prisoner,
You mentioned "A 12 step program" program. I don't have 12 steps but here are some that I follow:
1. Consider all pennies as scams (90% are).
2. Question all the PR.
3. Cover your initial investment ASAP - you will never be left holding the bag if you do this. Maybe this should be #1.
4. Know what you are dealing with! My father used to tell me "do your homework", and it still applies.
5. "Trust no one" (ALIAS)
6. Trust your gut - if it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.
7. Last but not least: :) Listen to Janice, she'll bring you back down to earth. Don't believe everything she tells you, but consider it just the same. :)
If you follow these, you won't lose. You might not get rich, but you won't lose.
Oh, I forgot: #8 Don't listen to the Riddler!!! He's a crook.
Your right about "THE GREATER THE RISK, THE GREATER THE REWARD"!
q8