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

Thanks for asking Opti.

Quite a lot in fact. I've tried a few other BBC routes, past and present, and got experienced and considered advice. I think I understand how the general editorial conventions of the BBC work a lot better now. I don't actually like them much, and it all kind of explains why so much of the Beeb's broadcast content is so unsatisfyingly safe and samey, but at least I understand them.

I'm following one particular former journalist's advice, and trying to incorporate substantiating public-domain quotes from the major players. It isn't getting any shorter, and if anything it's reading more establishment-critical, but it's worth a go because I think it might improve the piece.

I'm determined to do something with this to mark the 25th anniversary. Whether it comes off through h2g2 or needs some other medium remains to be seen.

(I don't intend to remove this from PR unless asked, btw. The reason might seem a bit vain, but I think it's still one of the better pieces in PR and so might help us with recruiting much-needed new blood should visitors read it).

Very interesting

A48711594 - The “Battle of Orgreave” and the 1984-5 Miners’ Strike - page turner

I really like this. Sorry to buck the trend but I think it's better without the quotes. It's gripping and very even-handed but best of all it lets the reader decide where they would stand. I can't think why it's still here.

Thanks Fizzy

It's still here because (once again) the Eds have rejected it as too contentious.

I'm working at the quotes, and at substantiating a couple of incidents I refer to using the judicial record. (If I didn't believe this might make it better, I wouldn't bother).

It's very tempting though, to use the same research to record the judges' castigation of the BBC for mendacious editing of the news footage, and the BBC's own abject apology for doing so.

Perhaps one day the emasculated and craven post-Gilligan journalism of the modern BBC will be replaced by something like the Corporation's former standards of probity and independence. We might even get h2g2 Editors to match. But until then, I wouldn't bother writing anything with any teeth if I were you. The Slants are too afraid that Daily Mail readers might complain

Oh dear .... I know that you're aware of what needs to be done to get it in (I'm not) and I hope you can do it without getting too bogged down. I reckon the BBC stuff should be added to the entry - it's fact and verifiable as such - may as well fill all the gaps while you're about it.


You know I don't write anything with teeth but that doesn't mean I don't like to read it - please keep trying with this.

Pinniped, good luck with this. It needs doing. I agree with most of what you have said except the bit about the Daily Mail readers!

I just can't see the justification for holding it back, but then I am a Daily Mail reader, so obviously stupid All we seek is the unbiased truth.

Websailor

Wot Websailor said!

A N Other.