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

Hi Sadi,

My name is Spynxxx...well not really, but for the purposes of H2G2 and anonimity it is. But I digress so back at it.

The pupose of this visit is multifaceted, but firstly I would like to extend a warm welcome on the part of the UnderGuide, that wonderous counterpart to the Edited Guide. I'm what you'd call a miner, a volunteer who sifts through the Alternitive Writing Workshop (and anywhere else for that matter) in search of the ellusive "IT".

Hmmm, what might "IT" be you're asking and just like that the answer appears. The things we look for are entries of the utmost quality, and they fall under many headings. Poetry, Personal Narritive, Fact Based Pieces, Humour, Tales and Stories, Opinions and Theories, basiclly anything that doesn't fall under the all encompassing 'fact' that makes up the works of our estimable sister the Edited Guide.

We on the other hand are a kinder, friendlier format, the cool member of the family if you will . Our mission is to find ANY work of high calibre and feature said gems on the front page on a weekly basis and biweekly when we're lucky enough to have sufficient material. And that's not an easy task as our mission statement is clear. "If there is nothing woth publishing on that day, then we would rather publish nothing!"

Entries are selected for the purpose of a vote as we are a democratic society, why there's even a 'checks and balances'system just to assure the quality. Once a month we gather to cast our votes and those selected are then ready to begin the process of being polished. This is where a polisher is assigned to the piece, the purpose of which is to work hand in hand with the author to correct any spelling and punctuation errors which may still haunt the work after it's stint in review down AWW way.

Then when the author, who by the way ALWAYS has the final say on any piece, and the polisher are happy with the work it is sent along for approval to our BBC rep for a final Yay or Nay (a legal thing of course). Then it is officially ready for it's place in the sun, the Front Page, were all can see and bask in the artistic vision that was so lovingly crafted by the likes of authors just like you . And after it's stint on the front, it is entered into the official UnderGuide Archives, forever to remain as a shining example of what real creative writing is all about here on hootoo.

So there you have it in a nut shell, the hows and whys of what we do. I thought it important to come by and fill you in personally as your story shows such talent and attention to your craft that it would only be a matter of time before you become intimately acquainted with the process. It is a most excellent piece of writing and I speak for all in saying that we hope to see many more works of such greatness from you in the future.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer each. And the same goes for any of the staff as well, for we pride ourselves of being helpful and darned friendly to boot .

Till then,
Spynxxx

this is very useful as a new writer... i found this interesting and informative. appreciate everything you've said here and i think most newbies will find it as useful as i did.

many thanks..


s.

If only 'most newbies' had a smidgen of the talent you've shown we'd all be jumping for joy. Glad to be of service though

And you may be on to something as well. This was no form letter but was written on the fly so to speak. I only show up like this when I find such quality writing but a welcome letter of sorts may be just the ticket for any new to the scheme of things. Sooooooooooo, thanks for this as well as your fine story .

Spynxxx