Re: [uug] Re: top posting analogy

[Devin Pratt]

I don't see what's wrong with top posting (obviously).  Its the most 
convenient for the reader since he doesn't have to scroll down to the 
end to read the new data.  However, if I were responding to various 
points in your comment, then the <context>/n/r<response> would be 
better.  Also, in your response you say that the real problem is not 
editing.  What's wrong with including everything, "sig and all".  You 
say that you have to scroll through the entire thing.  Why?  I included 
the whole previous message, so if you're familiar with it why not just 
ignore it?  I have no sig, so there's no new information down there.

Personally, I sometimes like having the entire discussion included in 
the emails so that if I see an interesting response I can go see the 
history of the discussion.  This is especially true if I haven't been 
following the discussion for some reason and want to jump in.

Also, I'm not saying that your edited, bottom posting, mixed posting, 
just plain not top posting, whatever you want to call it is "BAD!!!".  
In fact, in some responses it is the best thing.  For example, in this 
post I could have structured it to respond to each of your arguments 
separately, but I prefered to express my ideas in one continuous 
strain.  I've seen people use your technique very nicely and it fit well.

So, my point is that sometimes top posting is sometimes the best because 
it is the most convenient for both writer AND reader, and therefore most 
appropriate.  Also, your posting format is also sometimes the best.  As 
Dr. Knuston would say in SW Engineering:  "It depends."

Devin Pratt

Included in its entirety, for your reading pleasure:

Stuart Jansen wrote:

On Sat, 2003-05-31 at 22:18, Glen Wagley wrote:
 

Stuart,
That has to be the best argument and analogy for top posting that I have
ever read.  I'll be sure to use it with my associates.  I get so tired
of scrolling, scrolling, scrolling, and more scrolling to get to a <10
word response.  Thanks again!
   

You missed the point. The problem is never editing. You wouldn't have to
scroll if the message were properly edited. Top posting encourages not
editing. Proper etiquette, or care for clarity, would encourage inline
commenting of the form 

<context>

<response>

<context>

<response>

<ad infinitum>

On short messages, this becomes bottom posting.

Top posting is BAD!!!!

 

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