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

Did I hear someone ask Fairky strange one of the most closely guarded early secrets from h2g2's past. There are very few who know what NM stands for and not even I am amongst that number.

Thank you for asking that. I've been wondering about it for ages but after having seen it for a few weeks you kind of get used and forget to ask.
Hmmm, a closely guarded secret? Now I'm really curious!

New member will be up in a few minutes.

Notice how, despite all the applicants, Gargleblaster's list still has only three things on it? Or has it changed since I last saw it two days ago?

I'd asked FS and NM before but didn't get a reply, I think *^_^*

If this thread starts getting too long for people to load then just shout ok?

How does a thread get too long?
How many roads must a man walk down?
WHAT THE HECK IS THE QUESTION?
You see? There are just too many...

Well as you asked I've started a new thread here

http://www.h2g2.com/forumframe.cgi?forum=35010&thread=44780

to give us more room to rominate over DM, Penfold, Baron Greenback et al.

It's v great over there. Not so raucous as over here. I mean, raucous is great but sometimes calm is better.
God, I've started to say calm like an American. I need to maintain my Britishness better.

hello there tweetie i must admit that the calmness of this spot is quite relaxing.
do you mind me asking about your name?, how did you decide on tweetie?
AA

Ummm, well there's a backstory there involving something someone once said to me and another website. It's a huge great mystery actually... not even my best friends know . How did you come up with yours BTW?

I remember when I registered, what could I use as a name here? Well, if you know my real name, it's a bit obvious...

it sounds a bit like the great NM mystery that i have found in another forum, seems there are quite a few people who are trying to figure that one out as well but the ones who know are not saying
when it comes to the name i decided on that is quite easy, i have been working for the Post even before joining h2g2 and in there i have a weekly column where people can ask me questions and i answer them so when i joined i used the same name. the name itself came to me long ago. it seems that i am a good listener (at least that is what i have been told) and people just come to me for a chat when they have something on their minds. i always try to listen and when asked for advice i tell them what i think but always make sure that they understand i do not want them making a decision based on what i think rather make one based on what they think . sometimes all that someone needs is an ear to bend and i try to be there when it is needed. this is how i came to be agony aunt
AA

Huh. How did you manage to work for the Post without actually being an h2g2er? And whilst we're on the subject, how do you start writing for the Post? I'm hoping for a journalistic career and it might also help me get the editorship for my school Yearbook next year. I'd love to do an article some time... *smiles hopefully and bats frighteningly long eyelashes*
While I'm here can I ask you- which is better: to have a car and live at home for uni, or to live in halls and lack wheels? My parents have given me this dillemma and it's a while until I have to apply- after the summer some time- but I really am having a problem with this... problem *looks sheepish*. Can you help?

ged tweetie why tweetie
and also just get the car then u
a) dont gotta pay ure laundry bills
b) get fed
c) gotta car
d) get back on track and discuss DM
thanks

Yeah I know but that drive every day and being more cut off from friends and not being able to party cos of going home... course I could always crash at yours but I think you'd probably get pissed off after the 16 billionth time!

I guess this is a topic I need not get involved in. I have neither Uni nor cars to worry me irl

Doth Angel want to be added to the posse? Or will s/he be a bandwagon jumper, trying to get her name in a big place? Speak! What doth your presence mean here?

Tweetie, working for the Post without actually being a member of h2g2 is a bit of a tale in itself, see i had known of h2g2 through various other sites, i would find myself peeking in on what was going on and when the Post started looking for someone to do a weekly column for them where a question was asked and then an answer was given i liked the idea. i then approched one of the members of the Post via an email with a sample question and answer. i asked them if they would accept me as a writer for them even though i was not a member and they (after some thinking and discussion) said yes . i admit i should of joined sooner but for some reason i never thought of it, i greatly enjoyed writing my weekly section for them and occasionally looking in on what was happening on the site but until this past week i never joined. i now wish i had joined sooner because everyone i have met has been just lovely to me .
you asked two questions, the first one was how do you begin writing for the Post. this one is simple, write something and send it on to Pastey or Shazz. they are always looking for good articles to be included in each weeks issue .
when it comes to your second question about the car or living on campus, this one is a bit more difficult. there is a plus to both. on the one hand having the car gives you the ability to go places in less time and because you would also be living at home you would not have to worry about money for food and such. there is however another side that you must consider when making your decision, living on campus instead of at home gives you the opportunity to begin your independance, showing everyone that you can make it on your own. yes, it is not easy and there are lots of things that you will have to worry about which are going to be new to you but it would also be a good learning experience (a chance for you to 'get your feet wet'). either way the decision is yours and you should do what you feel is best for you not what is best for other people. what i am trying to say is whatever you decide let it be your decision and not someone elses, afterall you are the one who will have to live with it
ok, sorry for the book that it seems i have written. i promise to try and keep my responses shorter from now on
AA

Nah, I like the long messages. Makes me feel less guilty when I do it. Thanks for both answers- I kind of knew what the answer would be to the latter but it helps to have someone else say it- you know? Well of course you do
I will try writing something for the Post, I'd love to finally get something out there that people other than exam markers can read!

Ooooh, you lot keep talking about the Post...if you keep on then I will have to say that I hope to write a review of Iron Maiden's scrap at Earl's Court on June 16th...

Damn! I gave the game away -again-!

It was nice seeing Dangermouse in the Post .

Tee-hee. Remind me never to trust you with a secret!
Hey, question (I'm just full of them aren't I?) is it worth becoming an ACE? I've been looking into it but I'm only into my 8th or 9th week as an h2g2er and I'm wondering if it's worthwhile waiting. Although, my two months have been fairly prolific, I think I've done a lot since coming here. Including getting a pretty good handle on the whole markup language stuff. What d'ya reckon? Have I got what it takes?

Yup. Being an ACE is something anyone can do.

From my experience you need:

1. Spare time
2. Good-ish welcoming skills
3. A set of links next to you to give to the newbie
4. An eye for good pages to show to Peta

So it's not hard really. If you see some of the greetings newbies have recieved then you'll get an idea of the style that is handy when greeting somebody...of course, it doesn't mean you can't be different!

So, yeah, I say Go For It!