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Computerized Investing

Big Changes Ahead for CI

Since its inception in 1982, Computerized Investing has been at the forefront in the trends of computing and investment-related software, websites and apps. Reflecting on the changes taking place in the marketplace today, the time has come again for more changes; albeit, this time with a bit of melancholy.

by Wayne A. Thorp | January 2014

Wayne Thorp leads a class in AAII's new Essential Investing Video Course. Go to https://www.aaii.com/ves for more information and to subscribe.

It’s been eight years since I took over the reins of Computerized Investing, and during that time I have shepherded it through some significant changes, including a complete redesign and a move from a bimonthly delivery schedule to quarterly.

Since its inception in 1982, Computerized Investing has been at the forefront in the trends of computing and investment-related software, websites and apps. Reflecting on the changes taking place in the marketplace today, the time has come again for more changes; albeit, this time with a bit of melancholy. This issue will mark the final print version of Computerized Investing, as we shift to monthly electronic-only delivery.

We regularly poll our readers and a common “complaint” is that the quarterly issues delivered too much information at a given time, leading to information overload. With a monthly delivery schedule, we can offer the same unbiased analysis and education you have come to expect from AAII and Computerized Investing in more easily digested chunks. Don’t think, however, that you will merely be getting less information more frequently. I am in the process of developing new topic areas and working with AAII’s Web department to create a more user-focused and information-filled online experience. Our commitment to providing quality information, analysis and education is unwavering. Stay tuned for more information as the launch date for the new monthly electronic version of Computerized Investing approaches in March.

In this issue, there are two articles that technical traders may find of use. This first is my comparison of the top technical analysis and charting software packages geared toward mainstream short-term investors and traders. These are programs that regular readers of CI are probably well-acquainted with, and they offer a good blend of charting capabilities and robust library of technical indicators. In addition, they all offer some level of trading system development, allowing you to use technical indicators to dictate when to buy and sell a specific security. The comparison begins here.

If the topic of technical trading systems is unfamiliar or intriguing to you, then be sure to check out the feature article that begins here. This is the first in a series of articles I will be authoring on how you can use a technical analysis program such as those mentioned in this issue’s comparison to develop, backtest, optimize and deploy a technical trading system. The first article in the series lays the foundation for a more technical discussion in future segments.

This past November, AAII held its biennial Investor Conference in Orlando. If you didn’t have the opportunity to attend but are interested in the quality speakers and investment topics covered, this issue’s AAII.com segment discusses how you can subscribe to audio files of the presentations at a special member discount.

Lastly, I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a happy and safe holiday season. I hope your 2014 is full of good health and prosperity. Happy New Year!

Discussion

Jay Scott from OK posted over 12 years ago:

I highly recommend the audio files from the Orlando conference. The information is timely and the price is dirt cheap.


Devi Jameson from CA posted over 12 years ago:

I'd second that.


John Bender from VA posted over 12 years ago:

Editor, I just read the Editor's Outlook from 1Q2014. In it you justify killing the print version of Computerized Investing on "a common “complaint” is that the quarterly issues delivered too much information at a given time, leading to information overload." That has to be the silliest reason I have ever heard. I challenge you to document the surveys that came up with those specific comments and results. I suspect COST is the real and only driver in the decision to kill the print version. Why hide it? I am very disappointed in your editorial veracity!


Larry from MN posted over 12 years ago:

I just read that you intend to only offer a web-based monthly version of CI. For every other publication I subscribed to that converted to a Web-only version, I find I rapidly changed my reading habits - to almost NEVER reading the publication - to then canceling my subscription! The reason - almost every IT department tries to emulate the written publication - that is 'the vertical 8 1/2 x 11 format'. Every single computer screen (desktop or laptop) are horizontal (just in case you never noticed!). If you would at least consider that in reformatting your on-line publication to be read in a single screen vs. making your readers work and waste time in scrolling up and down and left and right, just to view 1 page. If you have any empathy for your readers at all, you will also make the page 'adjustable' for resizing based on different screen resolutions. Now wouldn't that just be 'breaking new publishing ground' - all to make me and thousands of your subscribers happy!


Joseph Neal from GA posted over 12 years ago:

I agree --- and this was my selection for the AAII Life Time Membership. AAII should give me the option as a Life Time Member to switch to another print periodical.


Vernon Roberts from FL posted over 12 years ago:

As I was reading the PRINT version, I noticed (with much regret I might add) about the elimination of the print version. PLEASE AT LEAST KEEP THE PDF DOWNLOAD. I VERY seldom read anything on line. Aboout the only thing I do, is sign on reject all the TWitter certificates (which is a REAL PIA!), download the pdf version, sign off, delete all the cookies and then read the pdf version when I get to it. I have PRINT editions of AAII journal going back several years, which I still refer to at times. It's difficult to underline, make notes and keep the information in my notes if it's "on line" or on "someone else's computer". Maybe the kids know how to do all that stuff. I'm 70 years old and I don't spend my life in front of a computer screen (nor do I intend to). It's difficult to carry the "on line version" to the lake and read it there. However, I DO understand that it's cheaper for you to do it that way, plus as with everyone else these days, I'm sure your wanting to track everything everyone else is doing. So glad I'm not growing up these days in George Orwell's 1984. I also can't spell. :-) Nor do I possess a "smart phone" -- drives VZ nuts. Just a craby ol' man. Wishing you prosperty!


Vernon Roberts from FL posted over 12 years ago:

P.S. just for the record, I mostly purchase reference books, which I KEEP in my library. I tried a kindle and a nook which was nice for somethings but for reference works was Terrible! I have several hundred dollars tied up in books I can no longer access and have had to replace many with PRINT versions, doubling my cost. A "paperless web based society" is a pipe dream that one of these days will blow up in everyone's face. Sorry about being so wordy, but since I had to sign on here anyway thought I'd give my 2 cents. I have about dropped ALL my subscriptions that no longer have print versions -- Since I have a lifetime subscription to AAII, don't guess I'll be droping it. Keep up the good work and have a great day. Get some sunshine!


John Mac Dougall from Florida posted over 12 years ago:

The question becomes, when the majority of readers and members are not satisfied with your new format and whatever else you include will you ever go back to the original print edition.


Wayne Thorp from IL posted over 12 years ago:

@John Mac Dougall, Luckily the response has been overwhelmingly positive. As a publication called "Computerized Investing," its day as a digital-only service had come.


David Putnam from MA posted over 12 years ago:

Can you tell me how to find the Discount Broker survey? Thanks - DP newton@outdrs.net


David Putnam from MA posted over 12 years ago:

Can you tell me how to find the Discount Broker survey? Thanks - DP newton@outdrs.net


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