The english tying joint is really quite slick, and one should not be afraid of it. Pay attention to brace layout, you have to measure to a housing that is a given number from the ref. face because the post tapers from top to bottom. That number is added to your brace length and applied from the end of the tie beam to locate the brace pocket. During the recent Maine Traditional Building Research Group meeting, there was an older gentleman calling the post "fan tail posts". Has any one heard of that term used before? There is a difference between gunstock and a flared/fantail, the gunstock has a flare at the top that terminates part way down the post and continues as a normal straight post, while the fantail tapers from top to bottom. Some times the post is only cut on three sides, the fourth inner face is left raw with just the bark removed.
As for form and function, form always follows function, with a few exceptions such as boats. Have it function than see the form, put the brace in, weather you like it or not, it needs to function, than smile at the form. The english tying joint also dictates a wall raising as opposed to a bent raising. It is possible to use the english tying joint with a straight post. Look at Jack Sobon book Build a classic Timber Framed House. It's a slight variation, and simple. Tim
