In many of my posts on Steemit I go pretty abstract, using writing as a way to clear up a disparate idea in my head. Attempting to break down something so others will understand it, furthering my own understanding.
However today I'd like to talk about the process I go through to keep track of all the ICO's coming out. Something a little more practical, hopefully I can help a few people streamline their own process and improve my own at the same time.
How to keep up with all the ICO's?
There's currently a huge flow of information. The trick is to break it up into bitesize, organised chunks.
What do I look at daily?
I use Twitter entirely for crypto, I follow any new ICO's, anyone I respect in the community and a bunch of already established influencers, such as Vinny Lingham.
The main benefit of Twitter is the speed at which I have access to information. Normally Twitter is the first place announcements are made, it's also the place where the most candid statements are made. Where people may let a little too much information slip... Things an observer can take advantage of.
There are a couple of sites I use to get information on upcoming ICO's.
Token market is my go-to ICO announcement site these days, they cover the majority of ICO sites along with their website and social media communication.
I used icocountdown much more in the past, however the owner charges the cash monies for ICO's to list, it's a little skewed and a bit of a money grab.
They, however have a good telegram group with a few knowledgeable investors, I've managed to find out about a few ICO's well before they would have landed on my lap.
Given all of this, the next step is to immerse yourself in the white papers and intensely study every single aspect of the icos. After you've done this a dozen times you'll start seeing patterns and the next dozen will be significantly easier to read through and apply quick heuristics on what has value. I may have brushed over this point, but it's the most important - embrace the intensity.
I'd take anything financially expressed on Steemit with a pinch of salt. However there are some valuable posters here, take 
However there is a flip side to Steemit, for example, the surge of posts a few months back regarding viva crowns, the most convoluted Ponzi exit scheme I've ever seen. Be aware.
For me it's not the posts, but the people of Steemit that I get an edge from.
This is probably where I get most of my value. It's largely been through connections on Steemit.
My background is a trader. But in the last few months I've managed to connect with people that work for blockchain companies, people that have a highly technical understanding of blockchains and even a couple of guys in founding ICO teams.
I'm part of a few chat groups where we discuss ideas and ways to allocate capital.
It's always better to have a few more, diverse eyes on a topic than just your own. You may do well in one area, but combine that with a group of specialists in their own areas and you have a group that is greater than the sum of its parts.
This is probably the most time consuming piece of the puzzle, but also the most rewarding, not only financially, but also socially.
Filter down the immense amount of information through Twitter and the Ico Sites.
Develop your strength. Let say we were playing tennis, what do you do best, serving, backhand...etc?
Find others around you, create a mastermind group. Where you all add value to eachother.
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I'm running semi-pubic group on steemit.chat around trading, anyone interested please DM me on rocket chat.
