5.0 timing...dumb question

Before going to SC a couple of weeks ago, I put a timing light on my car and set it to 12 degrees bTDC, or at least I thought I did. Started on the trip and realized that on hills, the car bogged down very bad in 5th...didn't do this before. So, I re-set the timing by ear and it ran great. Haven't touched it since. Here's my question...I got under the car and found the BTDC mark and moved up the balancer to 12 degrees. Is it supposed to be set 12 after the 0 in the balancer, or before? (In other words, is it 12 advanced or on the 12 after the btdc mark?) I know 10 is factory, but I was going to try 12 so I could run cheap gas.

Actually, after typing his out, I bet I set it 12 retarded instead of 12 advanced. It's supposed to be on the advanced side, isn't it. I'm so retarded...I promise I know how to time a car, guys! I'm such an idiot!!!!
 
No. The huge plug is not the spout plug. Car will not run with the TFI module unhooked. Anyway the spout is inline from the dizzy and looks like a half inch wide plug a few inches down line from the TFI. If you can still see the lettering you will see the S mark. Follow that to the Spout connector. Remove it while timing with the light and re-install once you are done.
Good Luck