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

http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A654185

A self-written, harrowing and sometimes introspective essay set on a question of identity in the modern world. Asks what it is to be English and what that means on a larger scale. And whether the English have any place in the future of society. Are they effectively rechargeable batteries or just disposable.

Enjoy...

M

'Londoners should never be confused with people. They are and will always be quite seperate entities. At no time should anyone ever feel pity for Londoners when they are seen to suffer. It may seem cruel, but when they die it is really for the best. Just like rats and foxes.'

I think you mean this in jest, but for some strange reason I'm a bit upset about that statement.

Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner.

Maybe it's because I'm also a Northener.

Be careful of your stereotypes before you make them.

Stay ,
WD

Hmm!

Mancs prefer red, do they? What about city fans?

'The English, the English, the Engish are best,
I wouldn't give twopence for all of the rest'.

So said Flanders and Swan in one of their satirical songs, poking fun at English parochialism.

This piece, however, lacks a light touch if it's intended to be humorous and for me it strays over the line.

It has potential, but would need some rethinking and restructuring.

thanks for the criticism. Yes, I see what you mean and do believe that you are right. It is a bit heavy handed, which in my circle of friends is the general standard of humour. It was a bit rushed - my first thing and i was really wanting to know what the general mood of this place was. It seems very civilised and so I will try to keep any future writing more to the tone of the place. I think that maybe I should make it a proper essay, with more factual info. rather than a stand-up routine, which us what I am used to....

Sorry if I sounded a bit piqued... it was 7 in the morning, and whilst the alarm clock said wake up, my body said NOOOOOOOO!

I look forward to your new entry with great anticipation!

Stay ,
WD

thank you for taking a look at my entry. Appreciate the help. Hope to a certain extent of being able to keep it ironic - this is the zen of being English...

If, as you said in your ACE thread, you've been a journalist, you probably weren't involved in formatting. Take a look at GuideML - start by clicking 'Help!' and work from there...

Also, all personal references should be removed if this is to go into the EG. Follow Dr St Justin's advice and go look at the Writing Guidelines for more info.

Still, not a bad entry by any stretch of the imagination...

Whoami?

Speaking as a paid up member of the tribe of Mancs, I would refer you to the earlier comment from Zarquon's Singing Fish! I think you'll find that there is a substantial tribe here that prefer blue.

Although the red-loving tribe you describe does exist, many of its members are not in fact of the tribe of Mancs, as most members of that sub-tribe 'football fans' will tell you if you ask.

I'd like to bring this article back to collective attention because:-

1) It was right at the bottom of the Peer Review listings, and I thought "What the hell, let's do a posting"

2) It's actually a nice article. The stereotyping is so absurd as to be funny rather than inoffensive, and there are some nice turns of phrase. I think the grammar needs looking at again, and some tarting up with GuideML wouldn't go amiss.

3) It's been 2 months without any movement here. Is it still valid or does it need to go to the sin-bin?

I hope not... coz I like this.



Geoff

Seconded

So all the Scousers also prefer red? What about the half of us who prefer blue, and feel that there is no better situation for blue to be worn in as when Everton are playing? (and yes; although I am not one of them, there are still many people in this fair city of ours who support Everton).

Great entry, though.

Well, this researcher hasn't posted anything since November. He sounds rather depressed.

Flea Market for this one I think? anyone object?