is a legal latin phrase referring to a logical fallacy. It involves insulting or belittling one's opponent in order to attack his claim or invalidate his argument. It can also involve pointing out true character flaws or actions that are irrelevant to the opponent's argument. This tactic is logically fallacious because insults and negative facts about the opponent's personal character have nothing to do with the logical merits of the opponent's assertions.
If we engage in "argumentum ad hominem", we may think we are advancing our assertion, but in truth, we are only showing our own illogical thought process. We expect children might have this type of shallow thought process, but with grown adults, unless there is a limited mental capacity or a personality disorder, we expect more logical reasoning. My rule of thumb on these billboards is to never respond in kind with any argumentum ad hominem, but always be ready and willing to participate in any logical discussion or exchange of ideas. We should all be grown up enough to accept criticism of our reasoning, but when the criticism turns to personally attacking the character of the other person, that is where reasonable people will all agree it steps over the line.
The one logical point that can be validly made this week is that no matter how derisked any given project seems, the overall market can always trump the trick. Still, one would hope that if you have been dealt a good hand in cards, you will eventually win. However, it brings home the fact that there is always some risk involved with investing in any stock, especially penny stock. Lets keep our posts logical and respectful.