On Wednesday 09 March 2005 10:01 am, columbo@wowway.com wrote:
Brad,
The only problem is that the convention on this list is not to top post. It is an implicit (and, yeah, sometimes very explicit) agreement among the list members so that the flow of the conversation moves easily from screen to brain. Coupled with proper 'trimming' it makes for a thread that is much easier to read and maneuver through, especially if the reader primarily uses the keyboard, as opposed to the mouse, for navigational purposes (as many on this list do).
I don't agree (obviously). Seems like the only people that comlain are the ones that need everyone to conform to them. This doesn't make it an "agreement". I tend to answer depending on the situation. This one, seemed to be better answered with this format. When I ask a quick, simple question, I don't want to see my post again, just the answer (top post please). And, if the answer takes so long I forget what I asked, I have the full quote below to reference. I can find just as many documents written to support both methods.
For example, if you are attempting to master karate it is a common tradition/convention to remove your shoes prior to entering the dojo. Those who do not remove their shoes are simply not given the courtesy or attention that those who follow the convention receive. Usually they would receive a request to remove their shoes and if they refused they would probably be expelled or, at the least, ignored. It's not a matter of 'personal choice'.
Depends on the thinking again. If someone believes in themselves (The karate instructor), and they see someone not conforming, this would mean, *newbie* or *new customer* and I would give them ~extra attention. Once, our relationship gets established, and have agreed on a set of 'rules'. it may then be considered disrespectful to behave differently than your word. If someone is closed minded, and needs everyone to conform to them to have them feel better, then I'm sure they would ignore this potential great customer to avoid having to be respectful or make any effort themselves (elitist?) Like this email, You obviously prefer bottom posting and trimming. I'm respecting you with this style of reply. You deserve it because your stating your *opinion*. Would you be so quick to respond to someone using their style?
On this list you have many Linux and Suse guru's who are intimately familiar with the inner beat of the kernel and this distribution. I would go out on a limb and state that nearly 100% of those experts find top posting annoying. I will also go out on a limb and state that the vast majority of those will 'PLONK' a list member who repeatedly ignores the conventions set up in this list. That would be a detriment to the list member who requires the assistance. S/he wouldn't receive any.
where are these conventions setup? I don't see my top-posted simple answers being rejected from the list. Only people like Patrick Shanahan seem to reply to a helpful post with, "thanks for the answer, but you used the wrong style". Hell, if I need help, I don't care what style someone wants to help me, I'll take it.
So, in my long winded way, what I'm trying to say is that YOU will be the one looking through the glass at the rest of us when it comes to receiving free and almost instantaneous help from someone well versed in the ways of Linux/Suse.
Hope this helps
how? bottom-posters have valid reasons for their style. top-posters can also have reasons. because I have taken the time to listen to your reasoning for bottom-posting, are you going to listen to mine? B-)