ref the attached pic, how do I extrude the poly along red line (axis) as opposed to the yellow line (normal)?

use Transform Extruded Front in Global Mode
or alternatively you can use Point Normal Mode and specify custom attribute representing the extrusion direction

There are several ways:
1. make custom point normals and set the polyextrude SOP to “Point Normal” and “Existing”.
2. make a custom vector point attribute and set the polyextrude SOP to “Point Normal” and “Attribute” and enter your attribute name.
3. set distance to 0, turn on “Transform Extruded Front” and set the Transform Space to “Global”, then transform it any way you want.

Edit: tamte was faster; should have refreshed the page ^^

Thank you both for the prompt response. blackpixel the polyextrude front transform worked like a charm. thanks again.