[brownsfan019]

Not sure where on the forum this belongs, but here it is.

I was thinking this evening about what are different ways for the average trader to make money, outside of their personal trading. Of course, the obvious question is why. And my answer is, why not.

My idea being that generating some additional income and/or building a track record is a good idea for most serious traders. Perhaps it's one or the other, or maybe both reasons.

Anyways, I thought we could discuss different ways to either generate additional income and/or build an outside track record and the advantages/disadvantages of each.

Being late, I've come up with 2 ideas thus far:

Collective2

C2 being where you set up your own system and as a track record builds, subscribers can subscribe.

ADVANTAGES: Can charge a healthy fee if consistently profitable, creates a track record. Good way to test, verify or build confidence in real-time or 'forward testing'.
DISADVANTAGES: Requires dedication and work.

MarketZar

ADVANTAGES: Can earn money in a trading contest. Get to test your trading against others. Good way to test, verify or build confidence in real-time or 'forward testing'.
DISADVANTAGES: Mainly just a contest type thing. Idea here is you are going for the $1500 1st place prize.

I guess I wanted to start this thread to build some ideas and see where it goes. I know the seasoned traders will not see much value, but we've all been at the beginning at some point. Maybe the thread will help our new or 'broken in' traders with some additional ideas. I honestly don't know if I would want to do this myself to be perfectly honest, but C2 is an attractive option. Some systems there were charging $200+/mo. Doesn't sound like a ton, but even just 10 subscribers adds $2000/mo to your bottom line. I recall seeing a few at one point that were charging $500/mo. Point being that if you get a good system in place and if it doesn't interfere with your normal trading, an additional income source is right there.

For me, it's about leveraging your time. If you can trade your normal thing and then also add in a C2 or something that pays your car payment, house payment, etc., then why not, right?

I sometimes get way outside the box with my thinking, so I apologize if this is in way left field.

If nothing else, maybe we could have a TL day at MarketZar and see where our little group ends up! Could be a fun thing to do. Maybe James could contact them and get us a group discount...

Has anyone tried either of these or maybe some other website? Any feedback? Would anyone be interested in a MarketZar contest with TL?

[Soultrader]

Very interesting idea Brownsfan. I will contact MarketZar to see if we can get a group discount.

[brownsfan019]

Let us know James what MarketZar says. The $50 fee is not a huge fee, but any discounts are helpful!

Could be fun to have a TL day once a month or something at MZ. They hold contests regularly, but I know I would not be able to commit to something weekly. Once a month or quarter could work though.

[torero]

I like contests, this would motivate me and keep the boredom away. So MZ sounds like a nice idea.

As for C2, I had some experience in the past past. It's a great platform to show off (or make money) your strategies, mechanical or discretionary. One word of advice: scalping and short term trading strategies will not work. Delays in alerts arriving and trades depending on seconds to get a profit will NOT work. I did a few trials with some systems and from reading feedback and personal experience, the strats are overrated compared to the reality subscribers get.

[brownsfan019]

Here's a way for someone to one up MarketZar - create the same contests and such, but pay out like a poker tourney does!

I'm assuming MZ is making money here, but who knows how much. $1500 for first is only 30 paying people at $50/ea. I have no idea what the field size is (or could be) but if you paid out like a poker tourney - something like $50 + 5 and the size of the pots became sizable, that would make things a lot more interesting.

Along those lines, wonder if there's a way for TL to do this James. Just an idea - but if you created a TL trading tourney once a month or something, that could make for some good times. And it doesn't have to be a lot either - just like a $10 buy-in (or whatever is comfortable for everyone) and top 3 payout. Now, how you pull this off, no idea. I'm just the idea man.

[Soultrader]

Hi Brownsfan,

I was actually brainstorming last night on how a system like MZ would benefit TL tremendously. Furthermore, it will be a fun event to have.

The question: How would I go about building an infrastructure to do this? No clue. I guess one option would be to buy MZ.

Another option would be to negotiate with a brokerage firm that can host such events on our site using their platform.

I will definitely look into this... though it will probably be a long stretch to host such events here on TL.

[brownsfan019]

Originally Posted by Soultrader »

Hi Brownsfan,

I was actually brainstorming last night on how a system like MZ would benefit TL tremendously. Furthermore, it will be a fun event to have.

The question: How would I go about building an infrastructure to do this? No clue. I guess one option would be to buy MZ.

Another option would be to negotiate with a brokerage firm that can host such events on our site using their platform.

I will definitely look into this... though it will probably be a long stretch to host such events here on TL.

I think you have an in @ Infinity, so I would start there. The pitch is easy - use their software that day on simulation, you do the back office stuff and they get some great exposure.

I know, easier said than done.

[torero]

Doesn't sound like a bad idea. The only thing is if they already have the simulation, it isn't that much more into creating special accounts for contestants. Yes, by using their platform for platform, people will get hooked the more chance they get to use it. I like BF's idea, it's about time we need a contest on this site. I'm betting I can beat BF at his own game! (JK!) or at least BF holds a bar we can all try to reach.