I wanted to read others' opinions on studying the positions of a game as you play it. By this I do not mean mental analysis, but rather actual position study (esp. in the opening.)

The reason I ask is because I do not formally study chess, analyze my past games, or proactively engage in any activity to further my abilities. Rather, I prefer to just play.

However, upon encountering an unfamiliar move in online chess, I will often research main and alternate lines of the position before making a decision. Eventually I become familiar with particular lines of a position and incorporate it into my repetoire. 

In online games where there are 2 - 3 days between moves, is this an inherent aspect of the game - that is, expecting your opponent to do his research before playing - or is the use of off-board sources considered unfair?

I'm guilty of this as well. I see online "correspondence" chess as being a battle under different circumstances (in comparison to OTB games). The circumstances do allow the time to research and that includes the expectation that players can and will consult their resources for ideas (short of cheating with a chess engine) if they so desire. For me, playing online chess is synonymous with studying for a test where the actual test is conducted OTB.

It's correspondence chess! If the better players of this site don't spend hours analyzing their games, using several chess sets, books and databases, I'd be disappointed.

One might say it is unfair or cheating and others might say it is resourceful. I personally do not care. I do not do any research to make moves. I just take my time to analyze. Playing on line give us the option to choose how time per move, up to 14 days. I play for I love chess. I often make impulse moves, oh well! Besides, I usually don't have to research my moves. I often play after work and before going to bed.

Of course, much of any players time is spent using their own abilities of analysis, and many moves are played based on impulse as well. I just wanted to gauge the community response to using outside sources, on occasion, for correspondence games.

Considering no one seems to take serious offense to the idea, I think I have my answer. : )

the thrill is each format inspires specific strengths and the game survives and excels.because or inspite is a matter of opinion. let us enjoy with in the rules specified in letter!!