I'm sure those who've been on this list a while muttered "here we go again..." when this thread started. Personally I think if there was a poll about this the bell curve would have some on the left demanding we all top post, many on the right of the curve demanding we all bottom post, and a solid bulge in the middle representing the great unwashed "couldn't give a damn" folks (and probably "couldn't give a damn" to enter the debate). On the very few occasions I've had anything to contribute I've generally bottom posted, mostly because I've seen this debate before and partly because I think it's easier for some people, but I'd place myself in the middle of the bell curve. I think most people on this list are more than smart enough to quickly figure out the thread in a post regardless whether the previous person top posted or not. Most of the regular responders bottom post which makes up the bulk, but I think if you look at the variety of people who post it's about 50/50, and most times it doesn't cause any problem at all. I agree that rules are important, but some are more important than others, and I think the top-posting rule is pretty low in the list of priorities, more a useful guide than a rule. Things like personal attacks and attempted mail spoofing are more important - both happened during the course of this thread but hardly raised an eyebrow. I also agree that context plays a big part, because once a thread starts getting complicated with many responses then bottom posting definitely makes it easier to follow, but most threads don't get to that stage. Just my 2c.
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