Date:         Tue, 31 Jul 2001 11:57:39 -0700
Reply-To:     kmself@IX.NETCOM.COM
Sender:       "SAS(r) Discussion" <SAS-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         "Karsten M. Self" <kmself@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Subject:      Re: Eliminate useless vars using proc sql ??
In-Reply-To:  <OFF537B7D8.AF4ACE78-ON88256A9A.00601583@rtp.epa.gov>; from
              Cassell.David@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV on Tue, Jul 31,
              2001 at 10:35:53AM -0700
Content-Type: multipart/signed; micalg=pgp-sha1;
protocol="application/pgp-signature";

on Tue, Jul 31, 2001 at 10:35:53AM -0700, David L. Cassell (Cassell.David@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV) wrote:
> Harry Droogendyk wrote [in part]:
> > I much prefer top posting.
> 
> I on the other hand, *vastly* prefer bottom-posting, with proper
> quote-trimming by all authors as we go.  Note how I have taken just
> the pieces of your text that I wanted to reply to, and answered where
> it was appropriate [and hopefully readable].
> 
> > Why scroll through the entire thread to see the most recent
> > contribution?
> 
> Because a thread may involve the inputs of multiple contributors.
> Top-posting quickly causes unreadability and massive confusion in such
> a case.  OTOH, bottom-posting with proper trimming can make even an
> exchange between a dozen people readable.  And if proper trimming is
> done, then the thread is short enough that you don't have to scroll
> through reams of printout to find what you're looking for.

Bottom posting (which I generally refer to as postfix response) also
follows a conversational question-answer format.  Do you answer
questions before they're answered?

I'll generally delete posts in which prefix response is used,
particularly if quote attribution is also mangled, to the point that
tracing flow of thought is not immediately apparent.

My golden rule of list and Usenet posting:  you're asking a favor of
your readers.  Seek clarity of expression, you may be rewarded.

-- 
Karsten M. Self <kmself@ix.netcom.com>      http://kmself.home.netcom.com/
 What part of "Gestalt" don't you understand?         There is no K5 cabal
  http://gestalt-system.sourceforge.net/           http://www.kuro5hin.org
Free Dmitry!! Boycott Adobe!! Repeal the DMCA!!  http://www.freedmitry.org

[application/pgp-signature]