Using the quote function correctly

[Zzyzx]

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A big stumbling block for many posters attempting to convey information (if that is their intent), is the "mystery" of using the Forum quote function correctly. When quotes are messed up it is difficult to show readers who said what.

A system that works for me – copy the entire text box of material to be quoted and paste it into a word processor document – then type responses wherever appropriate in bold font (to distinguish them from what others have said).

When reasonably satisfied with what I have typed, copy the code identifying the post and poster (first line in the orgiinal) above each section of NON-bold writing. Then go back through and put [/quote] after each non-bold section.

If there are nested quotes (one person quoting another) both identifying code lines are copied.

After all that, copy the "finished" text back into the Forum text box. Then for sure hit "preview" and look for errors. After those are fixed, hit "submit" and look at the post in thread. If you discover errors at that stage, you have a couple hours to edit the post.

Be kind to readers and make it easy for them to see who said what. It may be a little frustrating at times or at first, but isn't rocket science.



Working in a word processor document (rather than working in the text box itself) has the added advantage of reducing the chance of "losing" writings due to internet or site glitch. MS Word or Open Office (latter my favorite) automatically save every few minutes and can recover documents even in the event of a computer crash (usually).

Another advantage is ample opportunity to remove inappropriate, disrespectful, or uncivil comments that might have slipped in.

There are no guarantees this is appropriate or applicable for everyone, but it works for me.