The more people believe this the more likely it will happened, I am not surprised by the dropping as we know the price had going up too fast, there will be a correction, and the alt coin rising has caused more damage to bitcoin, but once bitcoin go down there will be another pump and this pump is going to surpassed ATH, so it's your choice to hold or to sell, for me I will still hold bitcoin
This is what you called trying to influence the masses. But for me I'm not affected by all of it, As I have said, I've done with bitcoin this year and will wait what 2018 brings. I don't have a problem seeing altcoin flourishing, actually I love it instead of seeing all the market going red. Because those who are into altcoins right now will make a shift once all the pum-and-dump are over. So there is no love lost, at least the money is still flowing in crypto instead of seeing the marketcap being wipe out in billions. I'm still waiting though for bitcoin to hit 8K, the only factor that it will go that low is another FUD and negative news, but I'm aware of any. Again, if there's a chance that the price hits $8K, It will be a going buying opportunity for all of us. I think I'm one of those who are going to buy it, who wouldn't love to get it at $8K. I just hope that everyone has funds ready to bought it at discounted price.