3SOF

We have got to get MelfElf back. It's imperative!

I have to admit ... I've been away .. damn job... I've been remis... I haven't been as helpful or appreciative of everyone on this site - and MelfElf ... as I should have been. I haven't applauded as much as I should.. until he left us. I now applaud ... alot.

I wish the 3sof site would let us flag people AND topics. When I'm busy ... it's so easy to just think it's all about me Me ME!!! ... what are MY stocks doing ... That I feel like I miss the insites of the really senior contributors.

SO ... yes ... maybe it's a case of too little ... too late.

But I've tried humor... I've tried reason... And now short of asking who we all need to sleep with to get Melf Elf back...

This is the best thing I could come up with.

It's a petition of sorts.

So ... with fear of banishment to an obscure board ... topic merge into oblivion ... or complete dismissal from the 3sof site. I have to tell you ... I don't care.

And ... maybe it's the wine talking...

So ... let me kick it off...

Here is how MelfElf first inspired me...

One of my first entries ... was to:
http://www.3stocksonfire.org/trading/index.php?topic=6517.msg77407#msg77407

Melf Elf completely set me strait on what a short squeeze was...

Being blond ... he had his work cut out for him.

He gave me an INCREDIBLE ANALYSIS of a short squeeze ... and the following chart. Even a blond could understand it. So if you feel halfway as passionate as I do about getting Melf Elf back.

Applaud him and tell him how he's helped you ... and why you need him.

It's shameless. But I'm getting desperate people!

OK ... I TOTALLY KNOW THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT BOARD ... BUT IT'S THE ONLY ONE THAT GETS READ CONSISTENTLY. Sorry for all CAPS.

Sam

I totally agree Samantha.  I've been a member at 3sof for over a year and a half, and by far the most interesting, rewarding and educational discussions I have had here have been with Melf Elf.  I have already told him so personally (although whether he's reading his PMs right now I don't know).  When I found 3sof I was a total newbie - I literaly had no idea what I was doing.  Over my time here I have developed what I like to think is a decent grasp of technical analysis (although I know I am prone to overzealous analyses myself...).  A huge part of this has been down to discussing charts, patterns and technicals with the Elf.

Now I'm certainly not saying I haven't learnt a lot fom others here, but Melf's clear charts, insightful analyses, and the huge amount of effort he puts into each and every one of his posts, not just for himself but for the sake of community really sets him in a league apart.  He has often complained that he thought us young upstarts considered him an "old elf", but there is no doubt, his experience shows in his insight, his discipline, and his determination to tell it exactly as he sees it, faults and all.  He has always posted his trades along with his analysis, exactly as he plays them, and I think this is so commendable - he's right, aside from David, no one else here does this.  And I've tried - its so hard to maintain that kind of discipline on a public board, because when things don't go your way, the tendency to slope off and lick your wounds is very strong.

Some here will probably remember that this has happened before.  I think that the last time Melf had enough and took some time off from 3sof was to do with the rampage of smiting that was going on.  Fortunately that time he decided to come back and continue his contributions.  This time, I'm really not so sure.  It sounds like his main concern is that there is a move away from recognising the value of technical analysis here.  What I think is the most important thing about 3sof is that it is a space where everyone's contributions are valued, whether based on technical or fundamental analyses, contributing news, information or different perspectives (even when they are opposing) that helps members make their own trading decisions.  The fact that David has moved more towards using fundamentals as a basis for his trading decisions, and supporting this with technical analysis, means if anything that we need members of the community who provide an in depth technical perspective here as well.  If these perspectives appear to be at odds, we must remeber that David has the responsibility of running a public portfolio and must make his decisions based on his own analysis of the situation.  This doesn't mean that other analyses are wrong, or less important, its just that everyone here must figure out their own trading style, the one that works best for them, and use it to the best of their ability.  David used to be primarily a technical trader here on 3sof, and most of his picks were based on technical chart pattern breakouts.  Everyone here will remember that David took some time off too, and when he came back he had obviously thought a lot about his trading style, and implemented a different approach to the 3sof portfolio (that Ramsburg maintained the protfolio in his absence, and despite the May breakdown, managed to hold up a reasonable performance is also worth recognition - applauds Rams ).  He is doing what works best for him (and it certainly seems to be working!).

Melf Elf's trading style is clearly defined, and it also clearly works for him.  I know he never expects anyone to follow him in his trades, but when any of us do, one thing is guaranteed - a lively, educational and interesting discussion of developments as they progress.  My personal feeling is that recently the public stock picking boards have gotten a little thin, with a lack of real discussion about stocks.  What we all need to do (and what I think Melf was getting at) is get back to our job here on 3sof, which is finding and discussing interesting stocks, as opposed to being "sheeple" and following the lead of others, or just reading and not contributing.  Its fine for any of us to take some time off if we need to, but what makes this place a trading community is that even if some of us do, the lively discussions and updates continue.  Personally I think that this is the only way to convince our Elf that he wants to come back.  Ultimately, trading is a lonely occupation, and at some point we all want to bounce our ideas off others' heads.  what sets 3sof apart from anywhere else is that it is a place where those ideas, however wacky (no reference to you samantha...) can get a voice that will actually be listened to and responded to in a constructive way, without bashing or denigration.

Sorry this has turned into such a long-winded post, but really what I want to say is to everyone else here, lets get on with our job as members of this community - in discussing stocks and trading ideas, developing our own trading syles, and maybe try to be more open and honest about the trades we make and consistent in our updates on stocks we trade (I know I will).  And to Melf, if you are reading this, you will be very much missed, but if you come back, I for one will be more than happy to resume our lively discussions once again.

ScottishTrader

Quote from: ScottishTrader on March 10, 2007, 09:06:40 AM
.........
And to Melf, if you are reading this, you will be very much missed, but if you come back, I for one will be more than happy to resume our lively discussions once again.
ScottishTrader

Scotsman, great posting and I second that and fully agree about your statement 

Melf Elf, please reconsider your decision.
It was always a pleasure to discuss with you, and I would be missing your great comments & calls and I would be also happy to continue . 


cheers from Singapore
Oliver

(please send me an e-mail: [email protected])

I sign this 'petition'!

Melf, you have been a great teacher to me as well, and I applaud you for it. 

This really has been the only subject in my life that I have taken a great interest in,(well other than women) and you have truly made the learning curve that much better for myself and I am sure countless others.  You will be missed, I sure hope you reconsider.

When the heck did this happen? Ah man....in addition to the market downtown, this happens. I was not and am not yet at a point where I can make significant contributions to this forum like Melf or Scottish trader, David, etc. However, through their analysis and different styles, I am learning. With the recent distractions of the market and losing focus and what it is we are truly trying to accomplish here, why not get back to the original purpose of this site and service the members and their needs. I understand we need both bears and bulls to make this service work for all so all can better understand. But this...I made trades based on his analysis and technical analysis at that. I already understood the fundamentals well but the technicals allude me. I have bought books on the subject but compared to Melf's real time insight, I am afraid a mentor has been lost and that is a tragedy in my eyes.

I recognize their are other's that understand the techincal analysis side and I have used their methods as well.

Melf, please, please come back soon. Or if you don't, I wish you well.

La desidero la salute buona ed una vita lunga. Ciao!

Hey Guys,

I am sorry but I missed this news.....what happened to Melf Elf?  I had enjoyed and learned from many of his posts.  Where did he go?

Wayne

I missed this news as well.......
Where did Melf post that he was leaving 
Melf has a great deal of knowledge to offer to the members of this site.
I also hate to see Melf go...if this is the case !
Melf whatever decision you make, I wish you all the best.
But also I would like to make a last minute plead with you not to leave,
you are a huge asset to this site, to these members !!!

Best Regards,

Here is what Melf Elf posted earlier this week:
[Edit: didn't mean to cause offense ruroni, i was just being brief]

http://www.3stocksonfire.org/trading/index.php?topic=9085.msg91449#msg91449

Quote from: ScottishTrader on March 10, 2007, 08:55:47 PM
From the Elf's mouth:

http://www.3stocksonfire.org/trading/index.php?topic=9085.msg91449#msg91449

Thanks for the link ST and no offense taken but he left just like that?

Well Melf, if you are reading this I just want to thank you for all the times you never held back and generously gave out your advanced trading knowledge for FREE. 

Each of your analysis were unmatched in details, concise and specifics to the point that it was almost like a textbook or teacher's explanation to a student......a trading manual easy enough for newbies and intermediate traders to follow.

Best wishes to you but we all wish you would come back.  If not then I would like to wish you all the best.  BTW, would you have your own forum or blog?

No Time to read all, But want to let Melf know that you have taught me oodles as well.  I value your honesty, and calls as you see it and your incredible Technical knowledge!!
I do hope that you have time for this forum in the future.
Cheers Joe

Melf Elf loves this website and "3SOFers" as much or perhaps even more than I do.

His analysis are an astounding contribution to the Community and I especially enjoyed the strategic discussions we had. I hope to continue having them in the future.

He pointed out my mistake of playing short maturity options disregarding the short term technicals. He said: "pay attention to the short term technicals or don't play short maturity options". I think nobody can argue with this sound advice.

As the song says, "love hurts", but we can't live without it. So I urge Melf Elf to come back in full force after a well deserved rest.

Thanks for all you do Melf, we love you too, see you soon

Melf,

WOW, lets just say you have too many followers to just walk away, that would be a huge diservice to all the local folks on this board that appreciate your insight........ : )

Heres my recent post Post on the AUY board on March 9TH:

Quote
Jumped out mid day on the move to 13.88 when she lost steam........I had a double down at 13.50 that never materialized...............

I have no position at this time, will wait for market guidance, POG, or until chartmaster Melf himself says its a go..............  : )

As you can see, I as well as many here respect your analysis .............and you might not even know it.

Your the charting guru as I have told you many times................

Today I tip my hat to you, for your strength and courage to move forward............hopefully its to comeback, and do what you enjoy and are Good at.


Huge thanks from Los Angeles, CA.

Melf Elf,

I can't believe that you are considering leaving!  My mom was in ICU at the hospital so I have not been checking the boards and 'laying low' because of the short-term market downturn.

Please don't leave.  I actually log on every day so that I can hunt down your posts.  I look around to specifically find your technical charts. If they are not there then I am 'lost'....

Sincerely,
Long term trader that has lost alot of money!

Dear MelfElf.

Please reconsider...and come back to all of us.

Naturally one needs a break once in a while, and you deserve one if anyone does.

Hope you have just gone fishing! 

I'll continue to make my trading-mistakes, but they WILL get worse if you are not here to get me back on the right track again.
So - there - go ahead and feel guilty!