h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi everybody,
I was talking to Ripper the other week, and I came up with an idea for a Guild of Reporters. The vision I had in mind was kind of like the ACE's/SCOUTS...etc page, but really somewhere that we can focus our efforts, somewhere maybe that we can appreciate other peoples work, discuss things...

So perhaps its not really like the ACE and co. pages but its a thought.

Anyway, I haven't thought it out any further and was wondering what everyone thought, and if anyone had other ideas for it.

My brain is trained towards my exams, someone elses birthday and the next episode of the 168th greatest story in the universe - a tribute (maybe I should just say 168 from now on ), so I've not really had time to think it through at the moment, so I would like people to tell me what they think.


Verc

168 is how I always refer to it.

There used to be a Post mailing list, and then a satellite site, that functioned roughly in the way you envision. Sadly both seem to have fallen by the wayside (unless - and this seems entirely sensible to be - I've deliberately not been let in on the secret. In principle it's an excellent idea.

I would rethink the name though, as not everyone who contributes reports things - in fact, most are reviewers, critics, authors, poets, quiz-setters, and so on...

(Always the same, a great idea right *after* you've pressed 'Post Message'...)

As titles go, in that vein, how about the Guild of Critics, Reporters, Authors and Poets? Snappy, fairly concise, while remaining reasonably comprehensive. No?

How 'bout,
The Reading Is Not Enough Club!

How about TWONK?

The
World
Of
Numerous
Knowledgables


What I'm trying to find out is how we would go about setting up such a group. If there is already a "dead" group which needs reviving, how do we go about doing that? If we need to set up a new yahoo group (or similar) does Shazz do that? Or if Shazz is too busy, who would sort all this out?

I'm going to post a link to this conversation at the bottom of next weeks Post, because I want to make a point of this, as I think its quite important.

Verc

We already have a Post Yahoo group.

What exactly did you have in mind to use it for then? I would much prefer any comments about a writers work to be posted on site below the item in question.

If you feel it a good thing, however, I am quite happy to dust off the cobwebs and resurrect the Post group provided you don't get confused and start sending your articles in there as we used to - it may get confusing!

shazz

I guess I'm looking for something to get the Reporters talking to each other a bit more.

Perhaps become more confident about talking about someone else's work, while not being offensive.

Discuss the general issues of the day, and perhaps discussion in the groups will bring up some other things in the community which could go in to a future edition of <./>thePost</.> .

I think it would be healthy. Things seem to have gone a little quiet down my end of h2g2, so perhaps it would help. What do you think?

I'm also trying to promote the post a bit more. A little while ago when I was merely a reader and not a contributer to the post I suggested that there could be an option on the main bar across the h2g2 screen (along side My Space, Whos Online...etc). And while perhaps thats a bit much (it was certainly too much for the itallics anyway), I think there must be another way to get new people reading the post (Maybe get the post message nearer the top of the front page?).

Because I truely believe that the post should be the heart of h2g2, the life and soul of it. Its where people get to be their most expressive. And that should be promoted.

Who ever came up with the idea for this place (I assume it was must have been you Shazz) and kept it creativity flowing, is a genius because it is the perfect place to talk about the community, enjoy literature, and find out about whats going on (dare I day it) in Real Life *shudders*.

Anyway, thanks for listening,
my names Vercingetorix - goodnight

I have re-activated the group now and will add you to it so you can chatter away to your hearts content.

shazz

Do you have the link for the group?

You should receive an email inviting you to join very soon.

You can find the group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PostEditions

There is also an inbuilt chat facility (including voice chat if you so wish!

I don't suggest trawling through the backlog - there are almost 1,000 posts on there now!

shazz