Andy,

I must confess to the same technique, i view other source and "crib it" or "over-type" it.

I used the technique to learn how to "show" HTML sequences within a post.

I noticed that a good cheat sheet depicted HTML directly and wondered how.

Viewing the source i noticed the use of decimal encoding of the ASCII value for the angle bracket, the format being "ampersand, pound, decimal value 60). I have used this encoding (in the past) to place "spaces" within text.

Using this technique allowed the leading angle bracket to "show" without being interpreted as "intended" HTML.

I also noted that if i used "preview" to view my post, the encoding (in my Message Text) was automatically changed to the angle bracket so i had to post without review.

regards,
p