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

In the most recent editorial of The Post at A3820961 the following text appeared:

>>With all the recent discussions about the state of Peer Review and how h2g2 needs to present a higher profile in the light of the current plans of the BBC, it seems to be an appropriate time for The Post to undertake some self-examination too.

Is The Post really necessary?

Does anyone actually read it and, if so, only occasionally or regularly?

Bearing in mind that it is entirely dependant on volunteers both behind the scenes and writing articles, drawing cartoons, providing artwork or information, what steps can be taken to improve it?

Is it advertised enough?

Is it too difficult to submit articles and ideas?

If it were to close its doors would the gap left be covered by the Edited Guide and The Underguide?

As we head towards our 6th birthday, 300th edition and 6,000th article we do wonder if we require a complete overhaul or have outgrown our usefulness and should fade into the archives of h2g2.
Please let us know your thoughts!<<

Additionally:

Running fortnightly instead of weekly is seriously being considered. Would this work?

How can it attract more writers/contributors - including columnists and cartoonists?

How can it attract more staff able to devote time to overall organisation, editing, coding and running an entire issue?

Your views would be welcome.

I have to admit I do not look at the Post. I'm aware of its existence, but any time I look at it, there doesn't seem to be anything in it to interest me. That may be just me, though. I don't read any newspapers or magazines.

Pretty much the same for me: I ocasionally* look in to read thorugh it, and for me, I always find the layout of the 'title' page for the issue a bit confussing as to what article is to which I also rarely read newspapers and never read mainstream magazines (I get a couple of computer mags to do with disability related issues and computer technology) I don't know why I don't read The Post more though, i imainge from what I've read in it before, I'd probably nearly always find something to grab my attention for a few mins or more

I've tried to explore as much of h2g2 as I can in the short period I've been here, but haven't managed to spend much time on The Post yet. This doesn't make any suggestions as to its relative qualities, however, as there are whole areas I haven't even touched yet. It took me ages to realise that it even existed, though, so perhaps some kind of advertising campaign might be in order?

I always browse the Post and read anything that interests me.

I think going fortnightly would be a good idea as it would mean there's more time to get articles done, update the page, etc.

i tend to forget its there and its only on the occasions ive come across the link or have needed to advertise something that i have looked.

i dont know know enough to comment on its uses but advertising would probably be a good thing.

I must admit I've never read The Post - I don't really have time after I've checked out what's new in conversations I'm subscribed to and looked at the front page.

But I know it's there. I would read it if I had time.

Deb

To tell the truth I never knew about it either for a long time. Then when I did find it, and was asked to write for it every week, it gave me reason to stay here on H2, so I am really glad to have found it!
So if we can find any way at all to keep it going, that will suit me fine
Smudger,

Traveller in Time on top living on t<./>info</.>il
"When I just became a researcher I found out The Post is one of the pillars of The Guide. It is a way to get your works published if they do not fit in any of the Guide lines for the Edited Guide.

Messages that need more time to keep in publicity then on the FrontPage such as the 'Save The Albatross' campaign, the reviews about The Movie or the 'Make Poverty History' campaign (Edinburgh). As well as ongoing quizzes (hey, where are those gone? )

Well it is at least a way for some poetry to get published. Just only finding some critics to comment on it .

I see The Post as soon as the presses start rolling, I have a more close look at the info page then at my message lists.

How much of it I read ? Guess I read about five pages, including the editorial (excluding the comics, though I always have a look)

And I see most of the ducks swimming over the then empty pages "

I keep forgetting to look at it, so I've put a reminder & a link on my PS. When I do browse, there's usually something of interest & I think it is a good means of publishing material for a wider audience that doesn't fit elsewhere.
Fortnightly or even monthly (easier to remember when a new issue is due) might be good, there isn't always time each week to catch up on everything.

Actually, I always look forward to Thursday mornings when the new Post appears!

I love the cartoons, and the recipes, and I'll usually glance at the poems and any other article that catches my eye (e.g Master B's Eurovision rundown)

But as an Official Post Reporter myself I know that it's rare to get feedback from one's readers (although sometimes in unrelated threads someone will say to me "Oooh I loved your piece on....")

It is very easy to submit articles - and Aunty Shazz is very forgiving of deadlines

I'd really miss it if it disappeared altogether - but maybe less frequently would be less of a burden on the post team while still meeting its readers' needs....

I used browse the post every week, but since they took the link off the front page I started to miss some weeks, I have put a link on my PS now, so hopefully I can find it easier

I think the post is wonderfull and Shazz and the team do a loverly job
keep up the good work peoples

Well if it's for assistance or company, I'm only a staircase away

as i've said before, i believe The Post as a regular feature of the website is vital to what DNA intended this place to be.
i do my little AmSports thing and enjoy the comics, the poetry and the regulars, the features, and certainly see no reason why a front-page link cannot be re-established.
unfortunately, all i can do is write.....my graphics abilities are next to woeful, but i've been writing for various places nearly 40 years, long before confusers.
and i've found Shazz to be one of the best editors i've ever had, as well as being an excellent writer.

If saving the Post means going fortnightly the I'm for it, I write fiction for The Post and it's one of the few places on h2g2 where it's on prominant display (Thanks to Shazz for accepting it) it's also a good outlet for the cartoonists as it's a place for them to show off their talent. I know h2g2 is primarily about the Edited entries but the Post gives a chance for people who's talents don't neccesarily fall into PR and UG's guidelines a chance to shine

Don't close the Post or these people may just drift away to places where their talent is appreciated. I myself am making contingency plans for my fiction which I don't want to do but........

I understand the pressure of time that the editorial team face. I used to have a hotline to Shazz when it came out on a Friday night in the old days before there were so many regular writters and would occasionally be pushed to put an article in late in the day.

If this is becoming a strain again a fortnightly publication date might not be too bad. It would be a shame as I know some people do write articles which are very up to minute and relevant and would lose out on not having a weekly outlet.

Now that the election is out of the way I for one intend to personally start contributing more articles again.

I agree with everything Several said. I always read it and feel very guilty that I've never written anything for it.

I like the post and always enjoy it when I remember to read it.

However if I am truthful that is not all that often.

Mayby there could be someway of subscribing in such a way that something came up on your PS to remind you it is post day?

hmmmm.....

Traveller in Time counting pages
"Something like that can be arranged. You should be informed of a certain forum, the someone posting to that forum will give you a sign the new post is out.

Post Delivery Service < A4143647 >"

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