Reply to 9/18 Fool's "Book on Cook"......I am an active practitioner of his general philosophy. It goes: be certain to set 90%+ of your investments in "solid" long term stuff. Then, utilize the 10% (If you can afford to do so), as vehicle to enhance overall portfolio growth. Primary methods: "rolling stocks" (i.e., channeling); "turnarounds", "bottom-fishing", "splits". Nothing risky so far. Lots of book and courses spent on "options" - since it is so risky but can be highly profitable. NOT FOR EVERYONE! Cook also has considerable class material on Estate Planning/use of Corporation for family business/etc.
Agree: too much hype - all good salepeople do it. Some people will get burned!
Personally: getting 5+:1 return per annum on my "risk capital" - and getting better every month - but have time to review, research and track daily [think a requisite for active options trading]. Cook's online service is well worth the cost - for me. Expect to realize overall portfolio gain of 70% with a third realized from heavy emphasis on "splits" and using strategies learned from Wade Cook. His education = my increased learning = results noticeable in 1st year......program for "students", and not for uneducated and casual "buy & hold" investors. Yea, an endorsement for probably 5% of the investing community. The rest - you can "learn" (something that's a ever continuing process!)
My bottom line is "wealth accumulation". My track record on option plays: 75% net gain (annualized) Excluding LEAPS, they are meant to be short term! Best way to leverage $$ for profits - with "risk capital".
Wade Cook does not deserve blanket slam or dismissal.

palmetto77