Okay, been slashing away now. 22 climbs with a monk. My lvl 55 armor is a Robe with 1 mod. +178% ee. I was told again that EE on armor for a melee monk is worthless. Is this true? Do I need +dex or + str armor for a melee monk? Any insight on making a good melee monk is much appreciated. Thanks.

Happy Slashing

As a Monk, your job is to not tank, but rather do damage.

I would advise switching to a strength or dexterity robe depending on what weapon you are using.
Look at the strength to dexterity ratios of each weapon to decide which one to use : http://ladderslasher.d2jsp.org/index.php?g=3

indeedd i would suggest switching to dex robe also .. dex since the monk wpns ( staff, dagger and spear ) all benefit more from dex then from str