Michael Smith wrote:

Michael Smith
..who wishes he new how to quote in google groups

Instead of using the "Reply" at the foot of the
article you are answering, use the "Show Options"
at the top, and then the "Reply" option shown. It
is _not_ the same function.

Google software developers have a hole where their
common sense should sit, so they turn off the "Reply"
under "Show Options" for articles beyond a certain
age, which seems to be around 30 days.

FYI

xanthian.