Thanks, After posting the questions, I did a go
Post# of 22940
After posting the questions, I did a google search. It appears the lingo used on this board is common lingo and investopedia and other locations define the terms and acronyms I see in use.
Apparently, a basher is definitely illegal (on the order of insider trading illegal), if the basher or their employer subsequently buys stocks after they successfully push the price lower and/or coerce the more timid investor to sell prematurely.
Unfortunately, it is one of those illegal activities that is almost impossible to prove and prosecute.
It is apparently a big problem with OTC stocks. So I guess it was good I made my decisions BEFORE I learned there were places to discuss trading specific stocks because, as a rookie investor, in a penny stock, I am a prime target.