Roger Hayter wrote:

If one is setting a wooden gatepost in concrete should one have a bed of
concrete underneath the post to keep water out, or should one have it on
shingle underneath to let water out?

Thanks, everyone, fo useful comments. I am using a 6" X 6" post that
has been buried in well-drained earth for at least 16 years without
detectable softening. If it fails, it fails. And I shall probably
substitute a 5" square one to save money.
--

Roger Hayter