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

I've been having a bit of a shifty through the old announcements (after the most recent downtime one).

It's interesting to read the ones from a few years back which tell us of simple things, and mention names and pride of achievements by Italics and Researchers, and even welcome on board notes. All very friendly and affable kind of announcements that aren't just 'Important Information'.

Is it just me, or is the loss of some of that feeling perhaps why hootoo isn't as, well - fun? as it used to be?

I know the Italics (or even just the singular Italic) have their work cut out for them, and perhaps the announcements are furthest from their minds when working through everything the site needs every day - but I do miss the affectionate attitude the people behind the scenes appeared to have about hootoo and the h2g2 community.

Every now and then we get a Front page with blurbs full of wit and humour and a sense of joy about h2g2 and what it's doing. Other times I have a sense that it's more trouble than it's worth

Just a shame is all. I don't think the current Italics are horrible people, but perhaps some time on instilling some sense of being a part of the h2g2 community, rather than the people who fix the problems might bring back that old ambience

Perhaps we should start an "Invite the Italic(s) to Tea" movement.....to get better acquainted.

If it catches on maybe we'll get a smiley.

That sounds like a fine idea

Your our honoured prez - perhaps you might like to rustle up some fine china?

A proper use for the new teapot and -set collection.

I can provide delicious

I got the champagne.. *hic*

(puts down two large jars of home pickled onions on the table, a container of home made sausage rolls, and pasty's) forgot the beer

Can you link to some of those announcements? They sound before my timeish.

But I'll definitely come to tea with the Italics. Will Madame President host it in the Alabaster House?

I'm bringing the , of course.

I'll bring the tea and coffee -- I know how to make a good cup of both! =D

Someone great GuideML skills should design a pretty invitation with all the details.

I do not have good Guide ML skills unfortunately.

It Madame President can remember how to find Alabaster House, she will set up some tables on the lawn. I've always liked garden teas. But it can't be today as Madame President is buried with budgets and reports. Being in charge isn't all fun and games, you know.

Leo -

Here's some links - just skim through them, you'll see what I mean

A724501

A724565

A724574

Compare them to the more recent <./>Announcements</.>

Hm. Definitely less chatty. I agree - we need to teach the eds how to chat. Maybe we can bring in FDR as a guest speaker - his fireside chats set the standard for a while.

I'd recommend Wilma for the invitation job - she's done some pretty things with marquees - but she's not around. Anyone else want the honour?

I guess I could knock something up.

Uh, I mean...

Someone else do it please...

Well, I started this, so - A25980159

Thanks Matt. And thanks for the link to Alabaster House.

I am genuinely too busy today. I'll start setting things up over at the official residence tonight or tomorrow.


must get back t work....must get back to work...

No problem

I'll send a link over to The Post thing about Announcements too

If we all announce it in our journals, the word could get round rather quickly.

Please do!