> Don’t panic
- 22 Jun 07, 04:02 PM
It’s time for a reminder about one of the earliest user-generated websites around – h2g2, your guide to life, the universe and everything.
For the uninitiated amongst you, h2g2 takes its inspiration from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. In fact, Douglas Adams was one of the founders of the website. Entries are written by the public, and as such, range from factual and personal to the just plain odd.
With wikipedia, and other encyclopaedia style websites emerging, it is easy to forget that h2g2 is the granddaddy of them all, and still going strong since its launch in 1999.
Some of the entries that you can read include:
- Talking to a deaf person. Not just entertaining, but has practical tips for talking to someone who is hearing impaired. As Bellman, the author writes, saying, “Jawa cheestenders yesdee?" won’t help you get your question across clearly.
- Aiding, not Disabling - Pixi Writer contributes a personal entry on when and how well-meaning able bodied people should offer help to people in wheelchairs. Ask first and wait for a reply. She also offers this helpful tip – “Lastly, many wheelchair users don't like to be patted on the head or anywhere else, but ask just to be sure.”
- Aspergers syndrome. As seen by some one who has it. Xcubeds shares what it is like to be at school with Aspergers Syndrome. As he says, “Not all of Apergers Syndrome is bad. When you have it you get really really good at something you like. That's why I can read the whole h2g2 series in three days.”
It’s a great place to loose yourself in for a few hours. And if it inspires you, then you can sign up and start writing your own entries, set up a profile and talk with other members. It doesn’t get much more ‘web 2.0’ than that.
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