OT - Enigma puzzles - feedback

QuikSand · 09-13-2004, 01:16 PM

Well, while we wait for the latest iteration of the enigma puzzle, I thought it might be a good time to muse on how this little experitment is going.

For selfish purposes, I rather like the notion that most of the time, there's a significant unsolved puzzle here at FOFC. I haven't done all that well in cracking them so far, but I liek the idea that we puzzling types have a near-constant supply of efforts thrown out there. (The current delay notwithstanding)

Anyone else have thoughts? Things we could do better? Any ideas for a "protocol" for past unsolved (at least in their entirety) puzzles?

albionmoonlight · 09-13-2004, 01:30 PM

The way the puzzle is run, it is sometimes hard to get a full answer for the solved puzzle. If enigma[A] posts a puzzle and we solve 10% of it and see that it has something to do with homeruns and person[b] starts guessing passwords and hits on barrybonds, he may become enigma[b] without really knowing why that was the specific answer to the puzzle.

Then, enigma[A] has no way to post the full explaination without revealing his identity and enigma[b] does not know how she got the answer, so she can't post it.

Perhaps we should open an account enigmaanswers with a public passwords that could post the answers. Of course, trolls (and well meaning jokers) would kill that account fast.

Or (thining out loud here). The current enigma could PM the explination to the current puzzle to himself. Then, when the new enigma takes over, the answer is sitting in his PM box. Rinse, repeat.

Danny · 09-13-2004, 01:48 PM

I've enjoyed some of the enigma puzzles. Others I've missed because I was too busy to get involved. I have yet to become the enigma although I did solve one that I guess I was a few seconds late on.

digamma · 09-13-2004, 01:58 PM

I like them overall. I think the one valid complaint is the lack of an adequate explanation. I like the idea of the enigma PM'ing the explanation to himself.

I also think the recent enigmas have been good for group collaboration, something that was missing earlier. Now it seems people are less worried about "winning" and more involved in solving the puzzle, which I think is a good thing.

QuikSand · 09-13-2004, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny Drickman

I've enjoyed some of the enigma puzzles. Others I've missed because I was too busy to get involved. I have yet to become the enigma although I did solve one that I guess I was a few seconds late on.

So, what's the deal with the nym-shifting, EagleEye?

VPI97 · 09-13-2004, 02:48 PM

Meh...out of the first ten, there were only two or three that I enjoyed working on. Because of that, I really haven't given the last ones any more than a passing glance.

enigma · 09-13-2004, 02:56 PM

so should I PM the answer to the enigma account?

albionmoonlight · 09-13-2004, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enigma

so should I PM the answer to the enigma account?

I think so. That would also give you the chance to add any insights/observations that you would like the future enigma to share with the rest of the world.

Danny · 09-13-2004, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuikSand

So, what's the deal with the nym-shifting, EagleEye?

I am the webmaster for Grey Dog Software and use my real name as a username over there. I wanted to use the same thing over here, so that I could have people suck up to me for information about our games.

Maple Leafs · 09-13-2004, 03:55 PM

Two points:

- As I've argued elsewhere, I think the creator should come forward to explain their thinking behind the puzzle. I find that my annoyance at all the puzzles that are still not really "solved" in any meaningful way outweighs any extra enjoyment that comes from keeping everyone anonymous at all times.

- On a far more important note: FOFCers write really terrible poetry. (Or should I say "Poetry quite terrible they do write"...)

09-13-2004, 01:30 PM	#2
albionmoonlight Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Carolina	The way the puzzle is run, it is sometimes hard to get a full answer for the solved puzzle. If enigma[A] posts a puzzle and we solve 10% of it and see that it has something to do with homeruns and person[b] starts guessing passwords and hits on barrybonds, he may become enigma[b] without really knowing why that was the specific answer to the puzzle. Then, enigma[A] has no way to post the full explaination without revealing his identity and enigma[b] does not know how she got the answer, so she can't post it. Perhaps we should open an account enigmaanswers with a public passwords that could post the answers. Of course, trolls (and well meaning jokers) would kill that account fast. Or (thining out loud here). The current enigma could PM the explination to the current puzzle to himself. Then, when the new enigma takes over, the answer is sitting in his PM box. Rinse, repeat. Last edited by albionmoonlight : 09-13-2004 at 01:30 PM.

09-13-2004, 01:48 PM	#3
Danny General Manager Join Date: Jul 2001	I've enjoyed some of the enigma puzzles. Others I've missed because I was too busy to get involved. I have yet to become the enigma although I did solve one that I guess I was a few seconds late on. Last edited by Danny : 09-13-2004 at 01:48 PM.

09-13-2004, 02:48 PM	#6
VPI97 Hokie, Hokie, Hokie, Hi Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Kennesaw, GA	Meh...out of the first ten, there were only two or three that I enjoyed working on. Because of that, I really haven't given the last ones any more than a passing glance. __________________ CT & Jivin - "Surprisingly Entertaining"

09-13-2004, 02:56 PM	#7
enigma H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Aug 2004	so should I PM the answer to the enigma account? __________________ The FOFC Enigma is a self-repeating puzzle system. If you know the answer to the current puzzle, sign on to FOFC with the username "enigma" using the answer (in all lower case letters, with no spacing) as the password. If you're right -- you control the enigma, and may post the next puzzle under that username. The person who solves the enigma should post in the puzzle thread noting both the fact that the puzzle is solved, as well as the solution to the puzzle.

09-13-2004, 03:55 PM	#10
Maple Leafs Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2002	Two points: - As I've argued elsewhere, I think the creator should come forward to explain their thinking behind the puzzle. I find that my annoyance at all the puzzles that are still not really "solved" in any meaningful way outweighs any extra enjoyment that comes from keeping everyone anonymous at all times. - On a far more important note: FOFCers write really terrible poetry. (Or should I say "Poetry quite terrible they do write"...) __________________ Down Goes Brown: Toronto Maple Leafs Humor and Analysis Last edited by Maple Leafs : 09-13-2004 at 04:28 PM.

09-13-2004, 01:58 PM	#4
digamma Torchbearer Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: On Lake Harriet	I like them overall. I think the one valid complaint is the lack of an adequate explanation. I like the idea of the enigma PM'ing the explanation to himself. I also think the recent enigmas have been good for group collaboration, something that was missing earlier. Now it seems people are less worried about "winning" and more involved in solving the puzzle, which I think is a good thing.

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