When to rebuy

[cheburashka]

Hi all,

I normally play MTT, and I am just starting cash games. And I want to get off on the right foot.

Forgive me if this is an obvious and well-known issue to everyone, but I looked through the stickies and did a search and wasn't able to find an answer.

So, you all hate short-stackers. I understand why, and I have no problem with that. But my question is: when should I rebuy to avoid being labled a short-stacker? Suppose I am playing 10/25 and I buy in for 25 bucks. A few hands later I take a bad beat on a big pot and am down to, say, 16. Should I rebuy right away? If I post a hand when I am at 16 bucks, will I automatically be flamed as a short-stacker?

Thanks