def prepare_query_string(args):
    """
    Creates a simple query string.

    This is an alternative to Requests's parameter feature. Requests
    strips stuff out and coverts everything. This does a simple join,
    preserving everything.

    :param args: The data which is to be prepared
    :type args: dict

    :returns: A formatted query string
    :rtype: string
    """
    return '?' + '&'.join(["%s=%s" % (key, value) for (key, value) in args.items()])