Quotes Used Effectively

SenaxFlatulus · #1 (**permalink**) 04-02-2006, 02:11 PM

While you may not be interested in this method because it's more complicated, you might have noticed others who can post someone's previous message in their post as a quote, yet break it up into parts so they can make it appear as a conversation.

The key to this task are the brackets. Found on your keyboard to the right of the letter P, the brackets "[ ]" are used in lots of computer coding to command the software to manipulate the text in different ways.

If you click on the quote button at the bottom of anyone's post in a given thread, you're suddenly taken to a text entry box with their post in it. You'll notice that their screen name appears with some odd commands and it's all enclosed by the brackets. It might look something like this:

[b]

Quote:

Originally Posted by "SenaxFlatulus";p="224940"[/b

(Please note: I left off the close bracket in this example "]" because it would have made anything after that appear as a quote. Normally, it should also appear in that command.)

That's computer coding to command the software to begin a quote. ANY text after that will be a part of the quote. The way to stop the quote wherever you want it, would be to type

which is the "close quote" command.

What I do, when I break up other people's quote into something that resembles a conversation, is to Hi-light/copy the open quote command.
(For example, if I were to quote me it would be: [b]

Quote:

Originally Posted by "SenaxFlatulus";p="224940"[/b

)

Then when I wanted to interject my thoughts into their paragraph, I would manually type the close quote command on any given sentence. (

) Followed by my newly entered text of brilliant ideas, and then I would paste the open quote command ([b][quote="SenaxFlatulus";p="224940"[/b]) to resume their thoughts.

Watch the posts below as I illustrate...

SenaxFlatulus · #2 (**permalink**) 04-02-2006, 02:21 PM

The names are changed to protect the ignorant.

Let's pretend a fictitional person wrote the following paragraph:
I, Apotropocksie, wish to formally apologize to SenaxFlatulus for my snobbery and generally abusive behavior towards George W. Bush. I realize now through your brilliant debating technique that I was wrong and you are indeed right. George Bush is the greatest president of all time. I'm going to build a shrine to him in my front yard this week.

After recovering from shock and climbing back into my chair, I would want to reply to their post to offer my appreciation. So, I click the quote button on the bottom right of their post and their complete quote would appear in my text entry box. I would notice that the open quote command would appear in their quote before their text. I would also notice their close quote command would appear.

I would first hi-light and copy the open quote command.

[quote="Apotropocksie";p="224940"]

SenaxFlatulus · #3 (**permalink**) 04-02-2006, 02:25 PM

Next, I would select a place in their paragraph to manually type the close quote command. [/quote] Let's say it's at the end of the first sentence.

Then I would add my own text in reply. It would appear as follows....

SenaxFlatulus · #4 (**permalink**) 04-02-2006, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apotropocksie";p=&quot

I, Apotropocksie, wish to formally apologize to SenaxFlatulus for my snobbery and generally abusive behavior towards George W. Bush.

Why thank you Appy. I knew you would eventually learn the error of your ways.

SenaxFlatulus · #5 (**permalink**) 04-02-2006, 02:34 PM

Next, I would paste the open quote command at the beginning of their second sentence and decide where I wanted to put the close quote. Let's say at the end of the second sentence. So I manually type the close quote command [/quote] and then enter my additional BRILLIANT comments.

SenaxFlatulus · #6 (**permalink**) 04-02-2006, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apotropocksie";p=&quot

I, Apotropocksie, wish to formally apologize to SenaxFlatulus for my snobbery and generally abusive behavior towards George W. Bush.

Why thank you Appy. I knew you would eventually learn the error of your ways.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apotropocksie";p=&quot

I realize now through your brilliant debating technique that I was wrong and you are indeed right.

If you care to send me your home address and/or your credit card number, I'll be happy to give you lessons on effective debating techniques.

SenaxFlatulus · #7 (**permalink**) 04-02-2006, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apotropocksie";p=&quot

I, Apotropocksie, wish to formally apologize to SenaxFlatulus for my snobbery and generally abusive behavior towards George W. Bush.

Why thank you Appy. I knew you would eventually learn the error of your ways.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apotropocksie";p=&quot

I realize now through your brilliant debating technique that I was wrong and you are indeed right.

If you care to send me your home address and/or your credit card number, I'll be happy to give you lessons on effective debating techniques.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apotropocksie";p=&quot

George Bush is the greatest president of all time. I'm going to build a shrine to him in my front yard this week.

If you get it done by the end of the week, you could enter into the GWBush Presidential yard ornament contest. First prize is skeet shooting lessons with Dick Cheney! Wouldn't that be fun?