Besides the hacking, it's basically like the Stock market. This is a very volatile stock so to speak, consider Bitcoins like an IPO, but there is no CEO to tell you what is going on, the Bitcoin CEO is essentially anyone and everyone who uses bitcoins. Thus, individuals have to study what people are saying and doing right now. As well as look at trends.

The best way to understand and grasp this concept is to read as much as you can. This is a NEW thing and to get ahead of the game, YOU have to acquire knowledge before others and APPLY that knowledge to succeed.

Like anything else, it requires HARD work, and that's why most people are skeptical about bitcoin. Just because early adopters made bank right now, people think it's a get rich scheme and are saddened when they find out later that it's not.