mersenneforum.org - Discussion: A protocol for puzzles

Let me thank the participants for their submissions. I would like to make a suggestion for future postings.

For many of us, some problems are very easy. Yet, I suspect that those same problems might still stimulate thinking if the answer is not disclosed too soon.

It is my opinion that the value of this forum is primarily in the mental stimulation that it provides. In many respects, the "instant" communication that we have now works against this kind of forum. If I were writing in a monthly, weekly, or even daily publication, the latency between issues would provide a good interval for all of the readers to think about the puzzle before the answer is disclosed in the next issue.

Some of you (in particular Nick and Paul) have avoided giving it all away at once. I comment that approach.

I will therefore propose the following:

(1) The poster of a puzzle will act as the de facto moderator of that puzzle for at least the first 72 hours.

(2) Anyone should feel free to post comments or questions, but not the solution.

(3) Solutions should be sent by private mail to the poster. With appropriate restraint, the original poster of the puzzle will post any submissions as he feels appropriate. In particular, wrong answers and anything that leads to discussion should be posted. But the correct answer might be noted without being disclosed.

(4) When the puzzle has run its course, the poster should post a follow-up which gives a good description of the solution and gives credit to the participants for early, clear or unusual solutions.

Please note that this is just my opinion and I welcome discussion of the topic. Any forum is only as good as its participants make it. What is your wish?