Before I say anything: What made me write this is the Nocturn's island confusion in the OGD, and I felt it was my obligation as a Greg Team member, because my colleagues that do the Farshtey Feed will be among the ones suffering from the confusion created by people who don't know how to ask Greg a question properly. Don't feel offended by this blog entry, but regard it as a piece of good advice.

Okay, let's get started. These are things to consider when writing to our fellow member and BIONICLE author Greg Farshtey:

1) He is a busy man. Busy people tend to have a short memory and don't memorize every minor answer they give to some fan.

2) While authors know their books, they can't remember every word.

3) Don't blame any resulting confusions on him. Here is the guide on how to ask Greg a question.

WHEN YOU WANT CONFIRMATION

1) If you are referring to any previous OGD posts, quote them and put them in your question. That way, he knows what you are referring to and is most likely able to remember.

2) If you are referring to books, serials or comics, it may be useful to include the line(s) you are referring to.

3) Then ask your question in a clear, well-formulated way.

WHEN YOU WANT TO CANONIZE

1) Canonization isn't a bad thing, as it gives fans a way to contribute to story - but every good thing can be done excessively and it becomes annoying. Furthermore, it causes contradictions in story, because, as I said, Greg doesn't remember each and every single PM he answers and not every fact he canonizes. And who can blame him, considering that canonization has become a fad around here.

2) If you really, firmly believe that your canonization is going to fill a (sizable) plot hole or explain something everyone here wanted to know at some point, you will need to consider some things which I will list now (things that I considered when I canonized the Toa Mangai). Note: I am not advocating canonization, but if you guys really have to do it, then at least do it the right way.

3) Okay, given the fact you are convinced of your suggestion, think about all pros and cons - what would the story and the fandom gain from your canonization? Are there also disadvantages! Please include both pros and cons in your PM - doing that gives you credibility and shows you really thought about what you wrote, and didn't write it only to be able to put "I canonized the dirt between Reidak's teeth" into your signature! Present the pros and cons in list form, for the sake of a clear layout.

4) Before you put the pros and cons, explain the general idea. Try to do it in a short and understandable way. Granted, I wrote quite an essay about the Toa Mangai, but that was after three 24 episodes and two hours after midnight (basically, a combination of excitement and sleep deprivation). Try to stay to the point!

5) Re-read the entire PM, correct anything you find and then click the okay button.

6a.) Greg approves of your idea. That is good. If his reply (e.g. "I like that") doesn't explicitly say "This is canon", ask for confirmation with a yes/no question ("So I take it this is canon now?"). Such "Boolean questions" avoid confusion.

6b.) Greg disapproves. In most cases, just go along with it. When I suggested Toa Naho, I also suggested a Toa Huai and a Toa Tiro. They didn't make it. And in retrospect, I am not even sad about it. Simply trust Greg to have the better judgment concerning what BIONICLE canon needs.

6c.) If Greg disapproves and asks you a question in return (and not just a rhetorical one) and it becomes apparent that he is open to the idea, but wants to flesh out some details first, repeat step 3 to 5 - think again and formulate your counter-argument, then send it to Greg. Usually, the next reply will fall under the category 6a and 6b.

Okay, that was it. If I feel the need, I may post another edition of "Asking Greg", but those were the most urgent.

Feel free to comment. (And make use of what I wrote )