---
title: "Naming Names"
url: https://independentstockanalysis.com/naming-names/
description: "At lunch this week a friend asked “What’s your best idea?” Well, this is not necessarily a direction I want Independent Stock Analysis to travel. But the…"
published: 2012-10-27
updated: 2012-10-27
---

# Naming Names

Published 2012-10-27

Posted on

by

J.J. Butler

At lunch this week a friend asked “What’s your best idea?”

Well, this is not necessarily a direction I want *Independent Stock Analysis* to travel. But the question was being asked, *again.* I’m here to help understand our investment world. Those penny stock advertisements you see elsewhere are the antithesis of *ISA.* One member told me his trading activity has been reduced by 3/4’s since subscribing. Good!

Next, my expectation would be members already have a strong feel for my best ideas. Perhaps naming names can be consistent with the *ISA*educational focus, while still avoiding being promotional.

Further, maybe ISA is posting to much. Are members skipping a lot? Would trimming the edges be a good idea? Is too much information presented so the message is lost?

For the record, UPL and SLW are my best ideas. TCK is my favorite China play, though you know *ISA* is less sanguine on the industrialization meme for the moment. Thermal coal remains interesting and CLD has been my favorite while being a conservative investment in the space. As for oil…think gas!

Ironically, my thought process has never been clearer. You know, **writing is thinking**…

Enjoy some Saturday reading:

Hoisington Investment Management Quarterly Review and Outlook Third Quarter 2012 at [Mauldin](http://www.mauldineconomics.com/images/uploads/pdf/OTB121020.pdf).

Time to reduce exposure… says [Ritholtz](http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2012/10/reduce-equity-exposure/). The bond bubble by [Josh Brown](http://www.thereformedbroker.com/2012/10/26/33-times-you-poor-dumb-bastards/). Being able to change your mind is vital by [Mercenary Trader](http://www.mercenarytrader.com/2012/10/how-to-be-right-a-lot/).

Mining and Commodity Roundup: [BMO](http://research-ca.bmocapitalmarkets.com/documents/2372ACCF-4EE3-4AEE-96BC-88BB7BFECD0C.PDF).

Where you sit is a function of where you stand. Are valuations high or low?

Off topic: “the Obama-Romney fight is child’s play in comparison to some political campaigns of the past.” [Sober Look](http://soberlook.com/2012/10/nothing-like-history-to-put-modern.html)