Are the Cryptocurrency markets being manipulated, have you been?

“Self-Knowledge

To this question there is a positive answer only when the individual is willing to fulfill the demands of rigorous self-examination and self-knowledge. If he follows through his intention, he will not only discover some important truths about himself, but will also have gained a psychological advantage: he will have succeeded in deeming himself worthy of serious attention and sympathetic interest.”
Carl Jung, The Undiscovered Self

Are Crypto Markets Manipulated?

A wise man once said to me, “Real friends will tell you the truth”.  Three years since that statement crossed my path, my understanding and use of it has evolved somewhat since then.

This year in crypto-space, many questions and stories rise to the idea that these markets are manipulated.  Catalysed (obviously) and exemplified (wheee) by the severe losses that individuals, new to [this] environment, have suffered.  Crypto markets are manipulated!  Crypto markets, as well as every other market… for sure!

A popular discussion has been regulation or not.  Also, how bad actors can be stopped or reduced in the system, or more generally, how can [we] get leaders to stop noobs getting rekt by fraudulent activities.  In terms of bad-actors, this is good news I think, and I think it should be led by people and organisations that have society’s present and future in mind, or something like that – but where is the first place a trader/investor/human should look when trying to avoid being misinformed and led astray.

Manipulation

Noun, Mass Noun

1. The action of manipulating something in a skillful manner.
   ‘the format allows fast picture manipulation’
   count noun ‘conscious manipulations of oral language’
2. The action of manipulating someone in a clever or unscrupulous way.
   ‘there was no deliberate manipulation of visitors’ emotions’
   count noun ‘he saw through her manipulations’

Manipulation, in regard to the market [problem], is the coercion of information (fundamental and/or technical), the intent to misdirect and to capitalise on ignorance and distraction (the deceived).  However, the manipulation has no reason to exist unless there are market participants who are willing to engage in the proceedings and put their money where it shouldn’t be.  So, who or what is really to blame?  Above all, in terms of external negative forces, it’s a matter of personal understanding and risk; if I want to do something and I haven’t engaged in the proper investigation of the game I’m intent on playing, along with the players involved, then my risks are unknown, and the rewards, simply an idea.

Experience

If you’re trying to transfer accumulated expertise from one field to use in a new field then, be careful who you call friends.  Because, cognitive bias (I’m good at one thing) will fuel gullibility (turns out, not so good at new thing).  Being duped in some way with the multiplier of losing money can come with some strong emotional signalling; anger, frustration, embarrassment.  These ‘signals’ are simply your brain telling you that you’ve fucked up.  And the first place one should be looking when one has made a mistake – inward!  People talk about psychology being important in trading and investment.  How well you understand your own motives and attitude will be a big part of any future your planning and what value is waiting for you there.  If you are one of the many who bought the top and sold the bottom, one question you may have asked yourself is, “how I could have been so stupid/blind/complacent/greedy/impatient/…?”, and it’s a good question that you should find the answer to before anything else.

Collaborate

True direction of efforts comes from good strategy, and good strategy has complete knowledge of strengths and weaknesses. Don’t be misled by what should be and find what is.

Friends will tell each other the truth

Uncross your fingers and choose your friends wisely!  You’ll need trusted cohorts to confer in navigation of the complex, towards achievement – psychically and outward.  Importantly: the media and commerce are not your friends; you’re the boss of your future and who you trust as your team-mates, teachers and friends should be judged by the only thing that you can know with any certainty, what is right for you – so be cool.  Engage in real investigation and complete honesty within, so that you can consciously manipulate yourself above the unscrupulous interpretations of the collective unconscious.

Food for thought:

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