I ran the numbers through Prime Options Calculator v 3.5 and they agree with the examples given above. If you go out to the Jan. 2012 options for more premium, you get greater downside, but with greater time for the underlying(s) to move. Higher strikes gives greater appreciation, but smaller premiums. So, like what's been said is, you basically have, like a short straddle, a strategy that works best in a flat market, but on underlying(s) that are by their nature.. volatile.