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

http://www.h2g2.com/A518546

There are probably millions of spelling things, but I'm after advice on content at the moment, I'll iron out the bugs later!

I like this article. I think it is OK as it is (except for the spelling mistakes).

Good good, I'll sort them out when I get home!

Maybe a mention of the fact that 'Millennium' samples John Barry's theme from 'The Spy Who Loved Me' would be good (and the fact that RW was trading on the 007 link for a while).

Maybe also put something about his footie connections (ie rabid Port Vale supporter, plus he was one of the 'models' digitally encoded or captured or whatever the technical term is for FIFA 2000).

And 'Love Supreme' is a ghastly ripoff of Gloria Gaynor's 'I will survive' with a poor chorus tacked onto it.

No, I'm not a fan.

Good article.

You might perhaps say a little more about his later releases, and why he exactly the man is so popular. You might also mention the fact that he co-writes his own songs.

The first two paragraphs of the Take That section are a little awkward. Is July 17th 1995 the date he actually left or the date the rumours started to fly ? The date he left, presumably, which makes the start of the second paragraph a little confusing ('headlines screaming I quit. Rumours started and several weeks later...') A quick change in tense will sort that out ('Rumours had started several weeks earlier and now...' or something along those lines).

Otherwise, a comprehensive piece. This should have no problem getting recommended.

MDS

Right, what do we think now? Also, I'm co-writing this with someone, what do I do about adding them? (I should know this what with being a sub, but I've never had to deal with this so I've never looked it up!)

If you put a line at the end "This article written by " and list the names, the sub-editor will look after it.

Doesn't the Subs' style guide mention how to reference researchers? There's definitely mention of how to do it using the tag or similar at the GuideML Clinic.

Ahh yes of course!
me!

Ahh yes of course!
me!

I apologise for posting twice, I blame my school!

IMHO it's an ok entry. It feels a bit brief and gives very little depth, especially of the solo years. For example you don't even give the names of his albums. One of the things that defines Robbie is that he has gone from a boy-band popstar to become a rock-star. Even though the rest of Take That released solo records, he is the only one to have gone onto further stardom.

Also taken that this entry will very soon be out of date, maybe the title should become "Robbie Williams - The Early Years 1990-2000" or similar.

Shouldn't we have a comprehensive list of his (solo) tracks, he can't have done that many. Personally I think "Let Me Entertain You" deserves a mention because it is so symbolic of him. Wasn't "No Regrets" written by Pet Shop Boys.

I always thought (although may be wrong) that Millennium's rift came from the George Lazenby Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" rather than TSWLM.

This of course leads to reminders of some of his video's
- wasn't "Millennium" a James Bond type thing (a role the media often suggest he'd like)
- the ending of "Rock DJ" wasn't allowed to be shown before 9pm. (The one where he slows strips down to a skeleton). Also the track is just a compilation of meaningless discarded lyrics from his other songs.
- the racing driver video for "Love Supreme".

What about all the Brit Awards he's won. Think he picked up another 3 this years (Best Male, Best Song, Best something or other) to take his total to 12.

What about a mention of his work for Comic Relief. That shows a different side to him. Faced with poverty and suffering he's not quite sure how to react because he so obviously cannot use his "entertainer" persona.

Ultimately I think there is so much more than can be said about him and currently this entry only scratches the surface. I don't even particularly consider myself a fan, but I know all of the above.

Hopes this helps.
BBS

You may well be right about the OHMSS/SWLM thing there - I know that both films' signature tunes have been sampled, but not entirely sure who by. Robbie definitely used one for Millennium.

About his charity work etc - don't forget about his work with the late great Ian Dury for polio awareness or whatever it was - he went to Dury's funeral as well (might have sung/been pall bearer even - don't quote me on that though).

umm... what was the copyright material the moderator removed?

Sorry, I'm now extremely bust 'cos of GCSEs and don't have the time to do any research for this, I might add small bits, but it may be a while...

The moderator removed a quote, this is odd because the quote was taken from a news article which had also quoted it!

I'd hit the moderation help desk, or just reinstate it. The copyright policy got clarified recently, and I think a short quote would be 'reasonable use', considering you're reviewing his life...

hiya willy...

If GCSEs are finished, are you up to having another look through this one? Seems there are a few outstanding nitpicks from various peoples - nothing major, but it'd be nice to see what you make of their comments...

I certainly will! I'm intending to spend a whole afternoon on this very soon, this is my last week of exams, everyone esle seems to have finished

The sample for 'Millenieum' was from 'You Only Live Twice'. OHMSS was completely remixed by David Arnold and The Propellerheads.

I think that he'd make a great JB, but atm IMHO, he's a bit too young....give him 5 years....

Stay ,
WD

ps: why is there not a JB smiley?