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

http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A657047

From other conversations on h2g2 about this story, I understood that it was a non-fiction. Why was it posted on Fiction Central? Are parts of it fictionalized? The whole thing?

It's a good story, but I wouldn't think that a person would put it on Fiction Central if it had really happened.

Forgive me, sir. I was unaware that there were rules for such things.

Not a rule, just a question. As fiction, it's a great piece. As nonfiction, it's a little suspect, especially when listed in a gathering place for works of fiction.

I don't suppose you need a lesson in critical theory from me, but I'd like to explain a few things. The power is with the reader to 'read' what he will into a piece, not with an author to dictate what it 'is'. I really don't care as much as you seem to whether my story is fiction or non. I was merely trying to introduce it to a wider readership.
Thank you.

Well that's one of the most beautiful stories I've read on h2g2, so it would be a shame not to have it listed on this page for all to read Tell you what - I'll put it on h2g2 Fiction, but marked with 'non-fiction'. Is that OK?

Oh and you seem to have two Guide Entries with the same story - shall I link to the one you gave a link for above, or the other one (A678792)?

Either one is fine. The newer one was made by ~jwf~ for use in his AGG/GAG column in the post.

It's up now

"The power is with the reader to 'read' what he will into a piece, not with an author to dictate what it 'is'. I really don't care as much as you seem to whether my story is fiction or non. I was merely trying to introduce it to a wider readership."

Recommending it be listed on a webpage called "Fiction Central" seems to me an indication that the author is directly *dictating* that it should be considered fiction. The only reason I'm still curious about it is that it seemed like great fiction when I first read it, then I was surprised when someone told me it was non-fiction. You dictated to someone else that it was non-fiction. Now you're dictating that it fits on a list called "Fiction Central."

Never mind. Sorry. I will take my assumptions off screen. The story should be taken on its own for whatever people can find in it. It's a great story.