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

Isn't it a bit weird to have h2g2 names mixed with rl names?

Thanks, Mala. I knew you'd know.

I can give you the original .jpg for the 'Alien Lobby' one. That 'Anamorphic' cartoon was a couple of computers ago, though. Unless has got the original, I think we're sunk there. (The original of that was a .gif, I know it was.)

Just wire instructions c/o .

No weirder than calling Samuel Clemens "Mark Twain". (Or Theodor Geisel "Dr. Suess", etc.)

See if you can find it in the Post account - I archived things on a fairly regular basis, so it will be in there rather than the inbox.

I'll look.

No luck, sorry.

I'd vote for h2g2 names, as this is a showcase of h2g2 talent. But if people are proud of what they've written and want their real names associated with it I don't see a problem with that.

I agree Vip. h2g2 names should be preferred.

I'll go through the Post inbox tonight, but it might have to wait a while. I've just got in from work, and there's a lot of other stuff I have to do, I'm afraid.

And yes, they should be there - archiving has still been going on as it was when we had you on the team Mal.

If for some reason I can't find them, there's a chance I might have the originals saved from when I sent them in to the Editors originally (before changes were made).

As I say, this might take a while.

Thanks, KB. Your superior expertise is valued here.

"Superior expertise"? Are you sure it's not just that I'm as blind as anyone else, but my white stick's the deluxe model?

Ok. Must go do schtuff. But I'm fairly sure I still have them saved.

What an idea for a smiley...

Re names, don't mind for most of my entries as long as it has my (real) surname on it, but any of my dog entries has to be my real name.

Just to say to Ben - no point making more work for yourself by asking everyone whether they want screen name or real name. When we chose our screen names we decided that this was what we want our work to be published under, so people have already made the choice.

Fair enough, if someone asks specially for their real name to be used, fine. Otherwise go with the hootoo name.

Absolutely right KB.

But there is a difference between being published online, and in print.

Absolutely, but I don't think the distinction really matters for our purposes - they are being published as examples of guide entries. And if it's just the buzz of seeing your real name in print - anyone can go to Lulu and do that. That's how it works.

But yeah, if anyone specifically asks to use their real name it's not a problem.

It's not about the buzz. I get my name into the local paper with boring regularity. It's about being identified as the author of the work, and possibly, for some, being taken seriously. Personally, no, I wouldn't ask people at this stage unless they ask, but if there is a 'volume 2' then I wouldn't assume people are happy with their screen names.

Well, if there is, they'd need to be asked for permission to use their work anyway, so there's no reason that couldn't be dealt with at the same time.

I find myself quite torn about this question.

I was already a modestly published scholar (under my real name) when I started here but in those days I was very cautious about online anonymity (as I still am, actually). Then I started writing entries and posting, etc.


So now I'm in the situation that I would be quite happy to have my real name associated with my entries, but I might cringe a little to have my real name associated with some of my posts.