Thanks for the clarification.  I don't know a lot about the rules around shorting but I do undestand the premise of betting that a stock will go in the other direction.  To be honest if done legally I really don't have a problem with it.  It's a heck of a gamble though as the losses can be infinite.  The practice of shorting isn't something that I've ever dabbled in as I don't have trouble finding trading opportunities with out betting against everyone.  Now craps.....that's a different matter I'll switch back and forth between the pass line and the don't pass.

Good luck to everyone and their investments whaever they may be,

Brian