One can be in the same. Non-affiliates can short their own holdings thus maximizing profits. It is done all the time, especially on PIPE deals.
You need to spend a few hours researching the regulations. If your in denial that the short volume reported by FINRA is incorrect, then you are basically saying that brokers are reporting false information and that the whole system is not working.
Fact is, this new reporting system was mandated by the SEC and is being used in a study which is what is being used to determine securities reform.
There are only 3 legal ways a broker can report a stock, "long", "short" and "short exempt". I think you are looking at selling stock short in a more broader sense of the term.
Keep in mind Joe, we are in the midst of something simply amazing.. the forced transparency of the markets. The deep ugly dark secrets are finally emerging.
This post by ThePennyGuru is very informative.. instead of being in denial, open your mind a little and review the information, then think on it for awhile.
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