In my understanding, dividends can be made available to long term shareholders and not short term shareholders. A person having both long and short term holdings can have some of their shares qualify for dividends and some that don't. Long term is over 1 year.

That is about the extent of my knowledge on how shares can qualify for dividends. I've heard it discussed here, but that's about it.

As far as what constitutes a "long", like we refer to on the board, I think that is largely a matter of personal opinion. Someone whose been long 2 years might not think someone who has been holding three months is a true long.

I think it's all in the attitude and the actions of each shareholder. If they are holding their position because they believe in the stock/company/vision/etc, then I consider them a true long, regardless of how long they have been holding. If they are flipping in and out, I don't consider them a true long. Nothing wrong with flipping in and out as long it's not the ole flip/bashing method.

Honest people make an honest living flipping stocks. After all, this is still the stock market. Unfortunately the actions of a few mar the integrity of everyone else.