Why Is No One Flat/Sideways

[gdkaufmann]

Total Noob Question, I'm sure:

Despite the fact that all of the hammock comments, instructions, and sites tell you to lie sideways in your asym hammock to get a flat lie, you almost never see people doing that in photos on Hammock Forums. 98% of the images are of people lying straight (banana-like) in their hammock. Why is that?

Do most people lie straight when just hanging out, and only hit the the diagonal when actually sleeping?

Is it easier to lie straight if you are doing anything other than sleeping?

Just curious to know what position (missionary doesn't count) people use for various activities (reading, eating, changing clothes, etc.).

Thanks.

[Junebugdawn]

Most pics I have seen of hangers they are lying diagonal. For various activities, just find what feels comfy. To change clothes, I am usually down the center just because I'm wiggling around trying to get everything on. Reading, etc, I'm usually either diagonal or sitting 90° perpendicular like a seat. My hammock is wide enough 90" that I can lie that way to read, too.

[Loki]

Most of the pics I've seen show folks on the diagonal - camera angles may distort the depth perception.

Lying straight, with a foot draped over each side, is useful for a sitting position, chair-like.

[gdkaufmann]

Thanks.
Maybe I'm just expecting the diagonal lay to me more extreme, like 50-70 degrees off of the center line.

[Ramblinrev]

What pics are you referring to? Pics here on HF or pics out in the big wide marketing world? Yeah, the marketing world hasn't a clue about hammocks. Nor could they care less. Slap it up, add the cute lady and sell them puppies. The shape of the hammock looks better when empty or with the person in a center lie. Otherwise it looks kind of weird and lumpy. Good for comfort but not for sales. That's my guess.

[Floridahanger]

What ^ he said.

If I had to guess, it would be 5-10* off center, not too much for my sweet spot. I only lay straight with center if I want my head up for reclining position. Not sitting up or lying down. Useful for that "breakfast from the hammock" look.

[gdkaufmann]

Actually I was referring to HF photos, not marketing info..

But, as I said I guess I was expecting the angle to be more extreme and obvious.

Thanks.

[K0m4]

Posing for a pic might be different from sleeping too though. Maybe the fabric is in the way if you lie like you would when sleeping (I tend to feel like that), so for the purpose of showing my ugly mug I compromise with the true angle a bit! :-)