In a message dated 10/19/2004 10:08:49 PM Eastern Standard Time,
 writes:

I'd like  to second and add to Les Eastman's excellent suggestion about
using columns  for sighting reports ...

Please highlight (it's best to use all caps in  plain-text, non-HTML
messages) rarities of special note. I know a number of  us just scan most
messages very quickly ... this will help draw attention  to significant
observations. For example ...

Birds  seen:

Carolina Chickadees
Titmice
Downy Woodpeckers
White  thrted Sparrows
Myrtle Warblers (1)
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER
Black  thrted Green Warbler (female)




Hi Phil and all,
While it is evident that some here prefer a list of species seen on trips
(with best finds in CAPS), there must be others like myself who actually choose
not to read through lists like the above example (unless something of note is
 highlighted, I usually just delete them). I like to read the anecdotal type
posts, where a person writes about the things he/she saw in a story-line,
with  the best finds also in CAPS. To me a list of birds seen is rather boring,
lacking any substance or interest. Usually with a paragraph story there is
some  bit of behavioral information included, or at least something else included
 which was of interest to the observer.

You can see from reading my post here how the CAPS stand out, so folks
looking for the best finds can scan and get the info they need, while folks who
like the paragraph format can enjoy the post too.

Agreeing to disagree in Ashton,
Rick Sussman
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