All Good Things…

By on 07/01/2011

Today Options for Rookies has reached the milestone of 1,000 posts.
I’ve also replied to a few thousand comments and/or questions.

I’ve poured a ton of energy and love into writing this blog.
But, It’s time to move on. I want to spend time on other aspects of my life.

Thank You

I have many notes of appreciation from readers who felt the passion that I bring to the table when helping others learn to use options. Each one of them is a treasure. Thank you.

I trust that I’ve inspired many of you to take the time to understand how options work before beginning to trade with real money.

I know that I’ve emphasized the importance of risk management when trading or investing. If you learned nothing else from these posts except for that single item, then I have done my job.

Most of all, I appreciate having the opportunity to blog about options. It’s something I thoroughly enjoyed doing for more than three years, and I offer a special thank you for all the encouragement.

Options for Rookies is going into retirement. I’ll still be around at the premium site.

1000

52 Responses to All Good Things…

  1. Thomas 07/01/2011 at 6:42 AM #

    Hi MArk, congratulations¡¡

    Follow you long time ago and got to tell you I think you are one of the most decent persons I found in this world.
    I have not enougt resources to trade in real and to join your lessons…some day. I will content with your excellent book (I finisher some days ago) and your post.

    There are some thoughts I got.

    In your book, you explain the way to protect the IC against an unexpected move by buying options. But I didin´t read about the way you proceed to adjust an IC the several times you got to do it.

    I read some where in the blog you usually repurchase the attacked spread few points before getting ITM, but this action result in a loss as the hole IC is value 500-550$. Statistically that is good if you only got to do it 1 of every 2 times)

    Some where else, I read that you as a high delta seller you hought to adjust (supose sell that attacket spread) 50% of the IC.

    I suppose the way you do is not that, because if you do this way your return in the year should be negative…

    That is a thing is missing in the book and that I wonder if you could clarify the way you usually proceed or dedicate one post in order to propose general ideas to fill the gap in the book (not proposing to write a book, just some explanations…).

    Thanka a lot

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/01/2011 at 11:26 AM #

      Thomas.
      Thank you.

      One idea is to buy options for protection. It is an expensive thing to do.

      When I hold an iron condor without adjusting, I set my stop point when it would cost approximately $500 to exit. That’s $500 cash, not a $500 LOSS. I usually collect $300, making the loss near $200, and not $500.

      I have to adjust often (although not in 2011) – but adjustments do not always result in losses. Many time the adjustment allows time for the position to earn a profit. By ‘adjustment’ I mean that the position is altered in some way that reduces risk and gives the trader a position that is good enough to hold.

      Thomas, if I can fill that information gap, I will. But please do not expect to see it right away.

      Best regards

      Reply
  2. Stephen Almond 07/01/2011 at 7:37 AM #

    Mark,

    Thanks for a great options education – both the book and the blog.
    You have helped set me on the road to a comfortable retirement, and I appreciate it!

    Steve

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/01/2011 at 11:27 AM #

      Steve,

      I am thrilled to hear that.
      These days and in these times, that is a very satisfying situation to find yourself.

      Congratulations.

      Reply
  3. Robert D. 07/01/2011 at 7:45 AM #

    Mark,

    Best wishes, and many, many thanks for all of your help in my options education.

    Regards,
    Robert D.

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/01/2011 at 11:28 AM #

      Thanks Robert.

      It’s been a pleasure to exchange messages with you

      Reply
  4. davmp 07/01/2011 at 7:48 AM #

    Hi Mark,

    While it is sad to see you stop this blog, I want to THANK YOU VERY MUCH for all the time you’ve put into it, your attitude and focus on helping others, and your insistence that people learn for themselves rather than take shortcuts which cost them money down the road.

    You and this blog have taught me ALOT and I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am with my trading of options if not for you.

    Congratulations on a well-earned rest. I will miss reading this blog every day!

    – davmp

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/01/2011 at 11:29 AM #

      davmp,

      Thank you. It’s people like you who kept me going.
      Thanks for all the commentary along the way.

      Reply
  5. Darren 07/01/2011 at 7:58 AM #

    First Adam and now you. I’ve learned quite a bit from your posts and especially your comments. I wish you the best over at the premium site, Mark.

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/01/2011 at 11:31 AM #

      Thanks,

      As Adam says (in another e-mail), I hope this is not a trend.

      I appreciate your blog and keep up the good work.

      Reply
  6. Dimitrios 07/01/2011 at 8:56 AM #

    Mark,

    Although I am a gold member, i will still miss this OFR. You see, it became part of my everyday life to check at about 14.00hrs (local time) what is the new post every day in this site.

    Do you plan to keep the archives accessible to future visitors of this site? I hope so!

    Thank you for your tremendous help and support.

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/01/2011 at 11:32 AM #

      Dimitrios,

      The archives are here. I think they contain much valuable information and have no plans to stop paying the annual fees that keeps them alive.
      But of course, that does not last forever.

      Thank you

      Reply
  7. Jeff 07/01/2011 at 8:59 AM #

    We’ll certainly miss your posts, but if you have to end it, yesterday’s post was a great one to end it on.

    Thanks for all your teaching. I can’t tell you how much paper I’ve gone through printing your posts so I could study them more in depth. And your book continues to be a great resource/reference. Best of luck and risk managment to you!

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/01/2011 at 11:35 AM #

      Jeff,

      Thanks. Choosing a topic for post #999 was not easy, but that message from Jim seemed to be a good choice.

      Yes – good luck with risk management (even though I am trading small size now) is still very important.

      Regards

      Reply
  8. Adam 07/01/2011 at 9:31 AM #

    Damn, I hope I didn’t start a trend…….Your site is/was terrific, All the best

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/01/2011 at 11:36 AM #

      Thanks Adam,

      Not an easy step to take. I hope you are faring well.
      I know your family must appreciate the extra time you have for them.

      It was a pleasure to work with you.

      Reply
  9. Dmitry 07/01/2011 at 11:44 AM #

    As Dimitrios said, everyday checking for new posts became a habbit. I must say that i didnt and dont follow any blogs, OFR was an exception. Well.. More time for the premium site now :)

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/02/2011 at 8:24 AM #

      Thanks Dimitry.

      Reply
  10. derek 07/01/2011 at 1:08 PM #

    What a service you’ve provided to readers, hate to see you go but surely you can feel good about what you’e done to help so many. Thanks for your help, and best to you!

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/02/2011 at 8:25 AM #

      Derek,

      Your words are very much appreciated.
      Thanks

      Reply
  11. marty 07/01/2011 at 2:44 PM #

    mark,

    thanks for the blog. good luck and best wishes.

    marty

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/02/2011 at 8:26 AM #

      Marty,

      Good luck is always needed.
      Thanks

      Reply
  12. Noam_a 07/01/2011 at 3:11 PM #

    Hi Mark,
    I want to thank you for all the time and the effort for maintain this great blog.
    As a new option trader it was wonderful to find your blog and your help,answering each comment and question.
    I love your point of view and how the most important thing is risk management.
    Thanks again for everything!!!
    I wish you good luck with everything you going to do and that you will find people like you in the path you take.
    Good luck, thank you and sorry for my English…
    Shabat shalom

    Noam

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/02/2011 at 8:29 AM #

      Noam,

      Shabat shalom to you.
      I’ve tried to be as helpful as possible, and am so pleased that you found the blog to fill that need.

      Your English is excellent. Thanks for participating with questions and comments.

      Reply
  13. Mike S. 07/01/2011 at 4:51 PM #

    Mark, thanks for all your help in answering questions over the years. I can only imagine how hard it must be to write a daily blog. Hopefully this will allow you to focus more on the most important projects. Good luck and I also enjoyed reading your daily blogs.

    Mike S.

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/02/2011 at 8:30 AM #

      Thanks Mike,

      I’m hoping to take more time for personal stuff.

      Reply
  14. Charles 07/01/2011 at 9:52 PM #

    Thanks for the time you spent writing the blog. It was very educational. The best option blog I have come across.

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/02/2011 at 8:30 AM #

      Charles,

      Many thanks for your kind words

      Reply
  15. D. Hom 07/02/2011 at 3:49 AM #

    Mark, thanks for all the time you’ve taken to post on this blog and answer questions. I think we have similar interests in helping others and educating them about the many unhelpful paths traders are tempted to take. I regret that I won’t have an options blog to point them to any more but am glad you are able to continue to help people in other ways.

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/02/2011 at 8:33 AM #

      Hi DH,

      Thank you for the kind words.
      Being helpful is satisfying, but not monetarily, rewarding.

      I need some time for myself and family .

      Reply
  16. TR 07/02/2011 at 9:08 AM #

    Mark

    WOW. I did not think this day would come…

    I WANT TO THANK YOU SO MUCH for everything you have taught me. I have not commented in many months, but i still was reading your blog from time to time.

    YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME SO MUCH. I was a complete novice when I first stumbled across your posts, and I have asked you tones of questions which you patiently responded to. I am much more confident in my approach now and am regularly buying IC’s, thanks to all your advice and coaching.

    Good luck with your semi- retirement and thanks again.

    Rgds

    TR

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/04/2011 at 10:15 AM #

      TR,
      It’s good to hear from you.

      You had a lot of doubts early on. I’m so pleased that you have the confidence and ability to use options successfully.
      Best regards

      Reply
  17. Don Fishback 07/02/2011 at 9:22 AM #

    Well done Mark. Best of luck with the premium site. I am sure you’ll find an enthusiastic audience.

    – Don

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/04/2011 at 10:16 AM #

      Don

      Thanks. Enthusiastic yes. But it’s a small group.

      I still appreciate your blog.
      Well done

      Reply
  18. Wayne 07/02/2011 at 3:23 PM #

    I will always miss this site. Like what some of the other gold members have already said, I too have made it a habit to check this site every morning.
    Sad to see this go, but happy to know that you now can do and focus on the things that you didn’t have time for before.
    Regards
    Wayne

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/04/2011 at 10:20 AM #

      Wayne,

      Thank you. Appreciate the thoughts

      Reply
  19. Dauddy 07/03/2011 at 4:35 AM #

    Hi Mark,

    You mentioned about eBook of your “Options for Rookies”?
    Can you guide me where to buy, via internet?
    I am far away in Jakarta, so I prefer ebook.

    Thank you
    Dauddy

    Reply
  20. semuren 07/03/2011 at 5:44 PM #

    Thanks Mark for all your work on a great bog and for your great book too. Sorry to see the site go and I wish you success and satisfaction with the subscription site.

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/04/2011 at 10:24 AM #

      Thanks Sem,
      It’s been a pleasure to chat with you over the past few years.

      Reply
  21. WY 07/05/2011 at 4:44 AM #

    Thanks, Mark for an excellent options blog. Your dedication to educating people about options and your unwavering full response to all queries is simply amazing! Hope to learn lots from you at your premium site of which I am a member. It’s great!

    Cheers,
    WY

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/05/2011 at 8:16 AM #

      WY,
      Many thanks, and I appreciate hearing from you

      Reply
  22. Danny 07/05/2011 at 6:20 PM #

    Hello Mark,

    I also hope to continue the education and learning at the premium site, but this is a good time to say thanks for providing all this free and valuable content over the years.

    It’s been a big part of my life in the last few years and I’m very happy to have stumbled upon your book and blog in my quest to learn option trading.

    Thanks for everything!

    - Danny

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/05/2011 at 8:35 PM #

      Danny,

      You are very welcome and I truly thank you.

      Regards

      Reply
  23. Chris-O 07/06/2011 at 2:59 PM #

    Dear Mark,

    Thanks for helping me and so many others see how to work options.
    Hard work it is, as you have never stopped repeating to say.
    It is not likely to find anything as this blog among ALL the offers of a “quick fix” or “easy money”.

    And you have made mee see quite some mistakes of trade & bad habits of style I had.

    All the best on your future endeavours and an enjoyable time to you and the people you are with.

    Best Regards,
    Chris Boerema

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/06/2011 at 5:04 PM #

      Chris,

      Thanks so much.
      I wish you good health and good trading

      Reply
  24. dave Appel 07/06/2011 at 10:21 PM #

    Hi Mark,

    Wow that saddens me because I have followed you for almost 3 years I discovered the blog in August 2008 shortly after you started and have learned a tremendous amount from you , the blog and your book. You have been gracious and very knownledgeable . I literally recommened your book to some one yesterday . I just pulled it out again there is so much rich info and perspective in it even for an experienced options trader. The blog has been the best ‘on the street” because you drew real life situations and dealt with situations and have taken time for me and all the traders here I am so grateful to you ! the blog has been a special treat every morning and slways had pertinent info daily. I appreciate you turning our blog posts into comments ! When I stumbled on it in August of 2008 I knew right away i had found a gem ! Thanks So much !!

    Dave

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/07/2011 at 9:18 AM #

      Thanks Dave

      It’s been pleasure communicating with you and it truly makes me feel better to read your kind words.
      I’d love to blog occasionally, but I don’t know how to find the time.

      Regards

      Reply
  25. Bill O. 07/07/2011 at 9:51 AM #

    Thank you, Mark, for all the generous time and mentoring you have given us through this blog site. Almost everything I know abut options I have learned from you – the most important being RISK MANAGEMENT! I will miss this blog. I am not as surprised that you are shutting this down as I am that you ever found time to do all the things you do in the first place. I look forward to continuing my education in your premium site. — Bill

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/07/2011 at 11:22 AM #

      Bill,

      Thank’s Bill.

      Time was the key factor for me.

      Reply
  26. Jesse 07/18/2011 at 8:25 PM #

    Hi Mark,

    Thanks for all your excellent and expert guidance to enhance our options knowledge. It’s because of your book, “The Rookie’s Guide to Options”, that gives me the confidence to enter the real world of stock options trading and enables me to always trade at cloud nine.

    “Inspiration in options trading does exist, but you must somehow find a way to connect with Mark!”

    I think every member of this Blog will miss you very much.

    Thanks again.

    Reply
    • Mark D Wolfinger 07/19/2011 at 7:41 AM #

      Thank you Jesse

      Reply