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

http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A546536

Well, it got an encouraging response in the writers workshop so I'll try it here.
A brief description of the various ways someone might persuade a lottery winner to part with the not-at-all hard-earned cash.

Hi Dastardly!

I liked this entry in the workshop, but I can't comment on it now 'cos someones put it up before the vogons!



Z.

I really like the dry humour in this article. Just hope I don't get any con-artists WHEN I win the lottery (note when not if, it's all a matter of time, and buying a ticket)

SallyM

Great one.

one thing:
On the "They won't" section of "The rules con artists follow":
"... they don't want to traced ..." should probably be
"... they don't want to be traced ..."

Peace

Dancer

two misspellings: experience, and seriously.
otherwise, good. this article would fit nicely under the "misanthropy" heading.

Thanks people.

What do you think about adding a section on marriage (yes I know I shouldn't have put it in if it's not finished but I honestly thought it was. I thought of marriage just now). Lots of people marry for money, but is there a place for it in this article?
I thought something along the lines of

"The most common way for a con artist to get their hands on the money is by marriage, and, although they then cease to be called con artists and start to be called far nastier names, the objective is still the same. This type of con artist is usually, but not always, female. Interpret that how you will, it could be that females have less morals or it could be female millionaires are less gullible. The fact is that marrying for money has been common for hundreds of years.
For this method to yield optimum success the winner should really be elderly, or ill. This is because the con artist intends to inherit the money rather than share it with their spouse. This technique requires a certain amount of skill and very good acting ability, but overall it needs patience, because husbands have an annoying habit of staying alive for far longer than required."


However if it's unneccessary then I won't add it.

It's funny and nice. I'd throw that in.

Thankyou
You are very good for my confidence.

I agree, add it.
Glad we help

SallyM

First of all, let me apologise - I should have posted to this thread a long time ago. Mea culpa.

I've suggested that this thread be moved to the Writing Workshop as it needs a little more polish. It's a great subject, and the fundamentals are there, but as it stands, it's difficult to see what is fiction and what is fact.

All it needs is a little tightening up, after which it should take pride of place in the Guide.

Okaaay...
Is it true it just needs 'polish'? Because I don't mind doing that, but if it's never going to get in please say so, so I can work on something else.
I've made a few changes but before I start work in earnest I would like some indication that the entry is worth working on.

Thankyou for informing me about the move, and thankyou for letting me know what is wrong with the article. I do appreciate you doing this instead of merely shoving it in the sinbin, no matter how rude my tone seems.

Oh, and don't worry about forgetting to inform me. I realise that you are busy people.

Maybe I should take the hint, eh?
I've deleted the entry and moved the forum.

Oh drat