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

A70365639

I'm subediting this article for you, the subedited version can be found at the above link.

I was a bit confused on reading it about the way you mix tenses; I realise that this is based on previous experience, but how much still applies to current submarines?

For instance, in the section where you talk about navigation you've written everything in the past tense, also where describing the power systems. Do current submarines still use these methods? If they do it might be better to reword the article in the present tense. If this all applies to obsolete methods and boats it might be a good idea to include a timeframe in the title 'Nuclear Powered Submarines 1900 - 2000 FAQ' kind of thing.

What do you think?

This is an example of what I mean:

"In more modern times the submarines carry two very accurate, very expensive gyro compasses, a GPS system and a chart table with a moving red dot." (Present tense)

"Computers recieved the signals from the gyros which sensed every slight movement of the boat and they cross referenced this with the chart displayed" (past tense)

"and move the little red dot to exactly indicate the current position." (present tense)


I'd like to change the tenses so this paragraph is consistent, I suspect it's all still accurate and could all be present tense?

Hi,

Yes, you are right. I have mixed up the tenses. It should all be in the present tense as this is still how the modern technology works.
Do you do the edit or do I? I am not sure of the protocol.

sceptic

I'll do the editing, since you won't have editing rights over the new version but I'll get back to you when I've finished to check that I haven't messed it up at all.

A70365639

Could you read through and tell me if I've broken anything or made nonsense out of what you've written?

Thankyou.

I have read it through and I think it is excellent. Exactly the way I should have written it in the first place.
Thank you very much.

sceptic