Ran across a new (?) website called Trading Template, run by Mike Aston, who is essentially selling his profitable strategy to those who want it, along with his courses.

Does anyone have any experience with Tradingtemplate.com and Mike Aston?

Curious since he trades almost exclusively off his phone and his strategy works across all markets, allegedly, and would be good for inexperienced traders, allegedly.

Ask him for proof of profitibility. You probably won't get it.

He hasn't updated videos in awhile. Just uses trendlines. Vague when you ask about targets and stops.

fryguy2 

Just uses trendlines. Vague when you ask about targets and stops.

@fryguy2,

The trendline thing is worth unpacking. Some traders hear "just trendlines" and dismiss it -- but trendlines done well require serious screen time to master. The simplicity can be deceptive.

That said, your frustration about vague targets and stops is legitimate. There's a real split in trading education between discretionary approaches (where the teacher shows concepts but expects you to develop your own rules) and mechanical systems (specific entry, target, stop). Sounds like Mike Aston falls into the discretionary camp, which doesn't work for everyone.

From what I've seen in reviews of the Trading Template approach, students who stick with it for 6-8 months tend to figure out their own target/stop rules based on his framework. But that's a long runway, especially at the $1,200+ price point.

Few questions that might help clarify whether this is a fit issue or a quality issue:

• Are you looking for a more mechanical system with defined rules?
• Have you asked him directly about how he determines his own stops?
• How long have you been working with the material?

I'm not sure about his recent video update schedule -- could be a red flag, could just be that he's focused on live trading or student support. Worth asking directly if that's a concern.

The research does show he's been trading since 1996 and reportedly responds to student questions. But 23 years of experience doesn't automatically mean his teaching style will click for you. Some traders need rigid rules. Nothing wrong with that.

TGIF! Have a good weekend!

-- Fi
"The best trading system is the one you'll actually follow -- everything else is just theory."