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

Quick question, I enjoyed your piece on the Moscow metro. I am starting a Russian magazine next week (business, in English language) and I wondered if I might be able to use that article or an updated version of it? One of the regular features will be on Moscow - though I'm keen to show all Russia, Moscow is after all like a state in itself.
Please let me know. Thanks.

Glad you enjoyed it!

Thing is, while I'd be only too delighted, the BBC now owns the copywrite, so you'd have to ask them. I'll see if I can scare up a link for you to one of the editors in a sec.

Is there going to be an online version? I'm not in Moscow any more, but it sounds interesting. Glad you're not focusing soley on Moscow. Couldn't agree more about the state within a state thing...

Here's a link to Jimster's page - he's one of the editors, if you are still interested: U292 If not, then good luck anyway!

Hi, yes I'm working on the online version, and another Russian focus site. The priority is the printed version first. I will try the editor thank you. I am currently working with researchers and writers in Moscow, Spb and Yaroslavl. There has been a positive response from many of the Russian people I have made contact with here in UK.
Thanks again - if the editor allows me to use the piece, do you think any apsect of it needs updating or will it stand as it is? It's very well written and I like the spirit of it. The aim of magazine among other things, is to change the stereotypes people over here have of the country. I plan a lifestyle mag. once this is up and running, which will be more earthy.

*Nods enthustiastically* That's a great aim! It's astonishing how many odd ideas people have of Russia although I can't really blame them as I haven't read one sensible thing written about Russia in the papers for years. Anyway. It'll be published in the UK then? That makes sense.

The price has changed. 12 rubles now? I'd need to look it up. Not sure how you'd deal with the footnotes: probably leave them out. And the quote in italics was supposed to be a subheader: I think it looks a bit strange. Other than that, it's up to you.

Mind you, I'd be tempted for a UK audience to add a few sntences emphasizing that unlike the London underground, the metro may be crowded but at least travellers know how to get on properly. But I suspect that may come across as a bit rude.

I do appreciate your support. The editor said, you have copyright so you need to give your permission and I must of course credit etc. you Do you need a fee and what would that be? I can ask friend in Moscow to update rouble cost of ride.
Yes, I will leave it as it is and take out the footnotes, its a very well written piece and gets the point across beautifully. No, I don't think it needs any additional ref. to London.
If you would like a copy of the magazine what address shall I send it to. Obviously, you do not want to give out this on the public domain. Shall I leave an office number where you can leave a message on the voicemail with your address?

Your name of course, do I call you by the alias? Alternatively, I can post you to website and you can read address to which you could drop a line.
Many thanks

Oh well, shows how much I know. Not that I'm displeased, of course...

Regarding contact modes: it depends how paranoid you are. Tel no fine by me, as I would like my real name and a copy sent to home, but website equaly easy. Fee not necessary, tempting though that would be for bragging purposes. Or you can contact me at s_solnushka 'at' yahoo 'dot' co - and you can guess it ends in uk after another dot.

Actually there was one piece of punctuation: there shouldn't be a comma before 'well' in: '...if you have problems with the Cyrillic alphabet or you don't know the network, well,...' in the third para in the second section.

I promise I'll shut up now! Good luck with the launch!

You can go to my website and see my telephone number www.sartori.co.uk Leave message on voicemail. Yes, need your name etc at end of article. Got some excellent photos to go with it. Thanks for grammar tips - I did go through the piece checking so will do so again.