content: You put the microphone sideways like this when you do not have a pop filter.  It's to avoid the pop's you get from the air hitting the microphone.  A pop filter or pop shield is an anti-pop noise protection filter for microphones, typically used in a recording studio. It serves to reduce or eliminate 'popping' sounds caused by the mechanical impact of fast moving air on the microphone during recorded speech and singing. It also keeps moisture off the microphone which can cause mold growth.  Turning it sideways avoids this because you're not speaking/spitting into the microphone.    The more you know....