I'm slightly confused by the "o'clock" recommendations.
foxmoth,
Are you talking about a Gypsy Major or its kin?
For a Lycoming or Continental, the prop needs to be in the 10 o'clock position (when facing the aircraft), as is indicated in the videos above.
mixed up,
It doesn't matter whether the fuel is on or off. There's enough fuel in the carburettor for the engine to start, if the mags are live.
flybymike,
I always kick my leg back when hand propping from the front. It gets me moving backward, away from the prop. However, I like to think I do it more elegantly than the guy in the Luscombe video!
Of course, as has been said above, you need firm ground.
It is also a good idea to warn any non-aviation bystanders what you are going to do. A lady nearly fell out of her chair when I started a tow-plane at our club. She thought she was witnessing a fatal accident!
pb84,
If your Maule has an impulse mag, it's a good idea to turn off the non-impulse mag, to avoid a potential backfire (and finger tip issues). It has always surprised me that impulse mags are not identified on the mag switch.