oldjudge wrote: ↑Sun Jun 19, 2022 6:47 pm
Maybe we could No some free market research for Matt. Allow me to pose two questions:
1. Does the streak list add to, not change, or diminish your enjoyment of MGWCC?
2. If the streak list was eliminated would it alter your subscription status?
For me the answer to the first is that it probably diminishes it a little, but not much, and to the second, absolutely not. I think that Matt’s puzzles are a bargain at what he charges now.
First let me say all this is only my humble opinion and I agree 100% that within certain bounds it's up to each solver to determine their own boundaries as far as seeking solving assistance. I know a few muggles (not me!!) won't even consult the internet...
@oldjudge thank you for providing so much food for thought on this topic. And those are two very interesting questions.
2. is a no-brainer. I agree, Matt's puzzles are a bargain at twice the price, and removing the streak list wouldn't change a thing.
1. is something I never really considered before. Despite the initial thrill of seeing bigger and bigger numbers next to my name, I was surprised to discover that I now think the streak list diminishes my enjoyment, just a little bit. As my streak grows, I feel more pressure each week to SOLVE!!! and not break that streak. Whereas with other metas, if I don't solve I tend to adopt a "wait and see the solve at deadline" approach. (The exception being the one with the all-important and elusive $3.50 mug.)
And of course, that pressure to solve comes entirely from within ME, not from the list per se. It occurs to me that the easiest way to remove that pressure is to blow my streak. Not that I would ever "throw" a meta LOL. But it would be interesting to see how long my streak lasts without assistance. Maybe I can work up some perverse mojo to look forward to NOT solving and forcing my reset.
I had never really considered before the distinction between a "group" solve and an "assisted" solve, but now that I've thought about it, I agree that is a very important distinction. Thanks so much for defining it so thoughtfully. And the more I think about it, the more I think that I personally will try to draw the line at asking for assistance when I have no solid idea. Like probably most of us, I strongly prefer to solve solo if at all possible. But it has been fun to co-solve with others on the really tricky metas. And if I am solving and stubbornly stuck in some dead-end rabbit hole, I'll probably still ask someone who has already solved to put me out of my misery with a
on that one particular path. But I hope to wean myself off seeking assistance beyond that.
Of course I reserve the right to change my mind at any time
And if I've solved, I am still more than happy to help others seeking assistance (even though I am usually terrible at coming up with good nudges that don't give the whole game away.)
I love the fact that our amazing group has become so helpful, particularly to newer players. But I also agree that because of that, the prestige of a streak has diminished a bit. I remember consulting with another muggle on a recent difficult puzzle and lamenting that I might lose my precious 100. The other muggle's (non-cynical, I think) comment was "I figure you'll be staying up there indefinitely as long as there is a community of solvers around for when we get to any toughies!" I felt a tiny twinge when I read that, but it's true. Anyone who wants to solve on any given week, can no doubt get led to the answer somehow. Not that there's anything wrong with that - as
@Bob cruise director said, there is no right answer.
I would be VERY interested to see a solo solve streak list, if that's something Matt could easily provide. (LOL for one thing it would help me know if I remembered to tick the box when I solve non-solo. I've sent Matt emails a few times asking him to double-check because I didn't remember ticking it.)
on that one particular path. But I hope to wean myself off seeking assistance beyond that.