I was at an interesting seminar today. Tom Williams gave a fascinating demonstration of his VSA methodology, sandwiched around the vendor sponsoring the event.

I happen to believe the methodology he discovered is sound, and is a valuable resource to aid us in our understanding of the markets. Their interpretation of the charts gave added credibility to some of my signals, and is intended to help us recognize manipulation.

As luck would have it, some of the best signals went off during the “commercial”. I read the signals as they appeared, but the presenters waited for confirmation, focusing on their favorite indicator rather than the market dynamics.

Trade logic never once entered the discussion, by the presenters or any of the attendees. In my opinion, trade logic is one of the most important and misunderstood concepts in trading.

A few of the attendees were rude, as if they expected all the details of successful trading would be explained in a free one hour seminar.

There are many effective tools and techniques available, but none quite so good as the one we develop ourselves. No need to re-invent the wheel; just find a reliable methodology and tweak it with a few variables that make it easier for us to see the trades coming.

In the heat of battle, it is important to “keep it simple.” Too complex, paralysis by analysis; too simplistic, sitting ducks for the stop runners.

Just read the tape and understand the basics of offense and defense.