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

Hey folks!

Following the Ed's guidance on commenting in the Post, I'm feeling confused, and I need to talk about it.

So I'm going to perhaps post this hopeful little statement into the places I've commented on this week, and see if I can reach some clarity.

smiley - coffee

What has been my approach to the Comments Box?

Well, sometimes I will enter a comment of my own, which either starts off a conversation, or stands alone.

Sometimes I enter an existing conversation. Someone else has entered a comment with a title, and I follow on, perhaps to add an insight of my own.

smiley - coffee

However, out of respect for the Ed's guidelines, contrary to the organically developing conversations which I love and encourage, particularly in my journal, smiley - rofl I feel in this context I need to sharpen my approach.

How do I do this?

My instinct is to want to contact the contributor directly, acknowledge their contribution, and offer a few insights.

Essentially, I need to keep my focus on their work.

This really matters to me.

I could title my comment, To The Contributor.

It might feel strange to do this, because it then sounds like no further conversations are welcome.

However, I want my message to get through, even if the contributor doesn't want to respond, that's fine.

I want them and their work to feel recognised. A personal message from me.

Sharpness and focus seem to be my key words.

Perhaps also, if they want, a contributor could attach a directive paragraph to their work, like, 'I'd like some feedback on .. (certain area)' ..

However, I guess that might be too much like a workshop.

Don't know. Help!

Obviously with the caption contests its a bit different, but I still need to focus on finding that elusive caption. heheh.

I'm hoping writing this down will help, and it would be great to talk to someone!

cc smiley - cheers

Actually, I decided what I need to do about the commenting question.

This will be my way of honouring Ed's guidelines.

I'll open up a comment with a new thread, so then I can begin with a direct communication with the contributor.

I think this is the main element for me, that focus of communication.

Then, if the thread develops into a conversation, that's fine.

And its also OK if the contributor thinks 'oh no! not 'er again', haha, and doesn't want to open a conversation with me.

Its just getting it right for me, and this feels like it.

If the contributor adds a directive, like, could I have some feedback on (photographic technique/writing technique etc), I'll just say, like I used to in the AWW, well, thanks for your contribution, I'm not qualified to give you the feedback you need, but someone will be along soon!

Sorted!

Hi!

I did take the photos but they've been published by Dmitri at The Post. There's an option in the ISS LIVE app to take photos of what you are seeing on NASA TV. It's a revelation to me, I can remember my mother taking photos of me on a Box Brownie and I thought the first photos that printed immediately were magic. Soon we will be able to close our eyes, engage camera, snap, store in brain for replay later.

Can I show you how to make the smileys appear as little symbols?

= < coffee > (without the spaces)

There isn't a but there is an = < island > (without the spaces)

Hullo GB!

Thanks for getting back!

Ah, how strange, the smileys. I print out smileys a lot, in fact I'm a bit of a fan, , especially the chocolateteapot and the . Don't start me, I'll print them all out. This site is so magic.

Because I cut and pasted my curious little statement about commenting to several places, the smiley image didn't translate, the brackets got spread out. I didn't notice at the time. How very strange.

I'm sorted now with the commenting thing, I love the Post. This is my new way, great to meet you, and acknowledge your contribution!

I think photos are magic also! I've never lost the wonder!

A Box Brownie, how amazing. I've never seen a Box Brownie, but I wish I had. I always wanted a pinhole camera. . Fascinated by pinhole photography. I know you can make them from a box and some film, but I'm spoilt now, with the digital effects.

The ISS live app??? I must download this immediately. My husband is fascinated by the ISS, so I'll put it on his phone also.

When did you get into your love of things to do with space exploration, and stars and planets and galaxies and universes and all things wonderful like this?

Soon we'll be able to close our eyes, engage camera, snap, store in brain for replay later. Oooh yes!!

there's a space walk going on right NOW! (ISS LIVE via NASA TV)