RORY HANSEN

The Interactive Brokers Group is sponsoring a competition for university students that pits them against each other in designing some sort of automated trading platform. I haven’t had time to read indepth what exactly they’re expecting contestants to produce, but from what I’ve read so far, they want you to use their API to make stock market trades using an algorithm that you design. It sounds intriguing and I’ll probably be submitting a request to be apart of the competition.

From the IB competition website:

Trades must be generated by computer algorithms. Students will compete using the same Interactive Brokers’ Trader Workstation Application Program Interface (API) that professional traders use to create automated trading solutions. A multitude of programming languages including Java, C++, C, and Visual Basic may be utilized with our API. Student algorithms may trade US stocks, options, futures, Forex, or bonds as often as their programs require over the contest period.

My solution will probably be coded in either Java or C#, assuming that C# applications are supported. Although I don’t have all that much practical experience with trading and the various markets that are available to me, I see this competition as a chance to learn about well-known trading methodologies and patterns.

If you are interested in reading more about this competition, head over to the competition website.

After taking *many* weeks off of Rails programming, I’ve decided to begin work on a couple new projects. One of them will be using Duane’s Product Generator so that I can “productize” it. Basically, here’s the concept: Using the Ruby/Amazon library, I can easily consume the Amazon web services. By leveraging the code reuse that Product Generator facilitates, I can create many small online stores that “sell” Amazon products, and for each product I sell, I’ll earn between 5% and 10% in commission. Each online store will be specialized to a specific niche, such as haunted houses or water polo, etc.

Sound okay? I think so.

I already have some experience using the Amazon Web Services, as I’ve used them on my lyrics website. But now, these stores that I create will use the web services in greater depth, as visitors will be able to add items to their shopping cart or their wishlist, etc.

Anyway, I’ll keep you updated with the progress I’m making with Product Generator and Amazon web services.

I’ve been successfully using both Chitika eMiniMalls and Google Adsense banner ads on many of my websites for the last few months. So far, revenue from the Chitika eMiniMalls have exceeded my expectations, as I regularly earn double what my Adsense earns daily.

If you’re interested in signing up for the Chitika affiliate program, feel free to use this referral link. I’ll earn 10% of whatever you earn over your first 12 months on the program. As well, you yourself will earn 10% of the earnings that anyone you refer earns.