Slashdot Mirror
H2G2: Back At Last, With Moderation
TDScott writes: "Well, it seems after H2G2 was bought out by the BBC, they've finally managed to get the site up and running again. But here's something new - all the guide entries, even the unapproved ones, are being moderated! Looks like the Beeb doesn't want anything objectionable on it's domain ..." I agree with hemos that E2 is overall a cooler place, but I think a lot of people will like even a bowlderized Hitchiker's Guide.
Whilst there have been a small number of people on the site moaning, the general atmosphere over at h2g2 seems to be jubilant, and glad that it is back. The moderation is really very much in the background, with things being post-moderated, so you can write whatever you want, but it may be edited - mostly starring out most of the letters of swear words - if anyone complains. As anyone who's regularly used the site knows, in general it's a respective, kind, family-friendly place, and the only people who generally come out blazing with offensive material tend to be those stirring up trouble, and trying to prevent others enjoying the site.
There has *always* been some degree of protection on the site, with the editors stepping in when things get nasty, and basically all that is new reflects the fact that they can now afford to be more efficient in this.
The biggest effect this will have is just now, with people being asked to read their entries, make any changes if they don't think they're acceptable to the new terms and conditions, and resubmit them. This basically allows the moderators to read through entries as and when they're resubmitted, rather than have the enormous target of the entire guide.
Overall, though, everyone seems aware that this means that h2g2 (which many, many people frequent and love) will survive, and never has to make money (i.e. sell-out) to support itself, even in the current dot-com climate. This can only be a good thing.
Disclaimer: I am a (voluntary) sub-editor of the site, so obviously really quite like it.
"Looks like the Beeb doesn't want anything objectionable on it's domain ..."
I thought he meant Beeblebrox, but I guess he means the BBC...
Don't forget that Friday is Hawaiian shirt day.
Not only is the H2G2 now moderated, but they also still only take submissions from earthlings!
Not racist indeed!
"Everything you know is wrong. (And stupid.)"
"Everything you know is wrong. (And stupid.)"
Moderation Totals: Wrong=2, Stupid=3, Total=5.
It should be un-moderated, like, say, Slashdo- oh, never mind...
-----------
-----------
If you ever drop your keys into a river of molten lava, forget 'em, because man, they're gone. -- Jack
10. Benny Hill
9. France
8. missing "u" from word "colour"
7. Scientology
6. Recipes for edible food
5. Anything about the Falkland War
4. Prior art on hyperlinking
3. Gratuitous use of word "knickers"
2. American Revolution (will be changed to "colonial rebellion")
1. Vogon Poetry
-----------
-----------
If you ever drop your keys into a river of molten lava, forget 'em, because man, they're gone. -- Jack