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

... and welcome to h2g2.

I'm one of the <./>ACEs</.> (Assistant Community Editors). We are a team of volunteers who try to help new researchers for the guide find their way around. You can click on the link I made with that acronym in order to find out more. To find out more about anyone, click on the link made by their nickname (eg at the top of any conversation postings) to go to their personal space. Lurking is quite acceptable on h2g2.

If you don't want to remain as a number, "Researcher 221439", then click on the "Preferences" link on the left hand side of the page to set your own nickname. You can choose just Marie if you want but be aware that you may bump into another on h2g2! You can also change the way you view the site. The default skin is Brunel but many people still prefer the original classic goo.

One thing h2g2 has a lot of, as well as researchers, is these <./>Smileys</.>. You can use them in your personal space and other articles, conversations and journal entries. You just type the shortcut text and they appear as if by magic on preview or posting. For example: we even know where our towels are (< towel > without the spaces becomes ) though the lemon-scented napkins have yet to arrive.

You expressed a particular interest in Douglas Adams. If you look at the URL in your browser, you will see a small tribute to him in the naming of this area of the BBC's site as DNA. You probably won't be surprised to find his personal space at U42 (just click on the link made by that number) - though it has been updated since his death. However, he left a welcome message of his own on the site here: <./>Welcome-DNA</.>.

Here are a few more links you might like to try. A660340 is a list of "Clubs and Societies" on h2g2. <./>Askh2g2</.> is a good place to start or join a random conversation. You could try the infinite improbability drive on the "Front Page" if you don't know where you want to go or <./>search</.> if you do. See the guide entries too important to be merely a number at <./>NamedEntries</.>.

Above all, have fun and don't panic. If you do find yourself tempted to panic, click the "h2g2 Help" link on the left. It may help.

Now, if you'll excuse me, there are probably some other bits of shouting I've got to do, but I'll be back if you call for help (ie reply to this message or post on my space).