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

Hi six-sevens, Thanks for your encouragement regarding the above article. I still am finding it difficult to convert the script to XML as suggested. I will post my response to your queries shortly. Take Care, --------------- Reclusive.

Hi Reclusive,

You're most welcome - your writing merits encouragement for the simple reason that it is everything the Guide is supposed to be: informative, balanced and readable (despite the current format)

I see you've visited the GuideML clinic for advice - Titania's page (A690518) should point you in the right direction

The 'test' feature is great for those - like me - who learn most easily by imitation, assuming you imitate someone who is proficient

How to see waht to imitate:
Simply substitute the letter A in the URL of any edited guide entry with the word 'test' and you will see how the author/subeditor has created the page in GuideML

Given your background, I can recommend
'How to Make your own Atom Bomb'

the 'regular' version:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A676352

the 'test' page version:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/test676352

As well as breaking the text up into paragraphs, this entry has headers, subheaders, bulleted lists, footnotes and links - all features that aid in making an entry 'look' interesting


One other tip:
Copy and paste your entry into a 'word processor' that has a built-in grammar and spelling checker (UK English), correct any errors 'there' then copy the 'corrected' version and paste into a simple 'text editor' (eg Notepad in Microsoft Windows - not sure what Macs and Linux users have available but there will be something similar) and then copy 'that' version and paste it into your h2g2 text input box

This last step will strip out any unintentional/unwelcome charaters (like ampersands instead of quotation marks) that stem from the 'clever' features in 'word processors' that are absent in 'text editors'

Good luck and don't hesitate to ask for help