Hi @HCgreggy ,I am in for ALK for the long term, but do not...

Hi @HCgreggy ,

I am in for ALK for the long term, but do not understand the SP shenanigans, would like to know the modus operandi & rationale of ALK shorters. Hopefully someone on HC has time and incline to post a short 101 for dummies like me. I don't know the duration / timing of short contracts (Or much about anything else).
Do they 'open' by "borrowing" X number of ALK from someone today, sell those today (or when?), do they need to return X number of ALK to lender within Y number of days (how long is Y days?), and do they hope to 'close' with profit by purchasing on-market at lower price?
How does this / how do they send ALK price down?? And why does ALK have shorts around 5% of float and 45-50% of daily volume comprising short sale activity? Are they really just betting on POG declines and probability of no Boda high-grade core announced during the contract period? How does 5% out-muscle 95%??