The really slick market manipulators would even seed the Internet news groups or other journalists to plant negative stories about that company. Or start a propaganda campaign of negative rumors on all available communication vessels. As the Shorters were shorting the first manipulator was selling, so now it goes the other way. Buying to put pressure on the shorter to cover. Accumulation by new investors and averaging down of old investors are leads to the pressure on the short.
Short groups Monitor spikes in volumes on stocks with no rumors.
The Shorters research the company and develop their Distortion of the rumors to be used later. The shorts step in selling on every possible up tick. This is the Reverse of front loading. Preparations are made to attack the guy who had earlier written positively about the company and take out, discredit, any new long-term champions or messengers. The shorts step in and increase selling on every possible up tick.