Regardless of the direction I place a dropper or dispenser, it will almost always rotate to face south. I managed to get one to face north once, but never east or west or up or down. additionally, if I place a dropper/dispenser next to another dropper/dispenser, the new one will face away from the old. (I.E. if I place on the west side it will face west even if i am facing south). the new facing away from the old only applies to the sides of the block, not the top or bottom.