@lexiconical - know that I really like your posts. It is very true as you say that one should do the opposite of what the crowd does. There is an old saying that if there is blood in the streets (and the market is down) then that is the time to buy.
Dollar cost averaging, where regular monthly purchases are made of an investment- when prices are down, you are able to purchase more. When prices go up your same investment buys less. This lowers the average cost out, improving overall returns. Upvoted!