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

For those of you who haven't been paying attention, The Post is currently looking for a new Assistant Editor. We seem to be a bit short of applicants in that we haven't had any yet, so I thought I'd detail the job a a bit further here in case anyone who might be interested in the job is reading!

We're looking an Assistant Editor to help prepare the copy and A-spaces for publication each issue. There is a bit of time pressure involved, as you'd be editing, creating A-spaces for and archiving 6-8 articles every fortnight between Sunday and Wednesday. you would need to be reliable and to be able to commit a certain amount of time to volunteering for us on a fortnightly basis. Once you're up to speed, I'd estimate that each article would take you about 10-15 minutes to edit. It's not a huge time commitment, but it is a regular one!

I guess I would say this, but these are quite exciting times to be involved with The Post. As well as being blessed with a great set of regular columnists at the moment, we have a number of ideas bubbling under for the autumn, and (apart from me) everyone involved is incredibly friendly, enthusiastic and easy to work with. I'm really keen to get the vacancy filled in time for our next issue, so if you're interested please give me a shout asap at the normal email address.

Rich

What Rich said. We wouldn't ask you to make for at least the first two issues, either.

But making tea's what I do best!



Ummmm, I'm tempted to volunteer if you've no-one else. You 2 especially have done such a good job of keeping the Post going.

I really enjoyed it when I did it - unfortunately I can't offer the time it needs. If it was spread out more I would jump at the chance to return.

So, what exactly does the 'editing' involve?; I'm guessing its getting articles in 'plain text' and then formatting them into guide ML, and doing the spelling checking through and such like too? Or is there more to it than that?

That's the editing part, 2legs. Then there's the A pages to set up, and the archiving to be done. That's it, really.

Go on, Bea, send the email.

Hi Bel if all else fails would you consider me?
Am i right in thinking that you would need maybe two or three hours a week just to get the editing right at first then?
It would give me a chance to actually sit down and write something for the guide too.

Maybe *i* could make the tea for Bea after she applies for the post, i am a total novice as editor , but an absolute wizard with a pot and spoon.

All applications that come in by email will be considered.

What is the email address bel , just to refresh Bea's memory?

Lol! I've just sent the email....

Oh well ! How many sugars Bea???

Go to the Post homepage (link at the top of this page), then click on 'Editorial Feedback'. A box should pop up. You could change the subject line to something like 'Application' if you wanted to.

Just sent my mail now.

It should be in the inbox soon, I hope.

The editing does vary. Some contributors send in their copy already MLed, and some in plain text; some have better standards of grammar and punctuation than others. As Bel says, there are also archives such as this, A21009287, to be maintained for each article in each issue, and each article also has to have an A-space created for it. It's fairly straightforward once you're used to it, but it does take longer at first.

We have had some discussion about the time pressure and how we can change various things around, Mina, partly because we've lost Matt as our Press Ganger and are looking to recombine that role with Features Ed. I'm still not sure how it's going to look. If you'd like to email me and give me a better idea of what you can do timewise we'll certainly consider you. We're a slight state of flux at the moment, though, and I think I'll be happier to fit someone to the job rather than vice versa.

Having had the first application through (loftyskywalker's hasn't appeared as yet), I'm happy to announce that the closing date for applications will be next Monday lunchtime at midday

Rich

Hi has my application turned up yet?

No, it hasn't. Care to try again? Maybe send from your email account, for some odd reason, it doesn't always work from the link.

Hi Bel , just sent it again this time from my webmail so , fingers crossed , you should have it before i have finished typing this.