17.06.2022, 18:26
Let me ask a blunt question: Are puzzle authors designing puzzles for themselves or for the solvers?
No, I am not trying to imply that only the solvers matter. Puzzle authors can expect some amount of recognition. The Puzzle Portal can only work if there is a balance between the two. It is about give and take.
In this regard, the Portal has changed a lot lately. Authors seem to get mad about the ratings of their creations and about the number of solvers. I find that regrettable. In the end, however, it is not for the authors to decide how much recognition they deserve. The final judgment about a puzzle can only come from the audience.
That said, I do not believe there was a misunderstanding in bigger's case. CJK asked him to "deactivate the puzzle until it is fixed". Not delete it, or deactivate it permanently. What is there to misunderstand about the phrase "until it is fixed"?
As I see it, bigger took offense simply because he felt he was entitled to more appreciation than he got. Just read his posts again, in particular the parts about what he wants and expects. And now imagine every author doing the same thing, every single time a puzzle receives criticism or is otherwise - in his opinion - somehow underappreciated.
No, I am not trying to imply that only the solvers matter. Puzzle authors can expect some amount of recognition. The Puzzle Portal can only work if there is a balance between the two. It is about give and take.
In this regard, the Portal has changed a lot lately. Authors seem to get mad about the ratings of their creations and about the number of solvers. I find that regrettable. In the end, however, it is not for the authors to decide how much recognition they deserve. The final judgment about a puzzle can only come from the audience.
That said, I do not believe there was a misunderstanding in bigger's case. CJK asked him to "deactivate the puzzle until it is fixed". Not delete it, or deactivate it permanently. What is there to misunderstand about the phrase "until it is fixed"?
As I see it, bigger took offense simply because he felt he was entitled to more appreciation than he got. Just read his posts again, in particular the parts about what he wants and expects. And now imagine every author doing the same thing, every single time a puzzle receives criticism or is otherwise - in his opinion - somehow underappreciated.