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

I was delighted when we won the bid that h2g2 landed in the safe hands of Robbie and the Larholms; and now the vision is fully realised as the Community joins them as part of Not Panicking Ltd with a real say in the future direction of NPL as a business.

I don't think anyone thought it would take an entire year to set up Field Researchers Ltd, but it did, because the people setting it up were determined to make absolutely certain-sure they got the structure right. They were grappling with company law, corporate governance and all sorts of other unfamiliar and complicated stuff, and fitting it in amongst their other h2g2 volunteering, their day-jobs, their families, their real lives. So kudos to them for sticking it out over such a long journey. I am in awe of the resilience and commitment of those involved.

Being part of establishing h2g2 in its new form taught me a huge amount, it gave me the real privilege of working with and learning from Robbie for a start, and the delight of knowing the Larholms. The experience changed all sorts of things in my professional, social and personal life, and I've grown as a result.

The founding of FRL is the final piece in the jigsaw, and knowing its in place, and with the checks and balances needed to make sure it always represents the best interests of the community it springs from, makes it possible for me to let go and move on.

So, Happy Nerd, Pastey, Lanzababy, Milla, Sol, and all of the volunteers - well done. You have each in different ways done an astonishing job. And now that you are taking h2g2's Community forward into the future, let me wish all of you the best.

Let me also raise a glass in h2g2's traditional toast which includes our thousands of former researchers - members of the Community all - and remember "Absent Friends". And now I shall misquote W B Yeats: "we have spread our dreams under your feet, tread softly because you tread on our dreams".

That's it from me. There's an email address on my personal space, and I'm on Facebook.

Good luck, everyone. Exciting days ahead! Have fun!

Ben

Thanks for your efforts Ben!

But those last lines scare me a bit... facebook? email? It sounds like you won't be around h2g2 much, surely I must have misinterpreted you.

Thanks for everything Ben

Absent Friends

GB

Three cheers to all involved!

That's the second friend in two days announcing they'll leave.

Thanks, Ben, for all that you've done.

Like, Milla, those lines scare me too.

I hope we'll still find you here

No ing allowed!

We need a Hotel California smiley

Hey -- you're all doing fine without me already. When you think about it, you'll find I've hardly been around since March.

And look --- h2g2's thriving.

You've done an incredible amount of work, Ben. I see your name says "Gone to lunch". Have a good one, and don't entirely be a stranger!

TRiG.

phew thank heaven that's over!

Good bye and good luck, Ben.

"When you think about it, you'll find I've hardly been around since March" [Ben]

People's lives have their own unique rhythms. You're allowed to follow periods of extreme exertion with periods of rest and recuperation. Nevertheless, it would mean a lot to me [and, I'm sure, to many others] if you would make regular visits here. If not every day, then how about
every week? Just wondering.

It's also good to get out, shake yourself down and have a break. It has been a very intense time, and I bowed out in January! Sometimes a battery recharge is just what's needed. It worked wonders for me.

*like*