "ramp" in my dictionary... slang for a swindle or racket, especially one that involves charging high prices.

I suspect now that a ramper is one who engages in such naughty dealings.

I wonder now if there are any rampers here.... paid or unpaid. Perhaps they own shares and hope to move the sp higher, or perhaps they hope to push some sp's down so that they can buy cheap?

The thoughts that come into an old man's head!!! Not too cynical, I hope.

Andy, I am afraid that is not practical - legal consequences etc. However, if you are a frequent visitor you will figure out the team of rampers - I've never come across so much mutual appreciation and back slapping amongst these posters even when the main guy gets it wrong and SP tanks! Trust me, it's not rocket science. As regards this board compared to the vibrant one, over here you not only get a better class of posters but also rampers and derampers!

John, you are not at all cynical. Rampers, derampers etc. - call these posters what you like but they are everywhere and have mushroomed with the popularity of financial websites. This scenario is similar to that with Agony Aunts - letters were written by paid 'authors' to increase the popularity of AA and the newspaper/magazine! Just take every recommendation with a pinch of salt and DYOR - you cannot go wrong. Someone once remarked, investment is 99% common sense and 1% luck. I agree but not sure about the percentages!

On another note, I noticed you have a stake in BNH. I have a substantial holding in this company but just cannot understand why the SP is slipping on the back of very good financials. If you have comments/thoughts about BNH, can you share these with us at the BNH board. Thanks.

This old man has dusted off his CV and is now looking for a post as a paid ramper to eke out his meagre state pension. Where do I apply?

John
Do your own research
The best advice most people will give you, also,get books out of the library (although some books are out of date), join a course on investing read the financial press on a daily basis (this again has to judged with caution and sort the good from the rubbish) But most of all never never buy or sell shares based on what you read on bullitin boards no matter how many idividuals seem totaly convinced that a share price is about to soar or crash.

If people are holding shares they will advise to buy
If people have just sold they will advise to sell

The financial press will sometimes run a small one or two line rumour from something that is mentioned on a bb.

I have been quoted in one newspaper as 'according to a market professional this is seen as unlikely'

what they should have said 'according to a private investor on a financial bb this is seen as unlikely'

But then a good journalist never reveals his/her source.

Talking of rampers, this from the Tadpole thread today, from what can only be described as a pestilent ramper

Moneylender - 03 Aug 2005 12:16 - 1689 of 1689
Rumours of a bid coming my way!!!!
Anyone else heard this, I stress its only a very unsubstatiated rumour.

M

Ramu,
Thanks for your advice which is appreciated. I had to study "DYOR" for a while before my slow-working mind slid into gear. Very good!

Ramu,
I have a 17.60% loss with my small investment in BNH. I had decided to sell anything with a 10% loss, but don't like selling shares or, indeed, anything, at a loss. I know this is not wise for trading shares, but its my temperment. Will have to wise up.
Where can I find that BNH BB you mentioned please?
Open question: Should I sell at 5%, 10%, 15%, or whatever loss/gain?

Rampage,
Thank you for your advice which, appears to me, to be practical and down to earth.
John