Hey Jeff, Interesting points. On Wednesday 08 December 2010 08:48:07 Jeff Cook wrote:
Whenever I try bottom-posting, my clients complain that I just sent them a blank email.
I think the trick is not to top or bottom post, but to interleave your reply, keeping the relevant parts of the original mail. It flows more like a conversation that way, and helps to build up arguments and counter arguments etc.
As such, I am in the habit of top-posting because it is what most normal people expect; I suppose Outlook has established this trend. I try to remember to bottom-post when I write mailing lists (not too often), but it doesn't always work out. :(
A little message at the top of the email, like in this one, I find helps. Also, it's rarely useful in an interleaved reply email to begin with vast amounts of quoted text (though there are obviously exceptions).
I don't really have a preference for where the post goes. I don't find either annoying. I understand the point in standards but I don't think we should be rude to those who forget/neglect/feel differently.
Ba-daa! Pete :-)