Did you read that article about automating photo sorting, @joseph614?

Yeah, the part about keeping a pre-cut post plumb while backfilling is the real trick. I read a tip once about using a temporary cross-brace screwed to the post and staked into the ground on the high side to hold it.

I mean it's a cotter pin, they're basically meant to fail. Maybe it's just me but I doubt that tiny piece of metal was the main problem.

Nice, @the_kai, now I'm picturing a fire escape totally taken over by marigolds.

Got to disagree on the heat gun. Seen too many carpets get a weird shine or even melt a bit on low pile. A little spray adhesive on the seam tape works better for me.