Mr. Plum ~ thanks for the thoughtful explanation. I'm sure you'll always do well, you seem to have a very strong hold on your strategies, and that's paramount.
Not much going on here so I'll fill some time with a more detailed explanation about myself and my idiosyncrasies...
I must tell you, I don't do Tear Sheets, assuming that's what you mean by "TS". I've also never taken a tip from anyone. Honest engine. I really don't follow all of the s*** and propaganda that's out there. (or even some well respected "editorials" or "opinions".) For the most part, the minds that are putting that stuff down on paper, how those minds operate, don't impress me.
The only people I pay attention to, and only in a small way, are the good 'ol Motley Fools. Those guys are good. Very smart. Very visionary and critical along with it. Enthusiastic when all factors are in place as well.
Personally, I do my own brand of research. Long ago I was a Corporate Investigator for a stint. Lots of other types of experience, direct and indirect, helps a little too. I don't listen to anyone basically, I run with my instincts in combination with knowledge (through experience and my own form of DD) and logistics. A macro view with a micro (highly scrutinized) twist into the mix.
It's like real estate. Big picture, long term, endless lists of factors to guarantee a good investment (trust me, that's not hard when looking at the right factors in a market ~ whether the US, Canada or Overseas). As for short term, that's also a fun real estate strategy, one that I love, (flip/$$/flip/$$) but in the stock market I just don't play. It's too much work! lol I'm serious. The day that I spend that much time at a computer (and frying my brain on fluctuations/decisions) is a day that I don't ever want to see, and never will. I work hard, but am in control of my time this way. I can arrange a week or two, or longer, when I have no responsibilities to anyone. If I played short-term on the stock market I couldn't do that. I'd have to pay attention to cover my butt. Life is WAY too short not to be able to walk away from business when I want. : )
So, re stock investing, I only pick companies that have the big prize waiting at the go-line, like ITKG. I don't "have" to watch it, and don't much. I spend my time playing in the real estate sandbox...and having a blast. : ) I also have my investment company, but that pertains to real estate, not stock, (and my personal r/e investing is totally separate from that), plus, my company is fun and very manageable. I scrutinize my Corporate Clients in the same manner that I decide to invest in a company on the market. A wee bit picky. I'm a bit picky about my Investors too, I don't advertise as a result. (btw, it takes me no time to write this boring stuff, lol, I type at a lickety-split pace. A curse of Typing 101 at the age of 14, many moons ago.)
I wish you luck on all of your investments. Hopefully we'll still be talking when this is $20 share! I know I'll still be going along for the ride.
Here's a tidbit...how I heard about ITKG was unusual for me..usually I'm finding a company like this myself.
I overheard a tiny amount of a conversation while I was having a solo business dinner inbetween clients. All I heard was the association with Gates, and that it was some innovative technology under development.
My attitude at that point was to disregard absolutely everything else, and did, just tuned out and ate my meal. I made a note of the company's name with a plan to tear it apart myself...as I did so over the next few weeks I was blown away...and got more excited each day. Then I started buying...and have no regrets to this day, and don't anticipate ever having any. : )
