[conservatism_IS_compassion]

I think you just did.

If you post a reply, then immediatley look at the list of replies, your reply will of course be listed at the top at that moment. Hence, "Bump to the Top", "BTTT," or "Bump"--signifying that the reply is for purposes of attracting attention to the thread, more than or to the exclusion of any substantive comment.

John Rob is announcing a way to call a thread to the attention of a pre-defined group of screen names of people whom the bumping individual hopes will be interested.

[RonDog]

EXCELLENT explanation!

A "bump_list" is like an "imaginary FReeper" whose interests I would like to follow.
There is no need for a "lowbridge_list" because there is already a REAL (sort of) lowbridge that I can "follow around" by searching for Articles + Replies addressed to:lowbridge - that SOMEONE thought he should see, like THIS reply. ;)

Now, you can "follow around" the posts addressed to:bang_list etc., as well.

[John Robinson]

Thanks. Much better explanations than my feeble attempts.