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

Ok, I've read the House Rules and, apart from disagreeing with a few minor things (most of which other people have put up in the House Rules discussions), I agree with them. Or, to put it slightly differently I have no quarrel with them.

What I have issue with is the fact that they are EVERYWHERE.

At the bottom of every page.
At the top of every User Page.
At the side of every statement every person makes.

A tad overkill don't you think?

The last time I had rules floating so close to me so often was when I attended a Catholic High School. As a result, all I wanted to do then was to see if there was any way the rules could be broken. This is not a normal state of mind for me you must understand. But in the last couple of days I have felt exactly the same way that I did half a lifetime ago. I feel like a naughty school boy again.

Have the rules up sure, but accept that h2g2 is one of the friendliest and most civil discussion groups around. Treat people like school kids and that's how they'll act.

*jumps off soap box*

I agree wholeheartedly! In fact, it reminds me of the office I work in -- the kind of place where they send us emails reminding us that we may not shut our computers down before 4:30.

A little bit of restraint is a good thing. This new system, however, is verging on the ridiculous.

Perhaps they are all up everywhere so that people are mindful of them. Hopefully that means that some of them may drop out of sight after a few months or so. Hope so.

I understand that the BBC is not familiar with this community. I understand that they are not use to "'puter nuts" policing themselves....I also understand the reasons to wish avoidance of possible lawsuits.

I play in a MOPAR site which has moderators. They do a very good job of calming disputes and making sure everyone is playing fair. I think the term "moderator"(actually the term "Thought Police" comes to mind) is a bit misused in this instance. It's more of a "Guidance Counselor". This political correctness will kill H2G2, and BBC will only have themselves to blame.

I don't want to see what we've all worked for, for years, destroyed by some "Newbie" who doesn't understand. The BBC is an "All Powerful" "Newbie". Theres' profit in this here site, if they will avoid heavy handedness.

So far, that has not been the case.

My favorite Forums of the past were on Communism,it's advantages and disadvantages, and the seemingly worldwide dislike for "Americans".

I don't think that under the present systems those discussions would even be allowed. What a shame.......I learned a lot there.

In the meantime, you're right. The reminders are EVERYWHERE! Watch what you say, do and think. Big Brother is watching.....'cause we're all too stupid to watch for ourselves!

NM

I agree NM
When you think of the thousand's of posts h2g2 generated over it's initial months, the site certainly managed to police itself very well indeed.
If we are barred from certain subjects... why do they bother to put the disclaimers on every page?
I really don't know how long the Post will survive under these conditions, although I am willing to give it a good go, I do NOT want to end up as an unpaid moderator... or strict schoolmistress!
shazz

I agree NM
When you think of the thousand's of posts h2g2 generated over it's initial months, the site certainly managed to police itself very well indeed.
If we are barred from certain subjects... why do they bother to put the disclaimers on every page?
I really don't know how long the Post will survive under these conditions, although I am willing to give it a good go, I do NOT want to end up as an unpaid moderator... or strict schoolmistress!
shazz

I don't know the BBC's take on "freedom of the press", but being from the US with our idea of its' meaning, I'd hate to be in your shoes!

With the present rules in place, a lot of what The Post was known for won't be possible. I have a feeling that your editing job is about to become overwhelming! I wish you all the luck in the world!!!


By the way......whens' the next edition scheduled for publication?....and have they given any thought to the Wowbagger 'toon problem yet?

It just wouldn't be The Post without the Wowbagger touch!

NM

The Post should be out 1am GMT Thursday... Wednesday night to you guys!
No worries about the Wowbagger cartoons
I can send them over and have them blobbed ready for publication
I must admit I am STILL enjoying working on the Post... time will tell if the feeling continues
So... I must away into PR mode and make a start! LOL
shazz