Pushing the rod vs. dragging the rod

A lot of welders debate over which is better to push the rod or drag it. Me personally I prefer to drag or pointed directly at the material being welded. Pushing the rod will give you slightly lesser penetration and it also helps clean the metal ahead. Dragging the rod will give you deeper penetration and allows the weld to be seen easier rather than pushing the electrode is blocking your view.
Pointing the rod directly at the material gives you deepest penetration. Overall see what works best for you and the work your doing and go from there.

Daniel