PDF Summary:Cryptocurrency Investing Bible, by Alan T. Norman

Cryptocurrency has exploded into public consciousness and financial markets in recent years — but how does it work, and how can you invest in it? In Cryptocurrency Investing Bible, Alan T. Norman explores this digital asset class, covering the fundamental technology behind it and practical methods for investing.

You'll gain insights into Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency, as well as blockchain and mining, the innovative technologies securing crypto transactions. Then, you'll learn investment strategies, from long-term approaches focused on growing your capital to shorter-term tactics for active trading. The guide also delves into specialized methods like ICOs, cloud mining, and crypto funds, while highlighting best practices for safely managing risk in this emerging market.

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Context

• Due to its distributed nature, hacking a blockchain would require gaining control of more than half of the network's nodes simultaneously, which is extremely difficult and resource-intensive.
• Any attempt to alter a transaction would be immediately evident because it would break the chain of hashes. This tamper-evident nature acts as a deterrent to fraud.
• The immutability of blockchain records allows for transparent and verifiable audit trails. This feature is particularly valuable in industries requiring rigorous compliance and accountability.
• Hash functions are designed to be fast to compute, which is essential for the efficiency of blockchain operations, especially in networks with high transaction volumes.
• The larger the network, the more secure it is. A large number of nodes means that any attempt to alter the blockchain would require a massive amount of computational resources, making it economically and practically unfeasible.
• Because the data cannot be changed, parties can trust the information on the blockchain without needing a central authority or intermediary to verify its accuracy.

Cryptocurrency Investment Vehicles (Wallets, Exchanges, Trading)

This section focuses on practical tools and concepts essential for engaging in the crypto space. It covers the function of wallets, how to choose reliable exchanges to buy and sell crypto, and the basics of trading strategies to potentially profit from this dynamic market.

Cryptocurrency Wallets

This section focuses on digital wallets for cryptocurrency, essential tools that store, manage, and send cryptocurrencies. This includes an introduction to different kinds of wallets—hot, cold, and hardware—each carrying its own security features and associated risks.

Wallets Store Keys for Accessing and Transacting With Digital Currency

Norman emphasizes that digital wallets don't function as physical containers that hold cryptocurrencies. They function as digital tools for holding the private keys necessary to access and manage digital currency holdings. Each wallet has a unique pair of keys: a private key, akin to a password that grants access to your funds, and a public address that others can use to send you cryptocurrencies.

Practical Tips

• Conduct a monthly security audit where you review your wallet's security measures, update any software, and check for any potential vulnerabilities. This proactive approach helps you stay ahead of security threats and ensures your funds remain protected.
• Use a labeling system for your public addresses to keep track of different transactions or purposes. This could involve assigning nicknames to each address within your wallet software or keeping a secure, encrypted digital notebook where each address is labeled with its intended use, such as "savings," "trading," or "donations." This way, you can easily monitor and manage your funds across various addresses without confusion.

Types of Wallets: Hot, Cold, and Hardware, Each With Advantages and Risks

The author introduces digital wallets that are either online or offline. Digital wallets, typically connected online, offer convenience and speed for transactions but carry a higher security risk. Offline wallets prioritize security over convenience and are generally recommended for extended holdings. A newer kind of wallet, hardware wallets, offer a blend of convenience and security, providing physical devices for offline key storage that are often considered the most secure option.

Other Perspectives

• The statement does not take into account the possibility of insured digital wallets, where funds may be protected up to a certain amount, reducing the effective risk to the user.
• The recommendation for extended holdings does not account for the need for liquidity and quick access that some users may require for their investment strategies.
• The security of hardware wallets can also be compromised through supply chain attacks, where the device is tampered with before reaching the consumer, or through vulnerabilities in the wallet's firmware that can be exploited by hackers.

Platforms for Exchanging Cryptocurrency

This section explores how cryptocurrency exchanges function as platforms where users can buy, sell, or exchange different cryptocurrencies for other cryptocurrencies or traditional fiat currencies. This includes guidance on factors to consider when choosing a trustworthy exchange.

Exchanges Allow Users to Swap Cryptocurrencies for Digital or Fiat Money

Cryptocurrency platforms serve as marketplaces for users to buy, sell, and exchange various cryptocurrencies for government-issued currency or other digital assets. They facilitate transactions, connect buyers with vendors, and set market prices based on supply and need.

Other Perspectives

• Transaction fees on cryptocurrency platforms can be high, which might discourage users from engaging in frequent trading or exchanging of cryptocurrencies.
• Some cryptocurrency exchanges operate on a peer-to-peer basis, where the exchange itself does not connect buyers and sellers but rather provides a platform for them to connect directly.
• Some argue that the presence of high-frequency trading bots can distort the natural supply and demand dynamics on an exchange.
• The process of swapping cryptocurrencies for government-issued currency can be slow on some platforms, leading to delays and potential losses due to price volatility.
• The liquidity of certain digital assets on exchanges can be low, making it difficult to execute large trades without significantly affecting the market price.

Choose a Reputable Platform for Trades by Assessing Security, Fees, and Features

Norman advises selecting a reputable and secure exchange, highlighting the critical factors to consider, including strong security measures (like multifactor authentication), reasonable fees for trades and withdrawals, a wide variety of supported crypto assets, plus favorable reviews from users.

Practical Tips

• Develop a habit of regularly checking the regulatory compliance of your chosen exchange. Set calendar reminders to visit the exchange's website or official communications channels every quarter to look for updates on their compliance with financial regulations, which can change and affect the security and reputation of the exchange.
• Use a budgeting app that allows for the addition of custom categories to monitor your trading-related expenses. By setting up a category specifically for trading and withdrawal fees, you can keep an eye on these costs as part of your overall financial management. This helps ensure that fees don't eat into your investment returns without you noticing.
• Create a checklist of desired features for a crypto platform, including security measures, user interface, and customer support, to compare against when researching platforms. This will help you identify platforms that not only support a wide variety of crypto assets but also meet your personal requirements for trading and investing. For example, you might prioritize platforms with two-factor authentication, a clean and easy-to-navigate interface, and 24/7 customer service.
• Develop a personal review rating system to quantify the trustworthiness of reviews you encounter. Assign points for specific criteria such as the detail level of the review, the presence of photos, the reviewer's history, and whether the review addresses both pros and cons. When considering a product or service, tally the points for its reviews to get an overall trustworthiness score. This system can help you make more informed decisions by providing a structured way to evaluate the credibility of user feedback.

Trading Cryptocurrencies

This section explores the basics of cryptocurrency trading, highlighting the potential for profit from price volatility. It introduces you to the core concept of buying low and selling high, along with the importance of adopting effective strategies for trading.

Profiting From Crypto Volatility: Buy Low and Sell High

Cryptocurrency trading revolves around the core principle of buying low and selling high, aiming to capitalize on cryptocurrencies' fluctuating values. Understanding market trends, analyzing technical aspects, and managing risk are crucial for success in this volatile market.

Other Perspectives

• This strategy may encourage frequent trading, which can lead to higher transaction costs and tax implications that could erode potential profits.
• Market trends can be misleading due to the influence of unpredictable events or market manipulation, which can lead to incorrect conclusions and investment losses.
• Technical analysis requires a significant time investment to learn and apply effectively, which may not be feasible for all traders, especially those with limited time or resources.
• Overemphasis on risk management might lead to an overly conservative approach, which could result in lower returns compared to those who take calculated risks.

Trading Strategies: Trend Analysis, Risk Management, and Informed Decisions

The author emphasizes the importance of developing a sound approach to trading and making informed decisions based on careful analysis of market trends, not just chasing hype. Handling risk through techniques like diversification, setting stop-loss orders to curb potential losses, and investing only what you can afford to lose are vital aspects of successful crypto investing.

Other Perspectives

• While developing a sound approach to trading is important, it can sometimes lead to overconfidence in one's system, potentially causing a trader to overlook market anomalies or unexpected events that don't fit the model.
• Emotional and psychological factors can heavily influence market movements, and these are difficult to quantify and incorporate into trend analysis.
• Hype can sometimes be based on solid fundamentals or insider information that has not yet been fully understood or appreciated by the wider market.
• Diversification may not always reduce risk if the assets are correlated and react similarly to market events.
• In illiquid markets or during times of extreme volatility, stop-loss orders may not be executed at the desired price level, leading to slippage and larger than expected losses.
• The concept of "afford to lose" is subjective and varies greatly from person to person, potentially leading to confusion or misinterpretation of how much one should invest.

Investment Approaches for Crypto

This section focuses on different investment strategies that investors can adopt to potentially grow their assets within the crypto sector. From long-term approaches focused on capital appreciation through dollar-cost averaging and buying dips, to brief-term tactics employing chart analysis and risk management tools, this section offers actionable insights for different investment styles. It also explores specialized investment vehicles like ICOs, mining through cloud-based platforms, and crypto investments that come with high risks but might offer passive income potential.

Long-Term Investment Strategies

Long-term methods for investing in cryptocurrencies focus on holding onto what you own for an extended period, often years, to potentially benefit from the long-term growth of the market. They tend to involve lower risk than strategies focused on short durations, but generally require patience and the ability to withstand market fluctuations.

Dollar-Cost Averaging & Buying Dips Mitigate Risk in Long-Term Crypto Investments

Dollar-Cost Averaging, also explained by Norman, is a popular long-term investment strategy that involves investing a fixed amount of money at regular intervals, regardless of the current market price. This reduces the chance of buying at market peaks and helps you purchase additional assets when prices are lower. Buying dips is another helpful strategy, entailing the purchase of assets when their prices have fallen, which might let you buy low and hopefully sell high later.

Context

• This approach encourages a disciplined investment habit, as it requires regular contributions regardless of market conditions.
• This strategy is particularly beneficial for long-term investors who are more concerned with gradual wealth accumulation rather than short-term gains.
• DCA can reduce the emotional stress of investing, as it removes the pressure of trying to time the market perfectly, which is often difficult and risky.
• Buying dips is often most effective when combined with a long-term investment perspective, allowing time for the market to recover and grow.

Diversifying Cryptocurrencies Spreads Risk

Diversification remains a key principle in both traditional and crypto investing, asserts Norman. By spreading your investments across several different cryptocurrencies instead of relying on just one, you can potentially mitigate the risk associated with a single project's failure.

Context

• The crypto market is rapidly evolving. Diversifying allows investors to participate in various emerging trends and technologies.
• Each cryptocurrency operates on its own technology and blockchain. If there is a flaw or vulnerability in the technology of a single cryptocurrency, it could lead to a loss of value or even a complete collapse.

Brief Strategies for Market Activity

Strategies with brief timeframes capitalize on market fluctuations, aiming to generate quick profits. Such approaches are more active than long-term investing and often involve greater risk.

Crypto Market Technical Analysis Identifies Profitable Opportunities

Norman highlights the importance of technical analysis for short-term trading, using chart patterns, indicators, and trends to identify potential buying and selling opportunities. Understanding and interpreting the signals from spikes in market activity and support/resistance levels can help traders make informed decisions.

Practical Tips

• Use mobile apps with technical analysis tools to set up alerts for specific market conditions. Choose an app that allows you to customize alerts based on technical indicators like moving averages, RSI, or MACD. Set these alerts for the assets you're interested in, so you can make timely decisions based on the technical analysis data you receive directly on your phone.
• Create a visual journal to track patterns and trends by using colored pens and a notebook to draw the price movements of a particular stock over time. This hands-on approach can help you recognize patterns without the need for sophisticated software. For example, use a green pen to mark upward trends and a red pen for downward trends, then note any shapes or formations that recur.
• Engage in paper trading to simulate investment decisions based on market spikes. Use a virtual trading account to practice making trades based on observed spikes in market activity without risking real money. This will give you a feel for how these signals might affect your trading decisions and help you refine your strategy in a risk-free environment.
• Organize a small study group with friends or online acquaintances who are also interested in technical analysis. Meet regularly to discuss how you each interpret support and resistance levels in current market conditions and to compare notes on successful and unsuccessful trades. This collaborative approach can provide diverse perspectives and accelerate your learning process.

Risk Management Through Position Sizing and Loss Orders Is Key for Short-Term Investing

Risk management is paramount in short-term investment strategies. Norman strongly advocates for controlling position sizing, meaning committing a limited percentage of your total funds in each trade. He suggests utilizing stop-loss orders, which automatically sell your position once a particular price is reached, limiting potential losses during rapid price declines.

Practical Tips

• Develop a personal investment checklist that includes risk management criteria. Before making any short-term investment, run through this checklist to ensure you've considered all potential risks. Your checklist might include items like market volatility, company news, economic indicators, and your own financial threshold for loss. Using a checklist can help you make more disciplined investment decisions and avoid emotional or impulsive trades.
• Implement a stop-loss order for every trade to automatically sell off the investment if it drops to a certain price. This limits your potential loss to a predetermined amount and helps you stick to your position sizing strategy without letting emotions drive your decisions.
• Create a visual reminder system in your workspace that displays your trading rules, including the percentage limit per trade. This could be a simple printed chart or a digital widget on your computer that you'll see every time you're about to execute a trade. The visual cue serves as a constant reminder to check your current allocations and helps prevent impulsive decisions that could lead to overexposure in a single trade.
• Partner with a friend who is also interested in investing and practice peer-reviewing each other's investment strategies, including stop-loss placements. By explaining your reasoning for stop-loss levels and receiving feedback, you can refine your approach to risk management and potentially uncover blind spots in your strategy.

Specialized Investment Vehicles

This section delves into more specialized investment methods within the crypto sector, exploring the potential for high returns but also emphasizing their unique risks. It covers initial coin offerings, cloud mining services, and cryptocurrency investment funds.

ICOs Present Investment Opportunities, but Also High Risks

Norman describes Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) as a fundraising method where startups issue digital tokens in exchange for contributions of cryptocurrency, often before having a fully developed product. While ICOs can offer tremendous potential profits for early investors, he cautions that they also carry substantial dangers. Many ICOs fail to deliver on their promises, turning into scams or simply failing to secure market acceptance for their tokens. He urges thorough research and due diligence before putting money into an initial coin offering, advising to carefully consider the team's background, the white paper, and overall feasibility.

Other Perspectives

• The phrase "in exchange for cryptocurrency contributions" suggests a transactional certainty that may not exist, given the volatility of cryptocurrencies and the potential for loss.
• Early investors in ICOs may face significant losses if the project fails to comply with regulatory requirements, leading to legal issues or shutdowns.
• Investors who have expertise in the technology or market that an ICO is targeting may be able to assess the risks more accurately and make informed decisions that could lead to successful investments.
• While it's true that some ICOs have turned into scams or failed to secure market acceptance, many have also been successful, leading to the creation of valuable and innovative blockchain projects.
• Relying solely on due diligence may give investors a false sense of security, as even well-researched projects can fail due to unforeseen circumstances.
• The white paper, although a crucial document, can sometimes be misleading or overly optimistic, and it may not always reflect the actual potential or practicality of the project.

Cloud Mining and Crypto Investments Yield Passive Income, but Demand Due Diligence

Cloud mining contracts allow investors to be involved in cryptocurrency mining without owning or maintaining the necessary hardware. They essentially rent processing power from specialized companies. Cryptocurrency funds pool together investors' funds to invest in a wide range of cryptocurrencies, aiming to maximize returns through portfolio diversification and professional management. While both options offer the potential for passive income, Norman stresses the importance of researching the reputability and track record of providers offering cloud mining services or investment funds to avoid scams or poorly performing investments.

Practical Tips

• Create a cloud mining interest group with friends or online communities to share insights and strategies. By pooling knowledge and resources, you can collectively make informed decisions about which cloud mining contracts to invest in. This collaborative effort can lead to better risk management and potentially more profitable outcomes.
• Experiment with a small-scale trial of processing power rental to understand the practical aspects before committing more resources. Choose a short-term rental option with a low entry cost to test the waters. Monitor the performance closely, taking notes on the setup process, maintenance requirements, and actual returns versus projected returns. Use this trial to refine your approach and decide whether to scale up your investment.
• Engage with a robo-advisor platform that offers cryptocurrency investment options. Robo-advisors use algorithms to manage investments based on your risk tolerance and goals, providing a hands-off approach to diversification in crypto assets. This can be a stepping stone to experiencing the benefits of a cryptocurrency fund without needing deep knowledge of the market.
• Use social proof as a barometer for reputation by tracking mentions of providers on social media and forums. Set up Google Alerts for the names of providers you're interested in, and join relevant online communities where their services might be discussed. Pay attention to both the frequency and the sentiment of these mentions to gauge public perception.

Risks and Best Practices for Cryptocurrencies

This section explores the risks inherent in cryptocurrency investing and provides essential guidelines for mitigating these risks. It covers the volatile nature of cryptocurrency and how to manage risk effectively, the importance of prioritizing security and protecting your investments, and the need for staying informed to make well-considered investment decisions.

Volatility and Risk Management

This section addresses the inherent volatility of cryptocurrency markets, emphasizing the potential for substantial gains and losses. It guides you through practical risk management strategies that may minimize your exposure to losses and underscores the importance of diversification to spread risk.

Unpredictability of Crypto Investing Can Lead to Substantial Gains or Losses

The author emphasizes the significant volatility characteristic of cryptocurrencies, leading to potentially substantial gains or losses over a short period. He underlines that this volatility stems from numerous factors, including regulatory developments, technological advances, market sentiment, and media hype. Investors should be prepared for these fluctuations.

Other Perspectives

• The focus on significant gains or losses could imply a binary outcome, whereas many investors experience a range of outcomes between these extremes, including moderate gains or losses.
• Regulatory developments often aim to reduce volatility by introducing clarity and investor protection, which can sometimes stabilize the market rather than contribute to its unpredictability.
• The advice to be prepared for fluctuations may be too generic and not actionable without specific guidance on how to prepare or manage such volatility.

Risk Management: Diversification and Position Limits to Protect From Losses

Norman strongly advocates for adopting effective risk management techniques to safeguard your capital. He recommends diversification across various cryptocurrencies, as described earlier, to avoid the possibility of losing everything if a single asset's value collapses. Additionally, he advocates for setting limits on the amount of capital you can risk in each trade.

Practical Tips

• Use insurance strategically to mitigate potential financial losses in areas of your life where you face significant risk. Evaluate where you're most vulnerable – whether it's health, property, or your ability to work – and invest in appropriate insurance policies. For example, if you live in an area prone to natural disasters, getting comprehensive home insurance could save you from financial ruin in case of a catastrophe.

Safety and Protection

Safety is a critical aspect of navigating the crypto landscape. This section emphasizes the importance of using secure methods to safeguard your funds and taking precautions to protect yourself from potential scams or hacks.

Secure Cryptocurrency With Reputable Wallet

As cryptocurrency wallets hold the keys to your funds, choosing a reliable and secure wallet is paramount, asserts Norman. He re-emphasizes the key difference between hot wallets, online and generally considered less secure, and cold storage, which is stored offline, offering greater security for long-term holdings.

Practical Tips

• Create a physical backup plan for your cold storage information by engraving the key information on metal plates. Metal is more durable than paper and can withstand elements like fire or water damage. You can buy blank metal plates and use an engraving pen to etch in your recovery phrases or private keys, then store these in a safe deposit box or another secure location.

Strong Security Measures, Like Multi-Factor Authentication, Are Vital for Cryptocurrency Exchanges

The author highlights that strong security measures for cryptocurrency platform accounts are crucial, as these platforms are prime targets for hackers. He strongly recommends enabling multi-step verification, a security protocol requiring two independent forms of identification, making it significantly harder for unauthorized users to access your profile. He also advises against keeping significant sums of cryptocurrency stored on exchanges, as these are vulnerable to hacking or other security breaches.

Practical Tips

• You can enhance your cryptocurrency account security by setting up a dedicated email address that you use solely for cryptocurrency transactions. This reduces the risk of phishing attacks because this email will not be widely known or used for other purposes, making it less likely to be targeted. For example, create an email with a complex username that doesn't include your name or obvious references to crypto, and use it exclusively for your crypto accounts.
• You can diversify your cryptocurrency holdings across multiple exchanges to mitigate the risk of losing all your assets if one exchange is compromised. By not keeping all your digital assets in one place, you reduce the impact of any single exchange being hacked. For example, if you own Bitcoin and Ethereum, consider using one exchange for Bitcoin and another for Ethereum.
• Create a physical backup of your MFA codes and store them in a secure location, like a locked drawer or a safe. Many services that offer MFA also provide backup codes that can be used if your primary device is unavailable. By printing these out and keeping them secure, you ensure access to your accounts even if your electronic devices are lost or stolen.
• Educate your family and friends on the importance of multi-factor authentication by hosting a casual cybersecurity awareness evening. Use this as an opportunity to walk them through the setup process on their devices, emphasizing the use of different forms of identification. Share stories of how multi-factor authentication has prevented unauthorized access to accounts to illustrate its importance.
• Educate yourself on the use of multi-signature wallets for enhanced security. Multi-signature wallets require multiple keys to authorize a transaction, which can involve trusted friends or family members. Start by experimenting with a small amount of cryptocurrency to understand how multi-signature transactions work and then gradually move larger amounts off exchanges using this method.
• Regularly update your passwords and use two-factor authentication for all your exchange accounts. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords, and enable two-factor authentication using an app like Google Authenticator rather than SMS, which can be intercepted.

Staying Informed and Making Informed Decisions

This section emphasizes the constantly evolving nature of the crypto market and stresses the importance of staying informed about trends, news, and technological developments. It encourages you to rely on reputable sources and engage in thorough research before making investment decisions. Ultimately, making informed decisions can be one of your best defenses against scams and unwise investment choices.

Crypto Sector Constantly Evolves; Staying Updated Is Key

Norman stresses that the crypto market is ever-changing, with new projects, technologies, and regulatory developments emerging frequently. He encourages you to keep current with the latest trends and news to make informed investment choices.

Practical Tips

• Engage in micro-investing by rounding up your daily purchases to the nearest dollar and investing the spare change into cryptocurrency. There are apps and services that facilitate this by linking to your bank account or credit card. This strategy allows you to invest small amounts regularly, reducing the barrier to entry and allowing you to benefit from the sector's growth without making large, risky investments.
• Engage in micro-networking sessions online, such as Twitter chats or LinkedIn groups, to discuss and analyze trends with peers. This can provide you with diverse perspectives and insights that you might not have considered. For example, participating in a weekly Twitter chat with professionals in your field can expose you to new ideas and emerging trends discussed in real-time.

Rely on Reputable Sources and Research to Make Informed Investment Decisions

The author cautions against blindly following hype or relying on unsubstantiated claims. He advocates for independent research and consulting reliable sources like reputable financial publications, respected analysts, and independent assessment firms prior to making investment decisions. This cautious approach helps you to avoid scams, identify promising projects, and potentially maximize your odds of achieving profitable investments.

Practical Tips

• Implement a 72-hour "cooling-off" period for all investment decisions. Whenever you come across a new investment opportunity that excites you, wait for three days before taking any action. During this time, research the investment thoroughly, looking at market trends, the company's financial health, and expert analysis. This waiting period helps to mitigate the impulse to follow the crowd and allows for a more measured, informed decision-making process.
• Set up a monthly "investment club" with friends or family where each person presents an independently researched investment idea. This not only encourages thorough research before meetings but also provides a platform for peer review and discussion. For instance, if you're interested in the renewable energy sector, you could present a solar company you've researched, while someone else might bring information about wind technology investments.
• Create a financial news digest by subscribing to a variety of financial newsletters from different sources and summarizing their key points weekly. This habit ensures you're getting a broad spectrum of insights and can quickly identify trends or important news without being overwhelmed by the volume of information.
• You can enhance your decision-making by setting up a monthly "analyst roundtable" with friends or colleagues. Gather a group of peers and take turns presenting analysis on current events, investments, or industry trends. This mimics the process of consulting analysts and helps you refine your ability to evaluate information critically.
• Develop a habit of cross-referencing the findings of independent assessment firms with peer-reviewed industry research. This means whenever you receive a report or assessment, take the time to look up recent studies or articles that relate to the same topic. This will help you understand the broader context and verify the reliability of the information provided by the assessment firm.
• Use social media to your advantage by following financial educators and consumer protection agencies that regularly post about common investment scams and warning signs. Engage with their content by asking questions and participating in discussions to deepen your understanding of how scams work and how to avoid them. This will keep you informed about the latest scam tactics and preventive measures in an interactive and practical way.
• Set up Google Alerts for keywords related to your project interests. By receiving regular updates on these topics, you can stay informed about emerging trends and opportunities that align with your project goals. This can help you spot promising projects early on and give you a head start in your research.
• Set up a monthly "Investment Reflection" session where you review past investment decisions and their outcomes. Use this time to identify patterns in your decision-making process that led to less profitable outcomes. This self-audit can help you refine your approach and avoid repeating mistakes.