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

Ok then give me a topic.

Sorry missed this 'Bentley and Craig?'

Although you are making me store away a lot of research.

You know who Bentley and Craig are, don't you? If not, you can find the story on the Web, I'm sure.

I have and found out. I just remember every single name involved in every single court case.

Just like I did: I never found out about them because of an Elvis Costello song, honest.

Just popping past this to explain why I wrote the South African song entry.

1) I write entries that I find enjoyable. I get to write boring documents at work - but they pay me. Hootoo doesn't pay me.

2) I like to vary my writing. That's why I have written very standard EG entries, UG entries, Post articles, and song format EG entries. I fancied trying one, I wrote the SA piece, it got approved - end of story, for me.

3) There aren't many ways to explore different types of writing in the EG. That's why we get song entries - it is one way of treating a subject in a way that is a little bit different. Generally scouts are intolerant of different approaches - this is one that gets through.

4) In addition, they are quite popular. I like to get feedback on my writing. After spending 20 hours on my Tanzania article, and then having it picked mostly without comment, I was a bit Pi$$ed off, to be honest.

So, there you are - no cliques involved. I'm really not motivated by that sort of thing.

sprout

sprout I for one wholeheartedly agree.

So that's the green light for more song entries is it?

*pops head surreptitiously inside FM's front door*

I think it shows that people do enjoy entertaining, light-hearted guide entries, but I would take FM's point that if it became the dominant means of doing this, it would become tiresome. Maybe new ideas are called for.

*runs out before he calls the dog*

Quite: otherwise readers will start voting with their feet. Like I said earlier, the writing experience is only half the story.

personally I haven't felt that there have been an overwhelming number of this type of entry and those I have seen and read I've enjoyed

sometimes I like to read something light and amusing for a change and I think there is a place for them in the guide

I certainly don't think they are an easy route into the guide but then I can't do that type of writing, I'm stuck with dry and factual

A light-hearted and (hopefully) entertaining entry about songs: A1091341. Written by Yours Truly, even.

It's the format, not the subject matter, with which I take exception.

It is a good entry IMO, one I'd read and enjoyed on a quiet night shift at work
I can't agree with you that the format is flawed although I accept that it is a valid concern that it may be overused

No, it's not flawed, just tired. Let's give it a rest, at the very least.

How is the B&C entry going? I confess I haven't yet written anything about Sands, or about anything else for that matter, but I have been doing some background reading about him.

I'm taking a well deserved period of R&R a good cup of tea nad putting my feet up after teh elction campaign. I'm sorting out my one entry in peer review first. Then I'll get started.

OK

And looking at that typing I need it.

Well, the Lib Dems didn't do too badly from the election, I'm glad to say. Quite a good performance, give the gross iniquities of our electoral 'system'.

Quite well 11% of the seats with 22% of the vote. One seat in Edinburgh while only just behind Labour in votes. I know what you mean but 50% more people voted Lib Dem in my constituency than ever before so I'm well chuffed.