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

There are often threads about what is not liked, how's about that which is liked?

- the somewhat excessive nannying of the well-meaning BBC is gone. People can be somewhat more open with expressing how they really feel. About world circumstances, about some persons here, perhaps even themselves via the Journal-a-day idea

There, that's my opener and first positive thing ...

That's we've got a highly engaged community, and hard working, dedicated volunteers. That's something I've not seen anywhere else. At least, not on this scale.

At almost any time of a day, reguardless of time-zones, ... There is a fair chance of finding someone to step in, mediate or
atleast offer a considered (and trusted) opinion of things.

Also, all of the current nest of back-room volunteers have been around for a time, become familiar with most of the people.
And also how something simple can explode in a very few posts. "Context" is a word bandied about a lot, and this is where
it helps the most. Maybe not fairly or equitably sometimes, but always with the 'spirit' of the site in-mind

The main thing that's right, is that the site WORKS.

I don't think I quite comprehend how amazing that is, given its history. It continues to work just as it always has. After all this time, and the vicissitudes it's been through, it's actually quite incredible.

Indeed, that it was ported to other hardware and is mostly trimmed of a decade of BBC inclusions and needs, ... And still runs well. That is a helluva feat to admire. Along with fixing some quirks and things that broke while under the BBC and they had either not the time nor inclination to invest time in fixing.

Having seen what Pastey's working with, I'll get on board with that. This place should be a decade-old wreck. Yet it's managing to tick along.

It made me meet friends I'd never have met otherwise.

It's got a nice bright green stripe down the left hand side.

That is NOT a bright green stripe, ... it's turquoise.

And yes, that meeting of people (in virtual and real worlds) ... Because of this site, my wife and I traversed the Atlantic and in what was decribed as a "staggered Meet", met a load of people face to face and had an experience of a lifetime

Mrs Zen...where are your stonkingly good entries about why we come to h2g2 etc that you did a few years ago. Worth dusting off to remind ourselves and new people of why we stick around here...I think there's also a 'what we don't like' entry to explain why some of us go off in a humph every so often.

A3763965

I keep on meaning to pdferise the two relevant chapters of my dissertation and slap them up as well.

B

Alfster - do you mean these A3763965?


Geggs

nicki



Not sure that is totally true...we have had a thread's named changed from 'Are you a Dick' to something else.

Modding decisions are pretty much in the same vain.

The swearbot is slightly relaxed, although some people are complaing about the naughty language now used.

How ever we should have some good political debates and I await party members signing up to try to push their party's politics without us knowing...

Nice to see you again as 'Alfster', btw, and I am not nicki. She is a lovely young teacher on your side of the Atlantic Sea.

Yes, one thread titled was roughly dealt with. The background system is still trying to find their footing. And that particular chap was being somewhat of a bother in a number of directions. I think that it has been agreed, among the community and some of the volunteers that it came across as heavy handed. And a learning experience. The first weeks of herding cats will always be a bit bumpy.

Modding has become a lot more relaxed and understanding. In earlier days and other management, many of mine just vanished and never were acknowledged anywhere. Now, things mostly come back once taken in 'context'. And if not, then atleast I have an e-mail that says in English what aspect was considered to be pushing too bleepy far.

It is a growing and learning experience for everyone, most heavily on the volunteers. I'm game to give them a bit more than this mere handful of weeks to judge how things may or may not work out.

Sorry Nick! slip of the digit...

Thanks for the explanation of the dodgy therad title change.

*waves*

I am indeed a lovely young teacher

What's right with h2?

This A87227986

And this A17402564

and this A87722292

and this A83646679

and the friendships.


Sometimes reading here is like watching a minibus of people squabbling over the picnic provisions, parked up in the Serengeti while cheetahs and white rhino tango past the windows unseen.