Top Posting vs. Bottom Posting on Usenet

When replying to a message on Usenet, users often include parts of the original article to provide context. The placement of your response relative to that quoted material determines whether the style is considered top posting or bottom posting.

What Is Top Posting?

Top posting is when your reply appears above the quoted material from the original message. For example:

Yes, I agree with your point.

> Do you think we should move forward with the plan?

This style is common in email threads and is often preferred for brief replies or ongoing conversations where the context is already understood.

What Is Bottom Posting?

Bottom posting is when your reply appears below the quoted material. For example:

> Do you think we should move forward with the plan?

Yes, I agree with your point.

This method is preferred in many Usenet newsgroups, especially when the original message provides important context or when discussions are archived for long-term reference.

Which Style Should You Use?

In general, bottom posting is considered more readable for longer discussions and helps preserve the conversational thread. It gives readers the full context before the response appears, which is especially helpful for new participants or those revisiting older discussions.

Top posting may be suitable for short replies or when quoting a long message that does not require full review.

If quoting only part of the original article, it is helpful to trim unnecessary lines and place your reply directly beneath the quoted section. This method—called inline replying—maintains clarity and improves readability.

Always follow the preferred style of the specific newsgroup you're participating in. Some newsgroups may have established norms for quoting and replying.