Mr. Jim Cramer

Early on, I was never much of a Jim Cramer fan because he is such a loud-mouth and crazy, even though I watch him on the Kudlow & Cramer. Then, I ever made fun of him when he made some bad calls.

Then, this summer, while attending TDAmeritade investor workshop, Jim Cramer's name came up as one of the all-time top investors. I have my doubt but decided to watch his Mad Money show and read this book.

For the past 3 months, I watched his show every day and finally understand what make Mr. Cramer special. He recommends good solid stocks which have STARTED the run up. If you are looking to follow Cramer and get 200% or 300% gain, forget it. But for 20%-30%, even 60%-70% run (I'll take that).

Consider his C.A.N.D.I.E.S recommendations:

CMG - from $88 to $210 YTD up 139%
AAPL - from $210 to $305 YTD up 45%
NFLX - from $55 to $175 YTD up 218%
DECK - from $34 to $54 YTD up 59%
ISRG - from $303 to $262 YTD down 14%
ESRX - from $43 to $48 YTD up 11%
CRM - from $73 to $115 YTD up 69%

That is only YTD in 2010. I don't know about you but those are pretty good picks. All investors will get it wrong sometime, Cramer is human too. As Cramer suggests, we can't simply follow his advise blindly, we need to do our homework as well (I guess that is his ways to minimize criticism).

But in any case, you need to have you own investment styles and preference. No matter what any advisor say, you got to evaluate based on your own belief before investing.

All in all, my view of Jim Cramer has changed 180 degree. I used ridicule him but now I respect him. If you are like me, skepticism is good but it is OK to change your view sometime.