One way to ignite a guild meeting is to ask this question of the attendees. I fall on the side of not knotting but do not wish to impose my preference on others who view the debate differently. I grew accustomed to using the spit splice where possible (only with fibers from sheep, goats and a few other camelids) and almost never have knots in my work. I prefer seeing a finished garment which looks almost as nice on the inside as on the public side; knots spoil my view. In the days when I entered my projects in competitions, knots were to be avoided like the plague. It all comes down to what level of being particular the knitter wishes to attain! -- Editor