Re: Posting format

From: Steven Cole (elenstev_at_mesatop.com)
Date: 07/24/03

  • Next message: Robert P. J. Day: "some kernel config menu suggested tweaks" 
    To: Tomas Szepe <szepe@pinerecords.com>
Date:	24 Jul 2003 10:52:58 -0600

    On Thu, 2003-07-24 at 10:03, Tomas Szepe wrote:
    > > [Robert.L.Harris@rdlg.net]
    > >
    > > On the other hand if everyone posted at the top it would be considerably
    > > easier reading for those who have been following the conversation
    > > without having to scroll down and figure out where comments and the
    > > conversation is at.
    >
    > So how do you context-quote when replying at the top?
    >
    > Original text:
    >
    > Argument A.
    > Argument B.
    >
    > Reply:
    >
    > Reply intro text.
    >
    > Reaction A.
    > > Argument A.
    >
    > Reaction B.
    > > Argument B.
    >
    > I don't think so. Awkward (mixing directions) and confusing.
    >
    > > For those new to the conversation they can just start at the bottom and
    > > scroll up.
    >
    > Ever actually tried doing that? IMHO it's not half as practical and
    > natural as reading from the top down. (You have to keep scrolling,
    > searching for block starts.)

    I think Tomas has just hit upon why top posting is fundamentally wrong.

    Indo-European languages read left to right, Semitic languages read right
    to left, and some Oriental languages read top to bottom, but no human
    languages I'm aware of read bottom to top.

    Consider a Cafe sign:

    C
    a
    f
    e

    That is readable. How about:

    e
    f
    a
    C

    Not very readable unless you spend extra processing time to think about
    it. Reading bottom to top is counter-intuitive and wastes time. Speaking
    of which, apologies to all who feel they've wasted time by reading this.

    Hmm, it looks like you top-posters out there are in good company.
    Marcelo seems to be taking the lead. Grumble.

    Steven

    -
    To unsubscribe from this list: send the line "unsubscribe linux-kernel" in
    the body of a message to majordomo@vger.kernel.org
    More majordomo info at http://vger.kernel.org/majordomo-info.html
    Please read the FAQ at http://www.tux.org/lkml/

  • Next message: Robert P. J. Day: "some kernel config menu suggested tweaks"

    Relevant Pages

    • Re: Posting format
      ... > Indo-European languages read left to right, ... > languages I'm aware of read bottom to top. ... Reading bottom to top is counter-intuitive and wastes time. ...
      (Linux-Kernel)
    • Re: Jobst Brandt (TIOOYK) vs. Tire Glue
      ... At the risk of raising Sandy's ire, the link to the test source ... they talk across languages when data is before them. ... reading and learning. ... And finding a girl to help translate the more ...
      (rec.bicycles.tech)
    • Re: Why do people detest top posting so much?
      ... bottom posting because, well, it makes reading easier but quite a few ... snap at you if you bottom post. ... "Please don't top-post. ... Top posting makes it easier to continue a conversation. ...
      (Ubuntu)
    • Re: Opening
      ... reading texts with words I don't understand - reading (a ... I've done it with languages with which I'm ... and it was packed with French speakers. ...
      (rec.arts.sf.composition)
    • Re: RSA Challenges
      ... Other mutual capable convictions will face consistently ... toward languages. ... Yesterday, go feature a reading! ...
      (sci.crypt)