Let's look at the current VIX charts. 1. If it's a short-term correction, the inverted VIX curve at the very front is generally a good entry point for shorting. 2. If it's a sharp drop, similar to 2008, the entire curve could remain inverted for up to six months. Conclusion: Now is not the time to blindly buy the VIX at its peak. At least wait for the daily closing price to recover to the contango level; a renewed inversion would be a stop-loss point. If the entire curve inverts in the future, don't short; just observe. Market crashes are crazy, and there are opportunities to make money every day. Don't look at historical candlestick charts and fantasize about where to buy the dip; this isn't a long-term strategy.