Comments on: What’s an investor?

By: Charles

Charles — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:04:04 +0000

We might have to first re-educate – if not educate – our populace about free market capitalism before we employ your sensible, thought-provoking strategies.

“New ideas create new wealth. Its not a zero sum game. It can be an everyone wins game.”

Seemingly, and unfortunately, the only people who believe this anymore are the wealthy and the entrepreneurial. Everybody else appears to believe that our economy is indeed a zero sum game. i.e., “hold onto your job at all costs” typically wins over “be more productive and more efficient”.

Which easily translates into “speculation” winning over “investment”. In the end, our economy remains vulnerable to others.

self-plug: New indie music video show coming soon…

http://sosohot.com/eDonkey_Indies_Teaser.wmv

By: James King

James King — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:04:04 +0000

I learned a hell of a lot from this blog. Mark you should teach a class.

By the way, when I wrote you had only been right once as regards to business, I meant in a fashion that was obvious based on the results. It takes a lot of good decisions to maintain and grow wealth but I and others aren’t necessarily privy to those.

By: David

David — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:04:04 +0000

Interesting comments, Mr. Cuban.

I’m wondering, would you classify index funds, stock or bond, as investments or speculation?

By: Greg Wilson

Greg Wilson — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:04:04 +0000

What else is amazing about speculation vs investing? Whenever I hear some armchair “investor” give me an “investment tip” it always ends up being pure speculation. I love to ask “how many shares do you own”? The answer is always none…then why is it a good idea for me to “invest”…er I mean speculate.

A perfect example is charter. I’ve been told the Charter’s only a buck something right now…it can’t go any lower…I love to point out it can go to zero. And who cares anyway that its only a buck something…thats only relevant if theres only 10 shares.

By: derek

derek — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:04:04 +0000

Well done, Mr. Cuban…isn’t it unfortunate that most of the public spends more time comparing shoes than on comparing potential investments and/or speculations? Personally, my temperament has lead me to be more of a speculator, but there’s no doubt that capital for investment deserves our best possible treatment. What better way for our country to maintain its edge than to incentivize the masses to invest in small business?

By: Grace Byrd

Grace Byrd — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:04:04 +0000

Mr. Cuban,
I have read your comments on “that’s the way it’s always been done” and I just finished reading investor or speculation.
Which are you?
On Monday, Sept. 19, 2005 @10:45 a.m. I e-mailed you on, Ask Mark, Maverick web site and am anxiously waiting for a reply. I’m a novice at the computer, so I hope I didn’t do anything wrong in trying to get your attention on an important matter concerning our country’s cybersecurity. I sincerely hope you will read that e-mail.
I have added your web sites to my Favorites!
Thank you for your time,
Grace Byrd

By: Jim Parham

Jim Parham — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:04:04 +0000

Hi Mark,

My Opinion…….A lot of lower and middle class individuals “speculate” because they believe it to be their best chance at attaining a better life. Most average folks don’t have the financial wherewithal to seek out real quality “investments.” Why do you think so many people stand in line at the corner 7-Eleven, waiting to buy a lotto ticket, or a scratch off? Same concept with stock market speculation….

I technically trade the “cheap” stocks for reasons I mentioned above. Trying to climb out of the lower-middle class is a monumental task, given all the disadvantages. Some banks/credit card companies charge people like me a 30%+ interest rate on debts owed. Personally, I’ve never missed a monthly payment, but that doesn’t matter because it’s their game, their rules.

I don’t think it was a coincidence that online trading became so easily accessible and prevalent just prior to the 1999/2000 bubble burst. It was all by design….Lure in as many people as possible, then let the bottom fall out.

The rich control the world and the game is rigged. Some people believe they have no choice but to speculate. Just my opinion….

BTW….My comments aren’t directed at you personally….Thanks, Jim

By: Dewey Wurdman

Dewey Wurdman — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:04:04 +0000

Mark, dude you’re thinking this as the Steelers were throwing away a game??? Dude, have a beer, some nachos and relax!!! It’s football season!

By: Kevin Klotzbucher

Kevin Klotzbucher — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:04:04 +0000

Mark, have you ever considered running for a political office? I realize that the inefficiencies of politics would probably drive you crazy, but competent people need to enter politics to change that. I definitely could imagine voting for you if you would run for senate . Just my two cents.

By: Niklas

Niklas — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:04:04 +0000

Hi Mark,

Did not you become rich “speculating” by founding a company, broadcast.com, that did not generate much dividends but was sold during good times?

Speculating is kind of needed if you want to get real rich quick?

-n