In VIM using. (dot) as an operator?

In VIM, the -powerful- •(dot command) command is used to repeat the last step .

But since it is actually defined as a non- operator command , it is not possible to combine it with movement, since only the operator must be used with movement. (See http://www.viemu.com/vi-vim-cheat-sheet.gif for updates)

Can you actually use the dot command (when possible) as an operator?

Here's a small example: I have multiple lines and I add to the first word. Then I can enter j •to do the same with the next line. And if I wanted to do this for the first ten lines, I have to repeat it 8 more times ...

If I do 8 • j, it will repeat the modification 8 times on the same line and then go down one line.

If I do 8 j •, it actually skips 8 lines and then does it once.

In fact this is obviously the expected (and correct) behavior, but is there a way to make it .behave like an operator?

Thank..

Edit: I found a way to achieve this behavior based on ephemient's answer .

In the end, just use •in command mode with:norm

• On the first line, click Ctrl-Vto enter a visual block selection.
• Go to the last line ( 8 j).

The ppp currently $and Aare not needed, as it actually is registered "in" team •. Indeed, the need •is to use this last modification and avoid retyping it (especially useful if it was something more complex, for example ci ")

• Click :to enter command modeand then enter norm .
  
  ⏎

This seems to work for me.

Note: when entering command mode the following text is already present :'<,'>

, but I typed the above after that like this:'<,'>norm .