[Lithium_joe]

Do you prefer to cut the top of the pumpkin or the bottom of the pumpkin? Is there a benefit to starting on one end than the other?

I've tried both - principally becuase candle palcement and lighting can be so tricky from top down, it's easier to light the candle and place the pumpkins over it.

However I did notice that those pumpkins I tried that with tended to rot quicker.

I suspect it might have had somethign to do with having the exposed flesh open to the elements, whereas for any spores or bacteria to get into a top-cut pumpkin they have to come in either through the design or down from above.

[Joey]

I don't have a problem with flame position with top down. I have one of those long lighter stick things, so my hand is safe out of harm's way. I can also use the end of the stick to nudge things around to get the right positioning. I've still got all my arm hair!

Though I will mention that I cut bottoms off watermelons, for stability issues.