# Is it ok to ask about stocks on the SDMB?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ok-to-ask-about-stocks-on-the-sdmb/286846>\
**Category:** About This Message Board\
**Created:** [January 27, 2005, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ok-to-ask-about-stocks-on-the-sdmb/286846 "2005-01-27T00:40:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\
**Post date:** [January 27, 2005, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ok-to-ask-about-stocks-on-the-sdmb/286846/1 "2005-01-27T00:40:23Z")

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Are threads such as, “Should I buy xyz company stock?” allowed on the SDMB? How about general threads such as, "Should I buy stocks now? or “Is the Dow going to rise?”

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**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\
**Post date:** [January 27, 2005, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ok-to-ask-about-stocks-on-the-sdmb/286846/2 "2005-01-27T02:27:55Z")

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Hmm. Well, I guess you could ask, but I’d put them in the same category as quesitons like, “What’s that funny looking mole that suddenly appeared on my cheek?” – namely, you should be looking for expert opinion, and not relying on Message Board commentary. Even well-meaning posters don’t know **your** investment strategy, financial and personal data, etc., and similar information that a financial advisor would know.

However, I will pass this one by the other Moderators before we give a definite ruling.

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**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\
**Post date:** [January 27, 2005, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ok-to-ask-about-stocks-on-the-sdmb/286846/3 "2005-01-27T11:42:57Z")

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From the registration agreement:

> [@](#):
>
> Considering the real-time nature of this bulletin board and the volume of messages received, it is impossible for us to verify the information posted.
> 
> We do not vouch for or warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any message, and are not responsible for the contents of any message.
> 
> Users should be particularly wary of medical, legal or other professional advice posted on the message boards and recognize that it is no substitute for in-person consultation with a competent professional.

So, I guess we’re not forbidding it, at least not broadly speaking, but we think it’s a pretty stupid thing to do. There are lots of resources that can help you with professional financial advice, both online and in person, where you would be better served.

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**Author:** ![Iceland\_Blue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/4bbf92/32.png) [@Iceland\_Blue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iceland_Blue)\
**Post date:** [January 27, 2005, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ok-to-ask-about-stocks-on-the-sdmb/286846/4 "2005-01-27T13:26:47Z")

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I thought this meant stocks as in things to put other Dopers in and pelt them with stuff. Now that merits a thread…