The Top-Posting FAQ.

uk.media.tv.sf.startrek has a NO top posting policy and many users new to usenet often don't understand what this term means. This page serves to try and explain the differences and encourage posters to follow the guidelines.

Bottom Posting

On Mon, 17 Jun 2002 11:52:32 +0100, David Wilcox wrote...

> OK in the interest of trying to get at least one on topic post in for
> June I propose the following question.

>
> Here goes,

> /me takes deep breath.

> If there was a pretend world, right, and you could be turned into any > Trek character in any Trek series, who would it be AND

Riker.

> WHY???!!!

He has the best sex life ...

--
Mark Myers

Explaination

Text highlighted in bold forms part of the reply. In the top posting example the reply goes above the original post. In this example it is still fairly easy to read down. However in longer posts and posts where spoilers are being discussed top posting can cause massive problems

In the bottom posting example Mark's reply has been 'cut' into the original post. This allows for a more organic intake and is especially useful for much longer posts where several points may be in discussion.

There is also an argument that many top posters don't snip properly, and whilst some of us are lucky to own broadband connections or connect via a University Network most posters still use 56k connections, or less. Although it is clear many bottom posters need snipping lessons too :)