You guys probly know this, but my favorite message board for microcrap stocks in play, TheLion.com, has been totally redone…before it was just a message board, but superhuman Lionmaster & his robot army (paid for with trading profits) have now launched features like a place to import your own blog and/or setup a portfolio to win…and now even a vastly improved all-in-one message board search feature!

I’m not getting paid to promote him or his site, I’m just a huge fan as Lionmaster’s trading profits blow me and everyone on my site out of the water…I was fortunate enough to interview him so you best listen when da Lion roars (and you gotta respect a fellow trader who writes in partial sentences, yeahhh no formalities here, this is the real sh#@!)…check out the exclusive pic of Lionmaster and family (I don’t think he’s ever shared it before!)

1. Whats your background and how did you get into trading?

business analyst, economics major, uc berkeley. First started into trading when i was 10 years old, fascinated with how wall street works at an early age.

2. What are the key variables you look at when researching stocks to trade?

Hybrid trader, key is to uncover information and dig out financials others may have missed. Would go short in stocks where the hyenas are chasing, usually holding stocks short-term to maximize profit potential within the time frame. At times look for undiscovered stocks in hot sectors to trade but always watch for risk/reward ratios. Would hedge my risk at times by shorting overheated stocks, always try to balance portfolio by going 40% longs, 20%-30% shorts, and rest in cash. Not afraid to use margin for a few days whenever bargain stocks are out in play in full view.

3. What’s your best trade–we want all the glorious details!

Too many to write, mostly selling stocks in huge breakouts after holding for a certain period of time ,ie RHD, IAR, TMA, LLNW, FRPT, just a some recent examples.

4. What’s your worst trade–don’t be embarrassed you’re the freaken Lionmaster–spill the beans!

Think I have had worst trades than Worldcom and Enron in the past, but generally try to minimize the losses.

5. walk us through your daily routine, how much time do you spend researching and trading?

Always ready half hour to an hour before market opening in the west coast, do research during the day and off market hours, usually get 4 hours a sleep, not enough time to even do all the due diligence. Try to pinpoint any stocks I’m holding any information I may have missed, and look for new stocks in hot sectors for potential entries.

6. How do you celebrate your winnings? Give us something to dream about

I don’t have time to really celebrate. Be humble and spend more time with family and friends whenever possible. Get some exercise done that’s great to relieve the daily stress.

7. Why do you primarily stick to low priced stocks?

I don’t. I trade in and out of large cap stocks that may have tanked consecutively to new lows. Usually I don’t look at them until they have tanked at least 3 consecutive times during a relative short-time horizon just to be safe. Look for possible short squeeze scenarios on the bounce back. Stocks such as banks I’m watching are UCBH, DSL, and IMB trading today.

8. What are your plans for TheLion.com?

Facebook for Traders and Investors

9. You’ve been around a while, what mistakes do you see traders making most often?

Biggest mistake is just not doing any homework, and try to rely on others to do the work for them. Give them a fish they will eat for a day, teach them they will feed themselves for life. I never believe there’s any freebies in life, you have to really work smart, efficient, and hard to achieve any dreams or trading success.

One bad mistake is blaming others for some bad trades, instead of learning from the mistakes. Kobe Bryant never blames anyone, his teammates, he will just work much harder on and off season.

Another bad mistake I see is being too confident about your abilities, that can really take you out of your ball game. Kobe is never too confident.

10. Why Lionmaster? Why not something like Profitmaster? Or Mr. Profit?

I like to rule all smart and agile lions. I’m a master by trade, but a good old humble puppy in person.

Tim: Thanks Man! Next to mine, your site rocks!
Lionmaster: Sykes, be more humble
Tim: I’m trying, it ain’t easy

(those last 3 lines never happened, that’s just how I would assume the conversation would go if I said that)

Tags: Basics, Interviews, Q&A, Real Wall Streeters