Matt,
Jo Ann is providing you - either intentionally or inadvertantly - with an interesting learning opportunity here. This is because what she said is not strictly true...

So, since you say that you're now in academia - where *the search for truth, wherever it may lead you* should be the guiding light, - the (homework-) question to you is this: - Under what conditions can absolute positioning be a useful tool in responsive design? In other words, what rules do you have to follow to ensure that an absolutely positioned element, i.e. one with a css rule such as this, or similar:

will act perfectly 'responsively' and shrink/grow with the width of the viewport?

(OK, I know that this can be viewed as an obnoxious post, - so apologies to both Jo Ann and Matt! )

Oh! Me! Me! Pick me! I know! I know!!! *Raises hand...*

*Shakes it violently.*

*Then sees a squirrel and forgets the question.%*

Do we get a % commission for answering?

I just used this to abs. position 'buy buttons' within product description boxes (with borders)

Did you see mine?

Yup but while you were busy chasing that squirrel I was busy digging up the nut it had buried.

Just to be clear, the absolute-positioned element must also be able to take meaningful part in 'floats' and such, i.e. in addition to the ability to 'shrink/grow' in size....
Otherwise it would not be very useful in responsive design, would it?

...so, the "%" on its own doesn't quite cut it...

But the example that paintbrush described is a perfect one for what I was referring to!

I'm confused as usual..

Absolute positioning can be used if you go by %?
My example:,

Nothing to be confused about Matt. Everyone is helping and having some fun while making you learn.