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

I don't see what "elitist group ideal" has got to do with it. The "Towel Bearers" are not elitists, they are to SERVE the newbies. And the explanation for their name can be right with the list of volunteers! Nothing secretive, nothing elitist about them, just fun!

No this is not the books, but does that mean we may not copy a bit of it for fun's sake? If we can't do that, we might as well DEMAND that everyone logs in with their TRUE names, and forbid the use of all references to the book altogether, as WELL as any nicknames/handles... Hey, why not ban DNA and all TDV staff altogether? In a way they're responsible for the link that this site has with the original thought of the H2G2, they even copied the *name*!

But then again: without them, there wouldn't be a site like this for our fun, right? And we wouldn't be having this "beer-talk"...

Who says we're excluding anyone by using "Towel Bearers" as a name for those who volunteer to lend a helping hand, and to greet newbies?
The point after all is, to WELCOME them. And nowhere was EVER suggested that they would only deal with H2G2 addicts. On the contrary! They would just be a welcoming commity and a group of volunteers to help newbies make the most of this site, regardless of their reason for being here. I just don't see what a *name* for such volunteers would have to do with that!

The only thing I ever said was, that we may EXPECT to welcome mostly H2G2 addicts, because to THEM the name of this site has a MEANING. That doesn't mean that others aren't welcome, it just means that others are less likely to come in and stay! Maybe some day H2G2 will BE the internet, and nobody will be able to avoid it. But until then I just wanna have fun!

Sure, ACE *would* be here for a while, and it would make sense too. And I'd LOVE that one to become the chosen name for the volunteers, because it's short, to the point, easy to explain, AND last but not least (!), it would be *my* *first* *suggestion*.

But on the other hand: this *is* (to some extent) some sort of a democratic community, in that us users sometimes can have a say in where to go from here. If the majority feels that ACE stinks, ok, then let them choose a name like "Towel Bearers" or "Prefects" (although the latter sounds more elitist, think of the "Prefects" of the Roman empire). At least those names mean something to some of us.

If I hadn't heard about the books before, and somebody said (s)he was a Towel Bearer, I'd keep an open mind, and ask what that title meant.
I'd not run away at first sight of the word "Towel". Please don't you project your own phobia on me, ok? You're assuming things that no-one has ever said or meant to say.

I'm sorry if I came across that way. I didn't mean to. All I was suggesting was that we use a name that everyone would know what it meant. I'm here just to have fun like you. And I want it to stay fun, other wise I'd go hang around some other site. I can see your view point and I accept it. I have an open mind as well. As to 'beer-talk' I come out with complete rubbish even when I'm sober
It seems like I offended you with my previous postings, and if so I say again, sorry. I was merely typing what I thought about this. That's all.

Hey Pastey!

Let's be fair: I came on strong too

Sure we *could* choose a name that's easily understood, but such names often are kind of rigid, and suggest a hierarchy that you can't escape. That may be fine for people who are paid to do that job ("Community Editor" sounds cool, and I think it suits Peta well ), but if volunteers then get a name like "Sub-Com-Ed" or "Sub-Com-Ed-ian", would that clarify that they are volunteers with no official "power" (to use that term loosely)??

I agree that "ACE" fits the same category, if you think back to what the acronym stands for. Maybe that's why it's better not to use that one either, huh? (I still like it, th)

I also understand (and agree to) your point that the H2G2 community should be open to everyone. I only hope that you can agree with me that *no* title ever NEEDS to restrict entry to a select group, no matter how much explanation that title needs. In fact, I'm planning to create an explanatory text on "Towel Bearers" (in which the name can later be changed to suit whatever comes out after the vote), which can be referenced by everyone bearing the title. That way any newbie, regardless of their knowledge about the books, can easily click a link to find out what the term stands for. It might even become referenced from the "Don't Panic" page, who knows...

No, you did not offend me really. I just objected to some of the conclusions that, in my humble opinion (hahaha), didn't seem reasonable. Ofcourse you have the right to vote for whatever YOU think is right. After all, what good would this site be without that right, huh? However, let's not thicken the air with an argument about what would be right or wrong. The majority will tell, and if your suggestion comes out on top, then I'd say "Great, at least we have a name"

It wan't actually my suggestion
I agree though that we've clogged this forum enough. And I'm glad I didn't offend you.

Does anyone know when the are going to count up the votes and decide anyway?

I have no idea... up to now only twelve votes were cast, that hardly seems like representative to the entiry community, I think. Maybe the staff (Peta or whoever else has a say in that) will wait for a certain amount of time, or a set total number of votes, before drawing their conclusion. I can't say. We'll all just have to wait, I guess.

The unofficial result is now available in http://www.h2g2.com/forumframe.cgi?forum=26695&thread=28217

Peta,

I have a question. See I'm new here and I was wondering how I can help out at all? Like check guide entries or something? Please tell me and e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected]. I have the skills..I've been working on a newspaper at my school for years. I'm an expert and I'm also one of the main editors. Hope to hear from you soon!

Cathy

Hi Cathy

If you go to Petas homepage ( http://www.h2g2.com/U24 ) you'll see a link for people wanting to volunteer to be Sub Editors.

;^)#

Commiserations on your name suggestion missing out Bruce. "Picky people perhaps"?

Yes I was sure it would get the nod - ohh well.

Probably something about not fitting on the letterhead very well

;^)#

Bruce,

Thanks for the useful advice.

No worries Cathy

;^)#