Below is the old postoffice in Braintree MA. If you look closely you can see the nails used to attach the siding.

Here's a nice example of a historical use of cedar. Notice the nice architectural work with siding kicked out on the bottom.

New Hardie Wind Code Nailing Instructions

If you're concerned about wind this is how the James Hardie folks would like you to install thier siding, with face nails at every seem!