Discussion: A protocol for puzzles

Wacky · 2003-07-03, 22:50

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?

Matthes · 2003-07-04, 01:11

I agree with all of the points you made, because it will make reading and solving the puzzles more interesting, if it takes more than scrolling down to get to the answer.

BTW I am also very happy with the way this forum has grown. Keep up the good work people. :D

Be puzzled, Matthes

Jwb52z · 2003-07-04, 17:04

I'd also like to suggest that a full, but in layman's terms, explanation of the solution be given. I hardly ever figure out any of these problems and don't understand the solution when it is given either.

2003-07-03, 22:50	#1
Wacky Jun 2003 The Texas Hill Country 441₁₆ Posts	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?

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2003-07-04, 01:11	#2
Matthes May 2003 2³×3 Posts	I agree with all of the points you made, because it will make reading and solving the puzzles more interesting, if it takes more than scrolling down to get to the answer. BTW I am also very happy with the way this forum has grown. Keep up the good work people. :D Be puzzled, Matthes

2003-07-04, 17:04	#3
Jwb52z Sep 2002 2×3×7×19 Posts	I'd also like to suggest that a full, but in layman's terms, explanation of the solution be given. I hardly ever figure out any of these problems and don't understand the solution when it is given either.