From: Chad Perrin <perrin@...>
Date: 2006-09-03T08:48:46+09:00
Subject: Re: Off topic: What is "top posting" ??

On Sun, Sep 03, 2006 at 05:03:16AM +0900, darren kirby wrote:
> 
> Wasn't there a RFC or a usenet 'netiquette' document or something which speaks 
> to this issue?

RFC 1855
http://www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc1855.html

      If you are sending a reply to a message or a posting be sure you
      summarize the original at the top of the message, or include just
      enough text of the original to give a context. [. . .] Giving context
      helps everyone.  But do not include the entire original!

Jargon Wiki (evolving Jargon File)
http://ursine.ca/Top-post
      
      1. (common) To put the newly-added portion of an email or
      Usenet response before the quoted part, as opposed to the more
      logical sequence of quoted portion first with original
      following. 

      Usage notes

        The problem with this practice is neatly summed up by the
        following FAQ entry:

        A: No.
        Q: Should I include quotations after my reply?

        This term is generally used pejoratively with the implication
        that the offending person is a newbie, a Microsoft addict
        (Microsoft mail tools produce a similar format by default), or
        simply a common-and-garden-variety idiot.

I also seem to recall a Usenet-specific "official" etiquette document
that addressed the matter, but as a non-newsgroup type myself, I don't
know where it's hiding.

-- 
CCD CopyWrite Chad Perrin [ http://ccd.apotheon.org ]
Ben Franklin: "As we enjoy great Advantages from the Inventions of
others we should be glad of an Opportunity to serve others by any
Invention of ours, and this we should do freely and generously."