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

Hey Deano!

I've replied to your message here because this way I can be sure that you see it reasonably quickly...!

I like the entry, but I suspect that Vegi has a point in saying that it's not 'Guide material, at least not as it stands. The emotive part of the entry at present obscures the factual part, but this is probably because it was constructed as a poem to begin with. The selection criteria for 'Guide entries would not permit us to publish a poem, which would technically be creative writing, and in a purely idealistic way this makes perfect sense for a guide book: why look to poetry to explain something which a clear and concise prose entry can manage far less equivocally?

HOWEVER: do not despair, because I think that the entry, with a little tinkering, could be used as the basis for a very good piece on friendship. There is currently no entry on friendship in the 'Guide - at least not under the heading of "Friendship" - and I think that this is a hole which this entry could fill very nicely. What would a guide to life on Earth be without some pointers on how to behave while you're here...?

It's a little bit unromantic, I know, but all you would really have to do to make this entry ideal 'Guide material is to explain each line of your present entry. Use the lines as they stand as headers, and add a little textual deconstruction - possibly with some historical references to the concept of friendship as it has developed over the ages, too, which would add context - underneath each one. Use examples from life to illustrate each point made, and try not to be too subjective about it, and I think that - although still borderline - the entry would be irresistible!

I would suggest a simpler title for the article too - something to do with friendship, and using "friendship" as the first word in the heading. This is because of the way the 'Guide is currently indexed (in strict alpha order). If people want to find something on "friendship" then the place they have to look, by default, is under "f". I have a suggestion for the title which is:

"Friendship: an ideological deconstruction"

which is basically, I think, what you want the article to be.

This way will take a bit of work, but it does allow you preserve the meaning of what you have already said, while also making the entry fit in better with the selection criteria for 'Guide articles.

Let me know more if you think you need to ask. I'd be very pleased to help see this one go in, but as Vegi has already said, the reasons for it not doing so at the moment are subtle and manifold! Have a think about it, and get back to me if you need to.

Regards, and good luck with it.

H.

Just one bit I'd like to add, if you don't mind my butting in, is that, even though poetry is not 'approved guide entry' material, it's perfectly acceptable on user pages, and some of us quite like reading it. So, if you please, before you go modifying it could you kindly copy over what you have to a user page? *scurries off, hoping to catch the poem before changes are made*

'Nonnie

Hi - Talking about openning old wounds - whoops I mean fora - How you getting on my old son of a bitch - You never answered my email, 4/5 weeks ago - did you get it. - I see a few new entries have your name tag on them. weel dun sire.

Well Hypo my old friend - I'll catcha later
veg