BobS

I only use IB and the interface works great as long as you configure it correctly. Only issued I had was with VIX trades. For some reason it does not transmit. I submitted a support ticket and thought it was fixed but it still doesn't work. VXX trades are fine. I find using ONE much easier than using IB especially for more complex trades.

After 3 weeks of using the new website and realizing there are bugs with any system change, I really like the new website. The automatic alerts we get when someone sends a message is great and it is nice not to lose a draft reply if you decide to visit another place on the website. I know there are people indicating they have issues with alerts but the only time I have an issue is when I forget to follow a discussion or trade.

Really like the sound alert that a new post has been made.

Meshka, I use the downloaded version BUT in talking to IB support they suggested I use the beta version. Big mistake (beta means exactly that), the software updates everyday and the Friday version appeared to have a bug and would not allow me to trade. Deleted it and downloaded the latest TWS and the API appears to work fine. So the VIX issue maybe only associated with the beta version but will keep you updated.

Meshka, First to Kim's point, I have worked with OptionNet support (Nicholas) on numerous occasions and he is great. I go to OptionNet support after I sign in and then set-up a chat...he is very responsive. A few things I have learned; I am running 1.27.8 beta version dated 8/1/15 (it appears to be the latest); you need to make sure you are signed into TWS before signing into OptionNET ( cannot transmit until that is done and sometimes does not work if you get into OptionNet first); you need to make sure your account set-up is correct (account number, host address and port; support can walk you thru this); if that is all right then you should be all set to interact with IB and send trades. The only issue I have is with a VIX trade (I currently have ticket in with them). I was able to enter and transmit the VIX November call calendar to IB but when I tried to close it, it did not show up in IB after transmitting it from OptionNET. Not sure about the API and where to find what we are using so please share it when and if you find out.

You will first need to set-up an account in ONE and configure it to align with either IB or TOS using your account number from either one (not sure if they any other interfaces, that will need to be looked into) You pick the underlying that you want to trade and enter it and it will pull the option chain from IB or TOS. There are two columns; model and Pos (position). You enter the number of contracts in the model column at the strike price and option contract date and then clink on a button called "commit trade" and it will then provide you with the ability to save it or execute it to the broker, what the midpoint price and if you want to change it, if it is a debit or credit, the profit and the loss target you want and the name you want to give the trade. Once you save it or execute it, the number of contracts move from the model column to pos column. The nice thing here you can model any trade and follow it without executing it and if you decide to change anything you go into the trade and in the model column enter offsetting contracts and the risk profile will automatically reflect the adjustments compared to the original trade. So to answer your questions; you can set pricing, adjust in ONE and then execute it from ONE. The free trial is great and I believe it is for 30 days; plenty of time to get your feet wet and ask their support questions. They will answer almost immediately via chat. or worse case get back to you the nest business day. As you can see, I like it a lot and I am not being paid to say it...

I find both TWS and mobile TWS cumbersome as well. I use to use TOS, which I think is easier to use than IB, but I find placing trading there was just too expensive. My TWS has four screens (standard), left hand top corner is the trade screen, right top is monitor of my account, bottom right is activity for the day, left bottom corner, news. I have used TWS mobile but only when I have to. Again, a lot more difficult then TOS mobile. IB TWS has a lot of information in it, but again it is not easy yo use. Therefore, I am now using OptionNet Explorer to interface with IB. Kim held a webinar on it and it was recorded for anyone who has not seen it. It is not free ($700 for a year) but I think it is money well spent if you decide to make trading a serious part of your everyday life. It is an extremely simple tool where you can model your trades in and then send them directly to IB to be filled. All the Risk Profiles you see from Kim are from OptionNet Explorer. Yesterday, I had one glitch with it when I tried to send over the VIX trade and support uploaded my log files to understand the problem (they are very responsive). However, every other trade I have sent directly over has gone right thru. Simple interface which makes it almost impossible to make mistakes unlike what I have experienced working in IB. It also has great tools to report performance and you can easily do back testing.

Kim, I am about to finish my trial for OptionNet Explorer and really think it is a great tool. I have account with IB and TOS but do all my option trading with IB since as you have explained on numerous occasions, it is a lot less than TOS. .The IB interface was relatively easy to set-up and am now sending trades directly to IB through the API. I still find trades set-ups with IB on TWS a little more cumbersome than TOS so the interface through OptionNet ensures I do not make any mistakes. As you mention, the support from OptionNet has been excellent, extremely responsive and with use their desktop connection they are able to work with you on your desktop to straighten out any issues. My trail subscription expires on the 17th and would like your advice around next steps. With Steady Options discount of an additional 10% it will cost around $700 a year, not terrible, but would like to make sure I am using my dollars wisely. I know you are an active user of OptionNet and are using a screen shot from OptionNet when you set-up trade discussions with the members so my questions are; do you use any other tools for you options trade analysis that you would recommend in addition to OptionNet ? and from a cost perspective, if I was choose only one or two, which tools would you recommend ? I assume OptionNet would be one of them. Thanks.

I use IB TWS and it has not been a hassle, just another step. Also, have used it with mobile TWS and it has been easy as well. Only thing I find with IB TWS is that you cannot have two sessions going at the same time on mobile and TWS. TOS lets you have a multiple session running. I guess given today's security issues, it is for our benefit but interesting how TOS does not have the same double login process.

Edwin, thanks for the heads up. The TOS group looks promising..thanks again.

Another interesting perspective on eoptions written in March 2015. It points what it appears a lot of members are doing; use another website for analysis and using IB to place the trades. https://stockpeer.com/blog/27/eoptioncom-hands-down-the-cheapest-trading-commissions

I really liked Edwin's suggestion around networking to discuss option trading strategies and it appears he was successful in starting a networking group in the Boston Area. I would like to start one in the Atlanta area. If anyone is interested, please let me know.

I, like everyone else, is trying to reduce commission costs. I came across this web site http://www.onlinebrokerrev.com/commissions_and_fees/options-trading-commissions.phpwhere you can enter the number of round trip contracts and it will come back with the costs for each online broker. Not sure if it is 100% accurate but even if it close, then eoption appears to be the cheapest, by far. Is anyone using them and if so, what is your experience ? Unless TOS can at least match IB, I will be moving away from them but before I do, would like to know if anyone has any experience with eoption. Even with the best ROI on my trades, if I do not get the commission structure right first then I am shooting myself in the foot. Thanks,

Ausstone. Maybe I missinterputed your last post but did you say you closed the GMCR strangle for 5.91 and bought it for .25 ?

FYI, for anyone using TOS, the P/L Day for today is incorrect. It is reflecting data from two days ago. I called TOS help desk and they informed me it will be fixed tonight. Does not inspire much confidence in their software.

Sean, appreciate the advice and entered yesterday at $3. From my limited experience, I like the set-up relative to earnings and agree the time risk is worth it given past performance. Hope the we have similar gains compared to previous trades. Thanks again,

Kim, reviewed the download and it is great for anyone new to the site. Thanks for putting it together. As you know, I am with Anchor Trades and this would be a great tool for any newbie for that forum as well. Every forum has a wealth of information and I applaud you and the team for building its content. In my opinion, a similar overview specific to each forum will save some frustration for anyone new. It may not be necessary for Iron Condors since Steady Options and Iron Condors appear to be very similar but Anchor Trading has its own unique characteristics. You are 100% correct that we should all study the useful links because it will answer almost all of our questions when we start out but would I like to also recommend that uselinks be categorized for each forum. This would help with determining which articles are specific to a strategy/forum. BTW:I have been part of other sites and your ability to answer all questions in a timely manner is just short of amazing. I know some of my question/discussions can test the teams' patience but as you said "we will not learn unless we ask". Thanks again,