Heated debate on toilet paper orientation

There is an article on Wikipedia detailing the ongoing and often acrimonious debate about how a person chooses to install a new roll of toilet paper.

There are two choices of toilet paper orientation when using a toilet roll holder with a horizontal axle parallel to the wall: the toilet paper may hang over or under the roll. The choice is largely a matter of personal preference, dictated by habit. In surveys of American consumers and of bath and kitchen specialists, 60–70% of respondents prefer over.

Despite being a trivial topic, people often hold strong opinions on the matter. Advice columnist Ann Landers said that the subject was the most controversial issue in her column’s history. Defenders of either position cite advantages ranging from aesthetics, hospitality, and cleanliness; to paper conservation and the ease of detaching individual squares. Celebrities and experts are found on both sides. The reasons behind each person’s choice have been analysed by several studies with theories ranging from age, gender, socioeconomic status to political philosophy. It has also been suggested that preference for “under” may correlate with ownership of a recreational vehicle or a cat.

Here’s the whole article for those who are interested:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toilet_paper_orientation

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3 Comments on “Heated debate on toilet paper orientation”

  • Julio
    23 February, 2011,

    As long as they’re using it…

  • philostophalies
    16 May, 2011,

    there’s a bigger issue here in regards to what we are viewing. the true orientation will effect the angle of the flowers printed on the TP. and in that begs the questions do we want to views flowers at an angle? is a flower at any other angle still the same? what if its not just flowers, there are many other print designs now finding themselves on TP for your ass wiping enjoyment. even if just quilted, we don’t want these quilted patterns at the wrong orientation. wheres the harm you may ask?
    well its as simple as preventing future injuries. TP torn at the improper angle from the wrong orientation leads to the folder of said TP again at the wrong angle leading to the number 1 cause of paper cuts on the Anus.

    Do really want this?

  • philostopheles
    17 May, 2011,

    My assistant just informed me the number of paper cuts on the anus has not only just doubled since i last reported, but also the number of anal warts due to the staff infections coming from these paper cuts has also tripped. This all due to the special dye used in the printing of the flowers and patterns on TP. All of which could be avoided when properly torn and folded from the proper orientation. This is a truly a sad thing.

    Also note, you are not safe just using plain white TP either. Case in point plain white TP has its down side as well, as its the leading cause of skid-marks. Its been highly documented through years of study that those who use plain white TP don’t fully wipe…. need I say more.

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