Disliked
So, until someone comes along here and says they know for a "fact" that VT doesn't trade, you're all talking out of your asses, as usual.Ignored
I have no problem with at all, I'd do the same in his position.
Its clear when you talk to Van thats his practical knowledge with respect to designing and implimenting a trading methodology is extremely limited, I'd say it was practically non existant. His knowlege of trading psychology isnt actually that great either (but its better than most of his competitors).
Having said that, IMHO where he excels is his focus on the actual processes required to develop as a trader. He might be light on actual practical detail which is where J16 may or may not be of assistance if your predisposed to trading that particular style, but Van Tharps basic development framework is solid, and as good a starting point as anyone could hope to get.
I'd stick my neck out and state that its practically impossible to succeed as a trader without a basic knowledge of the stuff Van teaches, and as he teaches it better than most of his competors its worth spending a few hundred bucks with the guy.
I feel sort of sorry for Van Tharp, the core of what he offers is exactly what traders need, but not necessarily what most of them want. Inevitably the core material gets diluted with the useless sort of fluff that traders tend to want (but dont actually need !) He's kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Although I love his stuff, I'd be a little uncomfortable about an inexperienced trader spending $50,000 on the super trader program, not because I dont think its worth it, it probably is, but I'm not sure you can deliver the concepts it covers over a 2 year year period unless the student already has a reasonable handle on things. Being realistic, for anyone who trading full time, even if the program results in a 10% improvement in performance its worth its weight in gold.