I think it depends on what your definition of "long term" is. If you think you have enough patience to be able to hold when it is down 80%, long term investing might be good for you. If not, trading might be the way to go. In this crazy environment, it's hard to say.
yes there are some good altcoins where you can invest your money, for example etherium and some other coins where you can invest your money for a long time. and if you have good experience in short term investment then there are also altcoin where the price fluctuation is too much and can give you opportunity for short term investment and making money.