The discussion has been around how social networks and investing can work together. As one reader has commented, "This is an interesting question - on a theoretical level, supporting open and transparent markets through a social netoworking flow of information would appear a laudable goal. However, aside the regulatory issues already raisedin other answers (and which are truly non-starters), there are a number of reasons why a single unified "ecosystem" of information is not likely to emerge anytime soon."
I am not an attorney but the regulators should not be getting involved in any peer to peer communication or investment decisions. My right to information from my network is my right and should not be regulated. Moreover, if I am simply measuring how my network responds to information in the public marketplace then how is that different than traders on the floor?
I think a social network play in the investment world will happen. It's a matter of defining an eco-system that works for all investment participants. It's also an eco-system that can level the playing field for te average investor that does not have the resources of the major investment houses. Also, one's network may have more actionable information at the ground level of a company (may be my network has a lot of employees at Oracle and I know they are selling due to issues with the company) then an analyst does at the big investment houses.
What are your thoughts?
