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

Hi Fragilis.

Another cracker - thanks.

A couple of things that might be of interest:

* The number of Edited Entries probably looks like it has gone down a lot sie Rupert, if you check out the Info page. I don't think I've mentioned it anywhere, but we've now got a new entry typs, 'Help Page', which is not counted in the Edited Guide. All the FAQs, tours etc are now Help Pages, so the size of the Edited Guide will have gone down by the number of those pages. I don't think anyone has noticed this, but there you go.

* The reason for the delay between recommendation and publication is down to the fact that entries have to be subbed by volunteers whose time is their own. I think this is a small price to pay for the excellent work the Subs do, and it positively shows that h2g2 is written by the people, for the people.

* Remember that this delay only applies to Peer Review pages. As soon as you create a new entry, it is already in the Guide and appears in the search within 24 hours. It's only the Edited Guide which has these delays, and that's because of the quality control system that's in place (ie Scouts and Subs).

* I'm just getting a page on copyright issues proofed by the legal department, which will hopefully help with this thorny issue. It'll extend what you've written, but what you've got is really helpful - thanks.

That's it - all positive stuff. Keep it up!

Mark

All great comments, Mark. I always like hearing from you, as you usually have something interesting to say. And sometimes you surprise me with things I would never have guessed on my own.

* I had noticed the reduced number of Edited Guide Entries. I decided not to comment about it until h2g2 felt more 'settled' as part of BBC Online. I thought the Moderation process might be involved, but your explanation makes much more sense. Thanks for that.

* Both of your points about the delay 'between recommendation and publication' are well made. I think our writers know all this, and furthermore know that their own volunteer efforts could help the Editing process. But there you go.

* I heard that you guys are working on a copyright info page, and I'm glad an official page is being done up. I'm keeping an eye on it and will publish a link in the next column after the page shows up online.

Again, thanks for the comments.

Pleasure.