You got that right, my personal ethics won't allow me to either pump or bash in an attempt to manipulate the price. I just say what I think, good or bad...but not usually at or near times when I'm trading.
As for paid bashers, I can see the possibility tho not likely IMO. Many pennies are shorted by people offshore, including those in Canada and Europe, too expensive for us in the continental US. I suppose they could solicit help in bashing but I don't think it would be any more illegal that pumping, just unethical. I do think they should be tagged with a disclaimer, same as paid pumpers, and I've never seen that.
Ya doin' OK Malc?
Have a nice weekend
Dee
"It's not your thinking that makes you money, it's your sitting." - Jesse Livermore