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

Yup looks good, (Sorry about nit-picking there - I've spent too much time listening to the Met Traffic divison radio channels for my own good).

For what the opinion of a passer-by is worth, I like it too.

Although I think "the possible combinations still became liable to running out" should read something more like "liable to run out"

I seem to recall that at some point during the prefix system, the old system of using two of the letters to identify the place of origin was actually discontinued since it encouraged certain combinations to be more attractive than others. I can't find any actual evidence.
I also believe that the new system will have much less specific letter codes.

I was intrigued that you had written the article as though all the changes have already taken place. Also pleased that you included the detail about country of origin. It has amused me for some time that there are so many illegal newly registered cars on the road as some garages have been issuing new cars with country of origin plates for some time.

I'd suggest that you relabel the two links that are listed as "here" in the article and replace it with the title of the site. That way people know where they are clicking through to and it neatens up the referenced site list.

Two Bit Trigger Pumping Nit Picker

Just to echo that last point, you won't get away with those links. They need a descriptive name.

I came by because the subject sounded good, and I see you have attracted lots of good comments. I have to say though (and this is a sad person who spent many childhood trips, nose glued against back window, looking for cars from my home area - they were once all listed in the AA annual guide book) I ran out of interest about halfway through. Maybe you might re-visit one day before the editors get hold of it and bash it about.

Should you do that, here are some specific points that you may/may not want to consider. Please excuse the pedantic tendency. I am sure they can still be made in metal. I don't think you need the links to the countries of the UK, but if you do, why not make one for the Isle of Wight? There is much good stuff in the guide. Since when have the police been double-quick about anything to do with cars? Your first 'here' link contains much info already in the article, notably all the 'year/letter info in one of your footnotes. You don't need both. I haven't checked the second 'here' link, but if it is commercial it will be kicked out. If you can do 'links' why not put in 'headers'? Finally, I would say that the system(s) you describe are chaotic rather than orderly. Just about every country has 'age' and 'area' info on the plate somewhere. Pitch it as an aid to understanding the systems rather than a description of an exemplary system

Thanks everybody for the comment, a few updates have been made.

Like others previously, I used to read the AA guide and noticed the list of area codes. I also noticed that they aren't published anymore. I wonder if the reason for this is centralisation and the DVLA taking on responsibility for vehicle registrations. Anyone know?

Pheroneous - thanks for your many comments. Pedatic, maybe?, but it's feedback like yours that can help a guide entry become really good. I respond thus:

- Your honesty in pointing out losing interest in the middle is great, as I've read many entries that I've given up on halfway through too. Relooking at it, I found it a bit longwinded and have made some revisions. Before I totally destroy it, I wondered if anyone else found it dull? Obviously you and I are looking at it from a position of knowledge. Does it help the ignorant among us?

- metal plates - now mentioned.
- Isle of Wight link, nothing specific in the Guide on it. Can you suggest one?
- The other places are actually the Government registration sites.
- police double quick time - well it was an imaginary situation.
- "here" links - one amended to go to the places tables, one removed (it was commercial).
- headers - who needs them, when one has subheaders Subheaders change to headers.
- understanding of system rather than exemplary indicated in text.

Thank-you for your comments. Anyone for anymore?

Phew. Glad I didn't offend. You are quite right. There is no specific article on the Isle of Wight. I was thinking about Bluebottle (Home page here: http://www.h2g2.com/U43530 ) who has written loads of good stuff - and has an amazing page btw (At least to a mere mortal such as I) - about the Isle of Wight. I didn't realise that there wasn't one so entitled.

Wey Hey

Thanks for your recommendation. You'll be glad to know that we think this entry is great, and it has now gone into the Editorial Process for future inclusion in the Edited Guide. When it does get into the Edited Guide, we will email to let you know, but please bear in mind it can take a while for entries to go through the sub-editing system.

Well Done.

Congratulations!
Well done, well deserved.
Long-winded? Nah!

Editorial Note: This thread has been moved out of the Peer Review forum because this entry has now been recommended for the Edited Guide.

If they haven't been along already, the Scout who recommended your entry will post here soon, to let you know what happens next. Meanwhile you can find out what will happen to your entry here: http://www.h2g2.com/SubEditors-Process

Congratulations!

BBS, they are called "number plates" in NZ and Australia as well. I wonder if it is a British Commonwealth thing?

I've got the yarn to sub so if you track down a Canadian in the next day or so please ask them. We may be able to add a par about that.

Loony