Options are where the money is. I won't name the stock, since it wouldn't be appropriate for this board. But, I put $23,000 into puts this morning and gained a net profit of $9,600 when I closed the trade for the day. If I'd taken that same $23,000 and gone short on the stock I'd only have gained $400. Options are the way to go.
I cleared $38,000 net profit with a $6,800 trade a few weeks ago using puts. Shorting the stock would have given me peanuts in comparison.
You really should consider learning how to play options. I can't believe the rate my account has grown since I made the switch. ;)
You can lose quickly if you play it wrong. Get some books and learn. Just a suggestion.