Posted by Els on 01/24/06 20:20

Jose wrote:

>> And how would one know to *which* "gestalt" one is replying if nothing
>> is quoted?
>
> Well, the gestalt of the whole thread... when nothing is quoted, I
> expect the resulting post to stand on its own.

So you just pick a random post from a thread and press reply?

> When I respond to an
> entire gestalt, I formulate my posts to stand on their own. Somebody
> coming in fresh (my post is the first they see) could take it as an
> initial post and not lose anything,

Except he/she will read "Re:" in the subject, and wonder what you are
replying to.

> others who have been following the
> thread should have absorbed the gestalt, even if they don't remember
> individual posts or comments within it - a peek at the subject should be
> all they need.

I don't feel that's good enough an excuse really. If the post is about
something that isn't in the message you are replying to, make it a new
post, a new thread. If it's a reply to the gestalt (I don't like that
word btw) of an entire conversation, write whatever you feel is the
gestalt (others might have different ideas) between square brackets
above your reply, like so:

[sharks]
They bite.

That way everybody can instantly see to which idea, gestalt, opinion
or feeling you are replying. Since this is also the way it's generally
done, you're not confusing people like you are doing with replies that
don't seem to be replies at all.

Example: the post you made to which Mark replied that you aren't
quoting still. In the subject was "Re: Easy CSS Question but I don't
get it!!". You start your post with "Ok, final observations. Mr.
Parnell is a pretty good guy after all. I violated some NG club rules
and instead of blasting me with both barrels I got a tap on the
wrist."

First time readers who haven't been following the thread, are
wondering what you did to violate some NG rules and how Mark tapped
you on the wrist. A quick look at the subject does not help at all.

--
Els http://locusmeus.com/
Sonhos vem. Sonhos vão. O resto é imperfeito.
- Renato Russo -
Now playing: Dr. Feelgood - Take A Tip

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