Interesting complaint Aaron.
Since my reply is in plain view, It's not behind anybody's back.
FYI, in reply #9027,
@mattthemuppet2 posted that he had purchases some shop items. The pictures included some shop made tools that were marked with the name "Jerry Hulse". The name was clearly visible in a picture, but not mentioned in the text, so one had to be interested (paying attention) to wonder if any more info about Jerry could be found.
You see Aaron, I "Watch" this thread. I don't usually reply here, but Matt's buy was special to me. I digress.
I don't know if you didn't see reply #9027, didn't notice or care about the markings "Jerry Hulse" or exactly why you didn't make an instant connection.
Come to think of it, I use the @ thing for a couple of reasons. 1) it's easy 2) It saves page space (and bytes) by not reproducing the previous/referenced post.
It's more work for me, but I could use Quote, then edit out all the text and pictures (as I've done in this reply).
The problem is, that method is less EASY for me. What a dilemma.
I wonder how many other users are distressed by the use of @? I think I'll start a poll.