Topic: The Loneliness of the Professional Puzzler

[D-type]

I received a PM from D-Type, suggesting that I should move a few of my remaining puzzles from the PAFW board to the Pros section. He has already, in this same thread, questioned the necessity of this PAFW board, and Otto posted an answer with which I fully agree.

If we must have an exclusive elitist section, can I respectfully suggest a rigidly applied minimum of 2 weeks in the Pros and Feature Writers, or 1 week without a further answer, then move it to the Pros.

"rigidly applied"? Man, I wouldn' t like to have you as a prime minister!

@ D-type: So, logically, I replied to you that I wouldn't and why. I won't open that debate again here.

Now, for you and all puzzlers to read, here is what this brings to my mind:
I already, out of my own will and once, I believe, because of the same suggestion by I forgot who, did what you asked me.
But there is a common practice at Autopuzzles, proved time after time, that seems to suit everyone: The guy who posted the puzzle is the sole decider of what he does with it: move it, where, when, declare it solved, by who, for how many points, etc. If every puzzler starts sending his fellows puzzlers PMs about what they should do, this place is soon going to become a mess much worse than a teenager's room.

What do you say?

in Post #43 Carnut said

Why don't you PM him and suggest it's time to move this geriatric puzzle?!

So that's what I did  (although I still feel that it's something a moderator should do, not an ordinary member)

[Ray B.]

I don't see what 's in common between Graywolf's puzzle, which is two and a half years old, and mine, just two weeks old.

[D-type]

Nothing in common in respect of age.  I didn't look at the dates, I simply felt that they were in the wrong place if you want to draw on the expertise of the whole forum so I suggested you move them.  For some inexplicable reason you appear to have taken umbrage at my suggestion.

[Ultra]

For some inexplicable reason you appear to have taken umbrage at my suggestion.

It happens to all of us at one time or another. Letting it slide would seem to me the prudent course of action.

[whcgt]

I like to move my puzzles, often & give everyone a chance at them. I will say again: It is important to get yourselves a hobby to compliment your times when you are not able to enjoy autopuzzles. I like the puzzles to be in control of the person who has posted the puzzle. I wish to also say the nail that is exposed gets hammered down & all of you are whining to much over trivial matters. Please do find another hobby to compliment your efforts on autopuzzles..you will see that you then have more fun & enjoyment on autopuzzles.

[Otto Puzzell]

Is that 'flipper' gas cap from a Barracuda?

[whcgt]

No, it is a plastic lower bezel with an aluminum filler cap..connected to a standard 11 gallon vw beetle gas tank.

[Ray B.]

Letting it slide would seem to me the prudent course of action.

Ultra is right and I'll follow his advice (and whcgt's) and turn to my other hobby, philosophy, who teaches us that, if it may be legitimate to want to punch your opponent in the nose, it is usually ridiculous to try to have the last word.

[Otto Puzzell]

No, it is a plastic lower bezel with an aluminum filler cap..connected to a standard 11 gallon vw beetle gas tank.

Looks trick

[D-type]

The regularly spaced exhausts are closer to those of the fake Duesenberg than the 2 + 2 of the genuine Auburn.  But there again Mike Ayin's replica Auburn has themregularly spaced

My apologies for posting here, but as one of the second class citizens that make up the majority of the forum I am excluded from adding my suggestions and contributions on the subject thread.

[Ultra]

The regularly spaced exhausts are closer to those of the fake Duesenberg than the 2 + 2 of the genuine Auburn.  But there again Mike Ayin's replica Auburn has themregularly spaced

My apologies for posting here, but as one of the second class citizens that make up the majority of the forum I am excluded from adding my suggestions and contributions on the
subject thread.

Many other "second class" citizens around here have improved their status by contributing an automotive writing. This includes many non-native English speakers.

What's your excuse?

[D-type]

I don't have any excuses for not having contributed a feature.  In fact I am working up something.

I don't have an issue with having some puzzles only open to Pros and Feature Writers, I fully understand the logic.  But I do feel that in some cases the threads posted shouldn't be there.  I'm pleased to see that now, in general, puzzles are no longer being left for weeks on end languishing in the Rookies or Experts sections when responses have been exhausted but are being moved up in good time.  They are also being moved from Pros to the Black Hole and in some cases clues provided to help close them out.  This must mean that the Pros have got more to chew on, which was one of the stated reasons for setting up the P & FW board..

However, if one is genuinely asking members "Can you help me identify this car?" it seems a bit pointless to pose the question in a section of the forum where 80% or so of the members cannot respond.  Whether it's one-off US custom cars or Italian ambulances is irrelevant, the logic is the same.  It is conceivable that someone who has not submitted 200 correct answers might have something to add to the pool of information.

Edit:  I've just noted that this is my 1000th post