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

I had an idea that may have some legs, judging by one or two people's reactions to it. Serephina mentioned it in her journal, and Matt suggested posting it here:

"Researcher X and I are stuck for ideas, so we get together. I've always wanted to know more about the story of William John Wills, an explorer of Australia, so I suggest that he research an Entry on him. X has never heard of him, so agrees as long as I do an Entry in exchange on the History of Curries - he's a big curry fan and is hoping I'll include the snippets of knowledge he knows. When they're done, we let each other know, have a quick scan, and enter our Entries in PR with all the nervous trepidation of a new Researcher. We both learn something new, the Guide gets two new Entries on subjects it wouldn't otherwise have got; everyone's a winner. Does that sound too insane? Would anyone be into that?"

Discuss

A3073556

I doubt you'll ever get close to a definitive history of curries: the above entry drove me round the twist trying to pin down facts, and there are still bits that I need to ship off to the Curators.

B

The concept in itself sounds good, but I reckon a lot of people would rather devote their time to something they knew and cared about.

B

Why not?

It could be fun to research someone or something completely away from the normal areas we research as individuals.

it wouldn't work for me. I have to be interested in what I research, or it becomes a chore, rather than a pleasure to write.

to anyone who takes to the challenge, it's a great idea.

Emmily

Emmily, that was more or less my reaction when Matt suggested German Fighter Aircraft of WW2 - but on second thoughts, it might prove to be quite interesting, since I've started subbing entries, I've read entries I'd otherwise not have read ( just going by the titles), and they were all fascinating and well worth reading.

Is there a EG on walking sticks, and espically Colbot blue ones, cus i might be intrested in doing one

It definately wouldn't be something for everyone, but if even a handful of people are interested it could be an interesting experiment.

I was thinking of writing an entry on the Lizzie Borden case, I'm morbd like that so if someone wants that i'll write something of their choicefor them.

Well, apart from my passion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I might be able to help antone who wants to write about railway history as I work with a number of people who have quite a few years of railway experience behind them and are railway enthusiasts.

I think it's a great idea in principle, but like people have said, not everyone would be into it. That doesn't matter though, as long as some people are. If the other person (who presumably has some knowledge of the subject) checks it over pre-PR, as you suggest, that would help to make sure it was accurate.

Sounds good!

Somethings just occurred to me - unless people do a straight swap of Entry for Entry, all we'd have is a list of entries people think should be added to the Guide, and that's what Challenge h2g2 is for.

exceitly, I've been on about this issue for months...... well all of 10 seconds really

I thought a straight swap was the idea thogh..find a partner and both write something on the others chosen subject.

It seemed odd to me. If researcher A wants to know about curry, why doesn't (s)he do the research himself?

I think it would be a good way of getting inspiration for Entries, Leo, and it's nice to be challenged into writing about a subject you wouldn't normally consider. Certainly, I would think very carefully about setting my co-sharee an interesting subject rather than just get them to write about, for example, my home town.

I agree, it's an odd idea, but it's garnered a little interest.

A straight swap with another Researcher is the idea. Negotiations for a trial run are in place, but I may end up trialling with three different people

"A3073556

I doubt you'll ever get close to a definitive history of curries: the above entry drove me round the twist trying to pin down facts, and there are still bits that I need to ship off to the Curators."


And unless your geography has improved dramatically, I doubt whether it will ever reach them