I bought one in the mid 90s. I use it now to keep my socks together so they don't get lost during the laundry process.
If you have a LQS, ask them if you can use their classroom to pin baste a quilt. They are such a valuable resource when you are having any difficulty with the quilting process.
When you have the backing clipped or taped to a table, it should NOT be tight like a drum but if you slide your hand over the backing, the fabric should not shift. If the backing is to tight, your top will then be puffy. Are you using enough pins?? I always make sure that there is a pin every 4". That is why spray adhesive is so popular.