Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
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Hi guys,
I have some excellent news to share with you. But first, a little backstory:
The day I founded BMT in June 2009, it was simply an extension of my trading blog. I never imagined it would become what it is today, which is in fact the largest futures trading community in the world.
I was fed up with the other trading communities that existed at the time, and the seemingly never ending rude behavior that was running rampant in those communities. I felt I could do better, and BMT was born.
Our community has excelled at being a friendly environment for traders to help each other, with an excellent "signal to noise ratio". Over the last six years, our community has grown at a rapid pace while other communities have experienced major downturns.
Today, I announce the next step in our journey together. We will shed our old name, conceived of when the site was made up of only a few dozen members, and embrace a new name that better reflects our community -- one that is made up of over 75,000 members.
I have chosen the name "futures.io" because it represents what the overwhelming majority of our user base is interested in, futures trading. While our focus will be futures, we will not abandon other trading products such as stocks or forex.
There is no change in the way the site operates or in its ownership. The name change simply reflects m y desire to move us into the future.
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
This name change has been years in the making. Frankly, I waited too long. We outgrew our old moniker long ago, and the silly name has held us back more than it has helped us.
Many sleepless nights I would think of new names, only for them to fall out of favor with me shortly thereafter. But the idea of a name change has been something that I've wanted to do for a very long time.
The reason the name change is important is really about our perception. Our forum is made up of excellent members, with excellent content. But our name did not accurately reflect the professionalism of the site. This changes today.
I selected "futures.io" after a great deal of consideration and exhaustive research. I am very happy and pleased with the name. I trust that given some time to adjust, you will be too.
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
I approached a few of our most regular contributors on the site and gave them a roadmap of what I was planning. I gave them my pitch, and listened to their feedback.
The overwhelming feedback was exceptionally positive. But I do recognize that as a whole, people simply dislike change.
Below, please allow me to outline a few important things as well as answer some of the most popular questions I received when I was conducting my research secretly within our community.
The .io domain is not penalized in any way within search rankings. Google treats .io as a global TLD, not region specific.
All old URL's will continue to work 100% (ie from Google, or bookmarks). Our server is configure to redirect old URL's to our new URL seamlessly.
Google will re-index our site quickly, but in the meantime there is no disruption as all old links will work 100%.
I have updated the post bodies and replaced old URL's with new URL's, to avoid confusion with any new members who won't know what Big Mike Trading in the URL means.
Organic search traffic that contained the term "Big Mike" was less than 5%, meaning that out of all our search traffic, only a tiny fraction was specifically searching for us by name. Our new name should increase our organic hits as far more people include the keyword "futures" in their search.
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
There is one unfortunate drawback to the domain name change. Every single member will have to re-login with their username and password.
This is because the old cookie that your browser stored that saved your login rights is only valid with our old domain.
I realize this is likely to cause some initial confusion and a panic as we draw about 8,000 visitors per day, meaning our system may receive hundreds and hundreds of "I don't know my username or password" reset requests.
In order to try and minimize this as much as I can, I will be sending out a mass email to every single member advising them of our name change. That email will contain their username, and advise them they will need to login again, and the instructions should they have forgotten their password.
In the case of YouTube, our old channel will remain but no longer be updated.
You will need to subscribe to our new YouTube channel:
[yt]https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzHsd2fbLueDSfRunb1DmA?sub_confirmation=1[/yt]
We are in the process of moving all old YouTube videos to the new channel. This will take several days or even a few weeks. Please don't be alarmed, subscribe to the channel now.
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
Some quick statistics on asset type popularity in the community:
Forex and Currency Trading category: 6,941 posts (1.4%)
Stocks and ETFs category: 3,860 posts (0.7%)
I've conducted polls over the years asking users to identify their primary trading tool (futures, stocks, forex). In the most recent poll, after 1,000 respondents, the breakdown is as follows:
Futures - 70%
Stocks - 17%
Forex - 13%
However, in the first 24 hours the results were different (skew towards the active users):
Futures - 85%
Stocks - 9%
Forex - 6%
To the Stocks and Forex users within the community: we are not abandoning discussions about stocks or forex. We are simply focusing on what is already popular within the community: futures. Since very few of you discuss stocks or forex, I am sure you find value in the general concepts that the futures traders are discussing on the site, and apply that in your own stock and forex trading.
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
For the last hour I've been working through a million changes that had to be made in real-time... getting closer to being back online... I hope you guys are excited as I am for the future!
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
Alright guys, I'm about to flip the switch and bring the site back online. There are no doubt thousands more things that need updating, please go ahead and start reporting them as you find them here in this thread.
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
When you guys expect to receive emails from the forum, please double check your Spam folder and make sure you always mark us as "not spam". The domain name is new and could get flagged as spam in the short term, the ISP's will only correct that if enough people mark "not spam".
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
Thanks for reporting it. There are still thousands of changes I have to make to styles and things all over the forum, but none of them should be "broken" even with the old URL's, because the server should be handling all the redirects.
I think this is exactly the point. The name "Big Mike's (Anything)" is not necessarily silly, but it does not show professionalism. It emphasizes this guy "Big Mike" more than its content. It was more appropriate at one time, when it was tiny.
Personally, I got used to the old name very quickly, based on the excellent content and the extremely strong moderation, which does not tolerate the BS Mike has mentioned. But as something that is being presented to a (hopefully) professional audience, it is reasonable to think that the original name, which was simple and informal, might not have the appeal that the site deserves. Although I got used to it quickly, it did seem strange at first. There's no point in raising that barrier in the first place.
This is a really strong, professional site. It houses and presents many views from a membership that, in many cases, has great depth. It is a very good place for experienced and beginning traders to go to. So I'm happy that @Big Mike wanted to go beyond the early name, and was willing to move beyond branding it with his own name and name it instead for what the majority of its users care about.
I guess that's a rave.
Bob.
The following 16 users say Thank You to bobwest for this post:
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
For tapatalk users, the easiest way to update the app is to browse to https://futures.io/ in your browser on your device, then click the 'Open in app' button at the top of the page on the Tapatalk banner.
Normal email notification of posts is working, normal retrieval of posts by clicking on email is working, normal branching to posts from the chatbox list is working, normal Google search to get to the site mainpage is working.
Bob.
The following user says Thank You to bobwest for this post:
It actually kept coming up as I refreshed the page, with a message below it to change social media settings to the new site. (I kept hitting refresh, and then eventually it was ready and I got in.)
At some point early on I also got a login request, not sure of the sequence, but it made sense at the time. Login is now set, as usual. Access is now working as expected.
Bob.
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Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
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That was the 503 service unavailable message while I was making database changes. I needed to do it this way because I wasn't entirely certain how long the site would be down, and I needed to prevent search engines from freaking out
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
New framework still coming, in fact the developer has about 15 projects from me he is coding right now and probably 20 more before we can go live on the new framework.
I wanted to do the brand name change first, to give people time to adjust. Then the framework which is much more complex.
Now I set profit target, based on % of account value. This way I can set the (arbitrary) 2:1+ reward/risk ratio. My system fell apart.
No problem, I say. I will increase/decrease my reward target. As I increased my reward target, my results improved!
But …
But, as you can see, the same phrase, "volume profile", shows the wiki underline now in the first mention in the current post, above. (I only found that out by pure chance, by referencing the older post and then finding that it didn't work with that one, but it works for new posts.)
Maybe the old links, however they were implemented, didn't carry forward, but after the conversion, new ones show up? Not necessarily very important, but there it is. Possibly one more on your list.
Bob.
The following user says Thank You to bobwest for this post:
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
I did look into it, but the downside is that it breaks all the old @bigmiketrading mentions. I registered the new name to protect it and later found it couldn't be deactivated for 30 days.
In the end, I decided it was not a big deal to start over. It may take a while to get the numbers back to where they were, but numbers aren't what's important -- it's more about who is following and their actions.
Was very clever to do 2 steps until the new framework will be up and running.
Now with the new name and logo this will attract even more traders around the world.
Will be watching the member development.
Of course it is a bunch of work behind all that - which is not obvious for people not
knowing how to run a complex site.
Thanks for your ongoing efforts!
GFIs1
The following 3 users say Thank You to GFIs1 for this post:
The new name sounds great! It encompasses and reflects the overwhelming majority’s interests on the site. More focus towards ‘Futures Trading’ aspects sound like a good idea. All the very best going forward Mike.
The following user says Thank You to ShaunG for this post:
Congratulations on an excellent name-change, Mike. The long-term advantages are easy to envisage.
No surprise to see this forum "moving with the times", and updating its name. I've been here only a few months and am far from hyperactive here, but this development (together with excellent moderation here) seems entirely in keeping with the fact that this trading forum's growing and flourishing in both quantity and quality of content at a time when several of its "competitors" (for want of a better word) seem not to be.
Thanks for everything, to the staff and all the regularly contributing members.
The following user says Thank You to Tymbeline for this post:
I liked the new name. Indeed gives it a more "professional" outlook. New logo is very nice as well!!
All in all, I liked the change and hope the forum keeps improving, in content, in usability, in quality of the discussions and so on.
Regarding software glitches, found none so far. Login works fine, one-time popup at first access also ok, got the e-mail about the name change (didn't get flagged as spam by gmail) and so on.
Keep up the good work!!
The following user says Thank You to AMGT for this post:
Wow new name and new web address. Hmmmm Wonder if this had anything to do with the recent poll with what do you trade primarily. I am sure that in time I will get used to the NEW NAME, however in some ways I wonder about Futures.IO. …
Much of my rant is in my trading journal, with the link to the exact entry above, as you can see from reading it I had mixed feelings about the name change. I know that I am resistant to change (not a good thing for a trader to be) and I am working on it.
I couldn't answer the survey about the name change because my initial thought was actually that I hated the Futures.IO name, but that is my initial thought on almost any change. I liked the seamless transition though.
To me however, this site is so much more than FUTURES.IO I guess that is why I didn't like the change initially. We were given three choices. Like / Hate/ No Opinion. Well I guess I bounced between Like and Hate faster than a questionable trade shifts from profit to loss to profit to loss.
And from this post obviously I have an opinion on the change, for that reason I did not answer the poll.
Mike it would be great if your polls had an option for a one sentence answer when we don't think the answers you've given us fit.
Best wishes on the new name. I still love the site!!!
You do great work.
p.s. I guess I just thought Futures.IO was selling this site short (not as in a trading short), there is so much more than Futures here. Maybe Future.IO as in the Future of trading. In a week I am sure that Futures.IO will be second nature to all of us. Thanks again
I'm with you Mike - like member eboarder, I am generally quiet but always checking in. This site and your work to keep it above board, honest and truly helpful to those of us that are serious about trading, has been invaluable to me along my journey - I am here to stay and support your improvements - good luck!!
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Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
I wanted to requote this.
I know it is impossible to please everyone, and that in general people are very resistant to change. Making this decision was extremely hard, but I feel confident in time it will be proven the correct choice.
Received your Email this morning (normal Inbox location, not flagged as spam) - had to re-login which worked fine as well as the rest of the site, so either I came "late to the game" and you've addressed all the issues or things "just worked" (which in IT, rarely happens but I'm happy to see things as they were ).
Congrats and kudos on the migration - "make sense".
Best,
-Guy
The following user says Thank You to Fu510n for this post:
Neither the old BMT login is working nor the "Log In" button on the new futures.io Tapatalk "Sign Up or Log In" page (bottom part of page is dimmed; neither button is "enabled").
-Guy
The following user says Thank You to Fu510n for this post:
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
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Trading: Emini Futures
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Take a look at the first few posts in this thread, it described the process. I've wanted to change the name for years. I've also known for a long time (years) the forum is mostly futures. I went through dozens of names (more?) over the years, but it was only a recent epiphany where I decided to focus the site to futures and that lead to its new name.
The poll about futures vs stocks vs forex was really to educate people on the site prior to the name change. I had already known the results of the poll from previous polls conducted in the past, and my goal was to "remind" everyone right in front of the name change. I had decided the name change prior to the poll.
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
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So I am a bit biased, which is why I need your input on this --- now that our name reflects professionalism and reflects your trading career and/or favorite hobby, would you guys like to see some branded items such as hats, polos, coffee mugs and the like with our name on it?
Would you wear or use such things, or would they just go in a closet or on a shelf?
I don't care for those things but I am a sucker for morale patches. Have you thought of a slogan? Something that is concise and kicks ass. Kind of like some of the quotes that show up on the home page (I like "Those who know get paid by those who don't.") You probably don't want to use someone else's quote, but something along those lines.
Money make ya handsome
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You have one customer here for a coffee-mug or two, and willing to pay for international shipping (especially if they feature that nice Molly); but I suspect you'll need a hundred more, to make it worth having them made?
I think the initial cost is probably quite a big deal, with that kind of the thing, whereas the run-on cost is negligible by comparison?
The following user says Thank You to Tymbeline for this post:
I was thinking mouse-pads as well, but (a) those are generally freebies, so probably very hard to sell, and (b) I think more and more people have "mice" that don't need pads, one way or another, these days?
The following user says Thank You to Tymbeline for this post:
3rd party orgs exist where you, as the owner of the artwork, provide the digital image to the 3rd party. The 3rd party does all the manufacturing and shipping. This is how photography sites work... the photographer supplies the digial media, the end user customer orders directly from the 3rd party. See Zenfolio as example. I am not affiliated with them, just used them to set up a site for my photo nutt brother using them...
Long live Futures IO
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Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
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I would give a bunch of them away, I'm not worried about minimum quantities if there is enough actual interest in using the products and not just shelving them.
I am very selective as to who I tell what I do for a profession - too many people just do not understand.
Half kidding here, but in some countries it maybe even deemed to be advertising an activity (trading) that is strictly controlled - not sure if there is enough room on the cap and mug for the CFTC wording as well as futures.io
The following user says Thank You to steve2222 for this post:
Just FYI - I never got any email about this (yes I checked Spam). Might be due to the communication/subscription settings I have. But then there maybe lots of other members who have the same communication settings who also won't have got the email.
The following user says Thank You to steve2222 for this post:
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
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It is due to your settings, you disabled announcement emails.
Earlier today I sent a site-wide email notice, everyone should have received it (or will receive it today) unless they've marked us as spam or unsubscribed in the past.
Hi Mike,
Just finished viewing the Blown up. Done with trading YouTube video. Great Stuff and love your comments! I do hope you will be doing videos like this one more often. Thank you!
The following user says Thank You to afranco562 for this post:
I like the new name and logo, and it does seem like the majority of content and users focus on futures. Although I would have been just as pleased with trading.io, or something similar.
The following user says Thank You to ganamide for this post:
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
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received
Thanks, it's fun to see all these old YouTube videos again. I have 200 videos to upload, it's taking a while... and I'm also organizing everything by author this time. This is just for YouTube, the new site framework will also have a completely re-designed layout for webinars that is far superior.
Would love to show off my love for trading futures, as long as the products look good. I prefer clean and simple designs, and your new logo and name fit that bill. Plus I love blue! Count me in for a baseball cap, polo, and coffee mug!
The following user says Thank You to ganamide for this post:
Also well done on the project management for this name change exercise.
I agree it has needed changing for a long time now. The old one did not convey the professionalism of the site and contents.
In addition, and I am sure this was one part of your thinking, it was necessary to help develop an eventual exit strategy for you. I know you are young so it won't have been your primary driver, but you would certainly not maximise value on a sale of the business with the old name tied to you.
The following 2 users say Thank You to steve2222 for this post:
Was trying to add a comment to the video and see that you have the comments disabled. Are you trying to have comments directed to the forum only and if so why not have a link on the YouTube page to a comment page that's related to that video at Futures.io?
The following user says Thank You to afranco562 for this post:
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
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Just to clarify, I have no intention of exiting. I've turned down multi-million dollar offers in the past. You can't predict the future, but there are zero plans for my exit.
kidding, of course.
).
