Hello all.

First of all, the usual disclaimer: chess.com is just about the best thing that ever happened to me, and 99% of my experience as unadulterated pleasure. But, of course, there's that one tiiiiinnyyyyy little thing that behooved me to come to this forum and ask what the deal is.

In the forums, you open up a thread, and the oldest post is first. Thereafter, you can read replies much like you read a book: down. However, in the comments on photos, tournaments, news items, and a few other things, the newest post is first. If you want to read them in order (as most people do), you have to read UP.

Now, Sanskrit is backwards, and Japanese can be too sometimes, but I'm not aware of any language that reads UP. So, it doesn't really make any sense no matter how you look at it. Our brains just don't work like that.

Or is there an explanation I'm missing?

Thanks so much for your help. Cheers!

I would say the common thread is that they all rely on the assumption that people check them regularly, so the newest thing is right there at the top to check out.  It's all about immediate gratification.

The problem with this is that only SOME people read them or look at them regularly.  So, for those that don't, there is a bit of work required to catch UP!

I totally intended that pun, by the way.

Up-see-daisy, Up-side-down-cake, one-ups-manship, up to no good, uppers, "Up" the 2009 Disney-Pixar theatrical release, The 5th Dimension sings "Up, up and away, on my beautiful, my beautiful, ballooooon" 

Maybe chess.com is in league with those annoying Bing search engine guys.

One thing, never cop to an intended pun. There's no reason to admit what you're up to. (wink, wink). Okay, bad example.

Bad example, bad apple, badminton, badmotorfinger, Bad to the Bone, bad boys and good girls, bad dog, "I'm bad, I'm bad, you know it", Bad Santa... 'click'

Its hard because your scrolling up but still reading down

I wonder why no mods have responded to this thread. Perhaps they're intimidated by my Deity. Sigh.

Mortals: do not be afraid. I have humbled myself to become like one of you, yes, even to among the lowliest of you, for I am not even a mod, but a simple platinum member, like many others before and after me. I have veiled my glory for you, so that you may interact with me. Draw near, and explain the mysteries I have previously challenged you with. No matter what your answer, I shall not become angry with thee, for I am longsuffering and merciful. Mods, approach.

Sorry, perhaps I should just let it rest. But I really don't understand it!

Why are posts read up, chronologically, rather than down? It's so unnatural!

Some answers about forum sequencing here.

See also: most-recent-post---suggestion and most-recent-posts2.