Well it seems that the above covers two distinct topics:
1) The mechanics of our regular buy/sell decisions
2) Which (type of) shares are included in this
I have thoughts on both, but perhaps they should be in separate threads? For the moment, I'll restrict myself to thoughts on (2) ....
Firstly, I want us to ignore all the other shares we hold other than Medica. My suggestion is we only court investment in shares like Medica.
As you know, I'm also keen for us to look at "racier" stocks than we have done in the past. But I am fundamentally against this segregation of different types, and different processes depending on whether a stock is considered "long term". This split of "long term" and "other" is what we've just tried over the past 12 months (though I accept that you've proposed selling some "long term" shares to free up more funds).
To get greater engagement of members, we need a simple, predictable process that allows thoughtful decisions without being too time-consuming. Your proposal is definitely a step in that direction, but what if, for example, I want us to sell ITV? Is there a separate process for that? It all seems a bit complicated to me
"Buy and hold" is generally good advice for those investing for the long term, but I think this online share club needs a different approach. It's an experiment and an opportunity to learn, and for that we need to feel that we're in control of our fortunes. If the portfolio isn't performing, we should have regular opportunities to dump any of current stocks - if that's what members vote for.
I don't see your method working for shares in the FTSE market, as we'll probably be drawn towards more well known ones
I think we need to trust members to make the right decisions, rather than design a process that excludes certain options from the outset. In any one voting decision, I will argue my own corner (i.e. for more adventurous stocks) but if I get out-voted then so be it.
we have seen the value of buying and selling FTSE shares over a small period of time, say a month, is not going to produce anything exciting/interesting for members. However, with Medica we have seen much bigger changes in share price, which would be suited to your process and mine.
Swings and roundabouts. Yes, smaller stocks are more volatile. But they also have much wider buy/sell spreads so in that way it's actually harder to realise gains over a short period. Medica Group looks like a good long-term hold to me, where as with FTSE stocks they seem to fall in-and-out of favour, presenting opportunities for short-medium term 'punts'.
Hope that's helpful!