Many investors, including a very large number of Fools, view Warren Buffett as the ideal investor; he's among the richest people in the world, and what's more, he got that way buy holding for the long term. Very Foolish.
But is there any point in trying to imitate him? In this week's Duel, Qualiport manager Bruce Jackson (TMFGoogly) argues that even those without Buffett's nose for a great investment can apply his principles, while Nigel Roberts (TMFNigel) says that no investor -- including Buffett -- ever got rich by slavishly following other people's ideas.
Read the arguments below, the hop over to the Duelling fools discussion board to cast your vote and give us your feedback.
Yes, You Can!
"If you accept that "technology" is the future, then you may also accept that Buffett is in fact finished. And if Buffett is finished, you'll also buy into the argument that it's no use copying Buffett. Finally, because there's only one Warren Buffett, you'll also accept that his investing style and philosophy couldn't and can't be copied.
"Developing your own style will be safer than placing blind faith in what you believe to be his system. Its no good trying to copy Buffett's stock picking techniques, as it's difficult to learn from him. He does not tell you exactly how he does it. His only writings are in the Berkshire Hathaway annual reports, and while these are well worth reading as they give you a glimpse of the real man, I don't think they are greatly instructive on how you should invest. You are not Buffett, and so don't try to pretend that you are." more
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