Normally I don't like to do this but, I wanted to RE-post a comment I made today. Below...
Some of my better work, if I do say so myself.
We at AGY have been exposed to some vicious DOWNramping over the years.
There was that time right after the QQ thing...that I swear 50-100 new DOWNramper posters showed up out of the blue..."giving their opinion" for 2+ days solid...Then, disappeared...with-out a trace...
They've been having a go at AGY the past 2 years solid and a stock I'm in and a few others stocks also, ONLY AFTER bad news hits. Pure DOWNramping to get cheaper shares. Yet, many post later they made a good trade on XYZ stock.
THEN...the have goes...personal goes at LT holders.
calling them rampers etc. (Half of the AGY base have called me and others that.)
So this DOWNramper decides to post the following...
How nice of them to be a BIG helper to everyone (even though...they are a NON-holder!)
Bless their little hearts.
So I thought I'd HELP them too and warn them about the big, bad DOWN rampers.
-I'd suggest reading the above link first for context.
This is what I replied with...
(I'm bookmarking and copying this post to read/post later...for when they show up again. (and they will, to try and take your profits.)
Reposting this article as a timely reminder.
15 Ways To Spot Discussion Board DOWNRampers
The Internet has given investors many excellent sources for doing due diligence on the thousands of stocks available for purchase. But for many investors, finding trustworthy sources of information about a particular company can be challenging.
**(Actually, it's NOT challenging at all...you go DIRECTLY to the company and read their updates via the ASX. Then DYOR!)
One source that many investors look to for reliable information on a company is the various stock discussion boards and forums.
**(Seriously, I read this line 5 times and I LOL every time. Who in their right mind goes to HC to get RELIABLE INFO??!! I don't even believe my info...and I'm ME!)
While some of these research sources can be helpful, many of these discussion boards and forums have dangerous elements to them. Almost all stock forums contain slithery characters that have insidious hidden motives when posting their comments.
**(Yes, I think it's a good company and want the SP to go up... BUSTED!!)
Some of these forum posters are so clever at what they do, even the most sophisticated investor can make a bad buy or sell decision based on the poster’s deceiving posts on the forums. Recall that even the CEO of Whole Foods was caught posting in an insidious fashion on a company's stock forum.
**(Wait...this crap is from the U.S?...Did Leo Dicaprio write this?)
One slimy character in particular to be vigilant of is the omnipresent stock ramper. S/he can be found on almost every discussion board / forum and too many times investors can make bad SELL decisions by following the ramper’s misguided advice. Remember, the anonymity of the Internet should make you skeptical of what anyone says if you don’t know who they are.
**(Everyone knows me. I'm Bill...I own shares! )
Before making a buy or sell decision on a stock, make sure you are dealing with a reliable source.
**(Now, there's a good idea!)
And if that source is an anonymous stock forum poster, that source is rarely reliable.
**(Like this crap? Who are you?)
Here are 15 ways you can identify the stock discussion board DOWNramper.
I’ve seen the same behaviors in the stock DOWNrampers across many stock forums. Once you know the warning signs, you can learn to spot the DOWNramper much more easily:
1. The DOWNrampers post exorbitant stock price predictions.
2. The DOWNrampers warn others they better get OUT now or else. Their "SELL now" posts almost sound like threats.
3. They attack those who disagree with their lofty predictions. They cannot back up their arguments with a rational discussion, so they resort to petty name calling and telling others who disagree with them that they are "full of it."
4. They are not open minded. You cannot have an intelligent discussion with these types. They will do whatever they can to discredit those who disagree with them by spreading false information. They are very often antagonistic.
5. They post their predictions over and over and over desperately hoping to move the market. They never do, because what they say is insignificant to the market. That is because no one knows who they are (see below).
6. The DOWNrampers rarely (if ever) backs up their predictions with concrete, specific numbers - if they do, projected sales numbers are way BELOW what the company, analysts, and industry insiders say is realistic. But somehow, according to them, even people in the company are overly OPTIMISTIC when it comes to their own sales projections.
7. They post anonymously - they are no-names in the financial world or the particular industry that the company is involved in. Credible people who make lofty stock price predictions will often post their real names – or link to articles they have published - so others can get a feel for their pedigree and can research their background. The vast majority of credible stock market heavyweights do not post in discussion forums. If they do, they usually tell people who they are and can prove it.
8. Oftentimes the DOWNrampers are hired by boiler room operations. Their pay grade is whatever you could imagine a company would pay someone to post on Internet forums – not much above minimum wage.
9. DOWNRampers often talk of a fictitious track record in predictions - legends in their own mind. They rattle off all their past “accurate” predictions including that the sun was going to risge in the east today. *(How can you not spell "rise" correctly?)
10. It is obvious that the DOWNrampers have an agenda on the discussion board. They are not objective about the financial environment, the company, management, etc. Their posts carry the same one-sided theme. GOOD news is BAD news in reverse. Any BAD news (even modest BAD news) is an affirmation of how the stock is going to DE-appreciate to incredible levels shortly.
11. They appear to be rabid on their ATTACK of the company – beyond a reasonable amount of ANTI-enthusiasm, the DOWNramper comes across as almost crazed in his/her excitement.
12. DOWNRampers are egotistical, and it comes across in their posts. Anyone who does not agree with them is an “idiot,” even those who are esteemed in their respective field. They are not respectful of those who disagree with their predictions.
13. When the stock is FALLING, the DOWNramping intensifies – the stock is “going to the FLOOR.” This, incidentally, is often a great time to BUY the stock. Remember, no one every went broke taking profits.
14. When the stock is in a lull, the DOWNramping may intensify in a desperate attempt to do a quick DUMP and PUMP scheme.
15. The DOWNramper will unceremoniously BUY the stock when their mission has been accomplished. Those remaining in the stock are now deemed to be “bagholders” by the pumper.The DOWNrampers continue their agenda over and over. It happens on every stock discussion board – especially on penny stock boards, when Dump and Pump operators and boiler room operators feel they can have an impact on a thinly traded stock.
Fortunately, with practice, we can learn to spot the DOWNramper once we know the red flags. With experience, you get an intuitive feel about various posters on the Internet – even with the anonymous nature of these stock forums. Learn to spot the slithery DOWNramper, and you'll be a better investor.
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I feel that DOWNRampers are dis-honest in how they make up lies. Take company FACTS and then post in-correct data. Attack LT holders and make them look dis-honest, when in truth...they are having a VERY bad day!
They show up ONLY...AFTER...the bad news has hit and claim "they knew it" was going to happen. "Clear as day" they say..."happens all the time! Standard pump and dump." bla,bla.
Once the stock is down...they BUY...some even post saying they see a decent BUY (after they loaded up while they were DOWNramping.)
ASIC is watching.
The ASX/ASIC have admin access to HC.
They also have access to every brokerage account record (real-time) .
IMO, I'd keep those holding sentiments at the bottom of every HC post correct.
Google...
"stock manipulation ASIC charges"
I'm bookmarking and copying this post to read/post later...for when they show up again. (and they will, to try and take your profits.)
Thanks to person who posted it. ;-)
Thank you VERY much!
IMO
DYOR!!
AGY Price at posting:
10.5¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
(20min delay)