Stupid newbie question: sold what I didn't buy

[highstake]

Quote from jessie:

Short Selling...

"He who sells what isn't his'n must buy it back or go to prison."

I think thats from the 30's, but I don't remember the attribution. Any help on that?
Jessie

I think this is from the book "Business of America", the author was quoting someone else.

 

[davidrousseau]

Just a silly observation, and I'm not the greatest trader, but I used to get killed by $9.95 commissions. These look like good trades but it's hard to make much with 100 shares of GLW if you count commissions. Can you swing 500 shares ?

Quote from Cruzan:

Actually this is my fourth trade:

1. Bought 500 shares of Oracle at 17.39, sold 500 next day at 17.70
2. Bought 400 of Micron at 13.70, sold next day at 13.84
3. Bought 100 of Corning at 17.75, sold next day at 17.85
4. Sold 400 of Motorola at 20.60, bought same day at 20.55