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

Hi Lil

I have a question about the atelier, but I didn't want to post there and ruffle any feathers, or insult anyone. Actually, this is more generally applicable to the guide in general to. Anyway, so in the guide, in the mode I'm using, it tells you if any new posts have been added to a coversation. If you click on the link, it takes you to the right LED, so at most you would have to scan 19 old posts before getting to the new one - on average you'd only have 9.5.

So my question is, why do people insist on using bookmarks? There really doesn't seem to be a need. For me, it's cool when I see there are new posts at the conversation, but it's disappointing to click on the link and see all bookmarks. Do you have any insights or explanations for why people use the bookmarks? Thanks,

dave

Well, we call them calling cards, for socially cosmetic reasons, and I think the meaning is "I have read all the backlog but have nothing in particular to contribute at this time." Use of the word 'bookmark' is considered destructive of the virtual ambience.

Every now and then the gardenerbot comes upstairs and takes away all the calling cards to the compost heap.

They predate the ability to see how many posts have occurred since you last posted, which I guess makes them a tradition.

I think you're a splendid addition to the salon, dave; your sense of play and awareness of the virtual environment is very welcome. Have you been to CLI yet? That's where Affi and Garius have their techno-magic concerns.

thanks Lil, I see what you mean. I can respect & learn to appreciate that tradition of greeting cards. I think I will pop down to the CLI, it sounds like a cool place.