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

http://www.h2g2.com/A429752

There's a first time for everything, and this is mine!
Not a particularly cheerful topic, admittedly ( ) but one that, I think, should be given more 'air-time'.
All comments gratefully received - suggestions even more so!
TheOkapi.

Hi,

An interesting, and thought provoking article. As a pedant (and I hate myself for saying this), I should point out that it is biased towards the anti-torture camp, and maybe you should include a bit about why people can bring themselves to torture others, etc. Either that or maybe change the title.

Does that make any sense? I'm not pro-torture, I just like a good debate.

- Adam

See my comments here: http://www.h2g2.com/F50732?thread=74530&post=570353 Nex... :-)

Wise words, N7

Wise words from both you good people! And action shall be forthcoming in the not too distant future! Watch this space, as they say!
Thanks again.
TheOkapi.

AND.......
The idea of putting something in about WHY people torture is certainly valid, but, I think, more the territory of the psychologists amongst us. But I shall try, nonetheless.
TheOkapi.

This is certainly an original idea for a Guide entry (I too have got this month's NI, however...).
But I can't help but feel there could be more to it - some of the suggestions others have put forward (but not neccessarily a big list of unpleasant torture instruments/methods unless its used in the context of explaining a point - such as how far some people will go). Other ways of elaborating would be more on MENTAL tourture, not just physical. And how about a paragraph discussing the difference between inflicted torture (that is, torture intentionally used as a tool on someone), and torture as a concept of pain or, as it were, torment (being completely paralysed, some might say, may be 'torture').

I think there's a lot to this subject, and you've made a great start and a heartfelt comment on society's idleness in many cases - although this may need to be 'tamed' and put in a more subjective perspective for proper 'Guideyness'.

So, good entry, it needed to be done - but how about a bit more in the 'middle' and a more passive/subjective approach?

Oh, one more thing: it'll probably be quite tricky if you do decide to elaborate (especially the how/why/where section), making sure that stuff like torture techniques doesn't become too gory or upsetting, while still making the reader understand the suffering involved.

Hmm, I've got more to say but don't want to ramble.

Thanks for the suggestions.
I've followed some of the advice in previous posts and re-posted it under its new title in the Peer Review.
As to the description of various tortures, and implements etc, I don't think I ever intended to get into that side of things...leave that for someone else, should they wish to add to the entry.
Read the updated version and see what you think
http://www.h2g2.com/A429752
Talk to you later.
TheOkapi

Editorial Note: This thread has been moved out of the Peer Review forum because it's already in the Edited Guide.