Yeah, I've tried the whole stock market thing twice now. Put $1,000 in as a tracker against the market index, expected a decent return; of course, I put it in on Sep 10, 2001.
Never got that money back.
Thought I'd try again a couple of years ago, so I bought shares in Lloyds Group. On the eve of Lehman going south.
Never got that money back, either. I think I'll stick to 3% savings accounts, thanks.