Maybe the title isn't as obvious as i want it to be, i wanted to know from people already investing in cryptocurrencies how to decide/research which coin is worth the money and which is not, what does it take for a coin to look successfull, strong code? Dev support? Most importantly, how to decide where to invest rather than taking advice on what to invest into.
If it's meant for long term or you are eyeing for a long term profits then go on the advice of Microguy since no doubt that is really true.
If you meant of making profits within a short term then risk some small money on those new coins at ICO. There is no way an investor can choose coins and be sure that it will give profit on their side. That's how risky altcoin trading is.
Only bitcoin can give you a peaceful mind that it will give you profit in the future since there is continous support in the community.