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

Cheers for that six7s

>>
But then I think that applies (pretty much) to the whole of the EG, which has missed the digital bus
<<

Crikey, don't hold back


Actually, as an almost nonh2er myself, I often wonder how long it is before they pull the plug . Not sure how much that is to do with me not being here (and not having so much investment in the place) and how much is the point you make - that we've missed the digital bus. Sometimes it's hard to see what the point of it all is.

>> I often wonder how long it is before they pull the plug

Even though the plug hasn't been pulled, I reckon the contents, esp the EG, are being diluted

Maybe 'missing' the digital bus was the wrong metaphor...

More the drivers are following an outdated map...

The number and (I think) the calibre of italics has dropped: v little (if anything?) worthwhile is being done in the way of community/site development

Bearing in mind the growth of the rest of the net, I reckon that unless the h2 bus expands its service, it will be driving in what will look like ever-decreasing circles, so that one day it will disappear up it's own virtual ársè

I noticed the other day that Natalie is called the 'acting editor'. So that means there is no permanent editor now?

As much as Jimster used to piss me off with his attitude about the community side of the site, he did try and get the EG more with it in terms of the internet. Although I'm not sure there is any point to things like audio if the content is lacking

To me, one problem isn't so much that the content is 'lacking' (although it is) it's more that it's redundant... on the rare occasion I post to PR, I end up posting links to other sites - sites that cover the same subject, but written with the 'authority' that comes from real, first-hand knowledge

Maybe the italics simply want an online version of the Readers Digest, And if so, why?

Well I suppose part of what I've liked about the EG is that often the reads are more interesting and/or fun than what I might find elsewhere. So I read EG entries when I want to do some *reading*, not just fact finding (I generally go to wiki for facts, and then to google to see if what wiki has is true )

So theoretically a really short entry could still be very satisfying. But only if it's got the h2 factor. Many entries going through last year I simply couldn't be bothered reading. No h2 factor and not particularly well written.

The irony is that SWL has rewritten the penguin entry, and it's better in terms of less sexism and sleaze, but it's worse in terms of writing/reading (based on one read so far). Maybe it'll get better with PR input.

>> Many entries going through last year I simply couldn't
>> be bothered reading. No h2 factor and not particularly well written

Indeed

Actually, and this is probably tantamount to treason, but if I were to never read another EG entry, my whirled would keep spinning quite happily

For h2 to survive, it needs a 'point of differnce' - and I reckon the most likely contender is the community - possibly one based on the wit/fun/intelligence/etc of U42 - who (in A550955 ) described (proscribed?) the guide as being subject to "a process called evolution"

I think the EG was a good idea, when it was first conceived... but, times have changed, something that seems to have been lost on the last few years worth of italics - who, I think, must be too busy and/or myopic to read the writing on the wall

I think it's the community too. And of course the community is the best place to write the EG from too.

The downsizing of the commuity over the last few years *has had an effect, although I'm sure if I was here alot I'd still find plenty to do.

Hiya!

Where have you been hiding?

I've spent a bit more time here lately (I blame the weather ) and you have been conspicuous by your absence

Seems that some sections of h2 have been invaded by some complete and utter nutters - although some of the old guard are doing a superb job in refuting the nonsense

Not much has changed then

And the weather here might just drive me back to h2g2. It's seriously cold

Seriously cold?

Then try porridge



OK... I'm intrigued... what is it with cornflakes?

You're not the first to ask

F107910?thread=4260516


Porridge? You meant that which I already have for brekkie every morning?

Thankfully it's now raining instead of freezing or snowing.

Matariki greetings and best wishes for the new year!















http://www.southernskyphoto.com/constellations/matariki.htm

http://images.trademe.co.nz/tm/kevin/kev_maori.gif

Ka pai, eh?

Ae. I hadn't noticed that before, is it new or am I just my usual unobservant self?

Hiya

Its new and, I suspect, maybe just for Maori Language Week

So... I've been preoccupied elsewhere for the last few weeks... what have I missed on h2?

I'm not sure... I've been hanging out in the Serious Threads, but there's not been anything too untoward. Well, there was a surprising number of newish people posting in an intelligent and coherent manner That was pretty

No big dramas, though. No stormings off the site. No punch ups (unless I've been missing all the action).

>> there *was* a surprising number of newish people posting
>> in an intelligent and coherent manner

You mean I missed 'em?

Whakiti!

Whakiti? You're not punning in te reo now are you? Take pity on me, I'm sleep deprived.

One of the intelligent newbies is on holiday for a month but assured me they'd be back. Here's an example of the other obvious one I've been enjoying (although I'm not sure she's that new), provided for your viewing pleasure:

F19585?thread=4390374&post=51280802#p51280802


I'm in dialup hell until my broadband month flicks over and I get my data allowance back Only 2 days to go...

I actually skimmed that thread a few hours ago!

I got the impression that none of those subscribed has ridden in a hunt

Pronouncements that hunting from horseback is something the UK has "outgrown as a nation and a culture" seem rather omenous to me

Ominous in what way?

I'm trying to think of a NZ comparison now. Not hunting obviously because (a) it's necessary here to control introduced species and (b) our hunting culture is so different. I can't think of any mammal hunters I've known who wouldn't eat their kill, although plenty who hunt for the joy of it. I have met fisherpeople who catch and release though, which I can understand from a recreational pov, but it's still inhumane IMO.