Sometimes, the prediction or suggestions was a big help to make a decision, but we cannot always rely on prediction, but i also agree that a chart is very useful. sometimes i read some news and ask some friends who is also bitcoin user. i also use twitter. read and retweet on twitter. and sometimes i watch on you tube.. i do not rely on one basis only but look on the wide horizons.
It is also much better to look at the ANN section here on bitcointalk of the said coin. There also updates here of devs on what is going on,a swap is scheduled and so forth. You can not rely on trollbox because there are pump and dump squad who are doing the marketing. Just be aware and be updated always.