John Nottle:

>Could somebody answer a quite trivial but vexing question, please.
>Does the stem of the note B natural, treble clef, middle line, go up or
>down? Is there a rule determining such?

I learned that this is an aesthetic choice, mainly determined by the stems
of notes around it; whichever looks better on the page; whatever makes it
easier to connect the stems for other 8th (or smaller notes).  But I will
be curious to read other replies.

Bob K.