Are they supposed to spin like a spin-n-glo or just sort of slowly roll?

Why not push them right down on the hook shank if you don't have to use bait?

Just curious. I ordered some backer rod from vision last week, but haven't got a chance to tie any rags yet- been working not fishing. I used to drill a tiny hole through the midsection of a corky and pull a tiny piece of yarn through sideways, which made for an interesting appearance. Caught more than a few steelies on this setup, but it seemed like more work than was necessary. Plain yarn or corky and eggs seems to work just as well.