With explosive growth of the Internet and major changes in the financial markets, a new breed
of speculators has evolved. Armed with high-tech tools, these new traders access Wall Street via
their home computers in a search for the Promised Land. Although the art of speculation in all of its
forms has existed for centuries, the financial media label these online traders as common gamblers
who missed the bus to Atlantic City.

The use of skill rather than luck separates profitable speculation from gambling. Now that the
gates to Wall Street are open to all who wish to compete, smart speculators will hone their trading
skills and apply the right tools as they attempt to become masters of their profession. Education is
the essential element in building success in any discipline, and trading is no exception. Fortunately,
you are already on the right path if you are reading these words. You are seeking your trading
education from one of the best instructors in the industry today.
My dear friend Alan Farley teaches traders across the globe how to master the art of highprobability
short-term trading. He founded Hard Right Edge (http://www.hardrightedge.com), an
excellent website for short-term traders and a comprehensive online resource that provides
thousands of traders with educational materials on a daily basis. Alan is also an active message
board participant, generously answering challenging questions from both new traders and market
professionals. He has a true passion for teaching the beginner how to avoid the mistakes and pitfalls
associated with short-term trading. When I asked Alan how he finds the time to answer all of those
questions, he told me that he makes the time because new traders depend on veteran traders to give
them good advice. ‘‘If I manage to save only one new trader from making a costly mistake, then it
is well worth my time,” Alan said.
Alan is determined to provide high-end education and has joined me on several occasions as we
took center stage to teach at national online trading events. Although our compensation is small, I
always look forward to spending time with him because he has true character and a great sense of
humor. The greatest thing about his success is the fact that he has done very well just being himself.
He is an asset to the trading community, and I am proud to be his friend.