Sense of achievement

[Hapus]

Hi - I have been watching this site for a while and really am stunned at the amount of people who seem unable to look up answers for themselves (either in a reference book or on google) - when posting off their submissions, do they have any sense of achievement at all? I take much greater pleasure in completing my various crosswords firstly on my own, then with a reference book/dictionary, and finally when completely at a loss, google.

[marvinparvin]

I agree - don't these people realise that there are loads of "crossword completers" sites on the internet. When you want to give up using your brain, all you have to do is a bit of typing. What's more do they live in houses that are completely devoid of books?

[perose]

In answer to your question, I sit for days over a quiz, I then go to my library and get reference books, use google on my computer and then use this site for any answers that I am completely stuck with. I do use my brain first!

[Hapus]

I can see that there are people that use their brain and they are usually the ones providing the answers (to questions often answered many times previously!!).

I think we have created a generation of people who cannot bear to wait for anything, whether its the answers to all the questions in a crossword so they can send off for a prize (and when they DONT win it , they'll be disappointed), or for the next episode of a series on tv, so they watch it on-line.

[JoolsTwo]

I think most people do try to solve puzzles first, with books and Google. Then come on here as a last resort. I think it is only a small minority that don't bother.

[kazizere]

Maybe we should stop giving the answers, instead give the information on where to find the answers!

[Hapus]

HA HA - I think there would be more of a chance of winning any prizes that way!

[kazizere]

At least we'd know that the person(s) who do win will have used their brain.

[shaneystar2]

I like to do my own research for crosswords and quizzes ..but..I don't mind answering anyones question.If I am truly stuck I will post. After all this is what AB is for.To share knowledge. I have to say some people do ask questions which are easily found in a dictionary or reference book or on the web. But I look at it this way...it's a fun category for like minded people. I have met some nice people on here and there are one or two who are housebound ,like to do their puzzles and have a point of contact with others. I am retired now and have dodgy joints so I find this an ideal way to while away a dull day.If I can help anybody I am happy to do so. After all they are only crosswords ......ephemeral stuff that is forgotten about the next day.

[Hapus]

I agree that its a nice site - after all I've been looking at it for some time - and the purpose of it is to share knowledge. However, I'm not sure if knowledge is really being shared, but instead imparted, and taken and immediately forgotten. Anyway, I'm probably being too harsh - I just think that questions are repeated ALOT and often by the same culprits.

[RAMEAUX]

I only use this site as a last resort usually for cryptic answers while I always dig out the GK answers myself with a range of reference books and then websites of the subject concerned.

It seems the more answers that are available on this site only increases the odds for the rest of us diggers ever winning anything.

[Hapus]

Indeed - I have had to resort to this distraction tactic to lure you from your puzzles, whilst I frantically complete and post off all my competitions! Ha ha - Actually, I only submit 2 - the bare bones and skeleton cross words from MoS and Express. Mostly cos I forget to post the blinking things and find them in a pocket when the deadline has passed.....

[shaneystar2]

Well while we are on the subject... for all you puzzle fans can I recommend this puzzle which I have been doing for a while now.
http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/usr/issues_crossword/ 519.pdf
Hope the link works ,if not ,Google Prospect Magazine and click on crossword. One of the best GK puzzles I have seen.I don't buy this magazine I just print off the puzzle.Guaranteed to get your brain cells working !

[Gill1941]

I agree with Shaneystar2 Also like to research as much as possible and like to help out when I can. Usually I'm beaten to the post as only log on in the afternoon.

It is a good site for when you are really stuck especially on criptic like the Rainbow Quiz. Being retired I like to keep my brain active and cannot understand people who do not research the easiest questions.

[JoolsTwo]

Thanks Shaneystar2 I will definitely give that one a try.

[shaneystar2]

Yes ..give it a go JimJools ..It's an interesting puzzle.

Another point I forgot to mention was that although a lot of answers in GK puzzles etc are easy to find... when it comes to cryptics this is where Q&P comes into it's own .I like nothing better than a good discussion about cryptic clues especially that extremely difficult swine of a puzzle in Saga Magazine!

[BigMac]

Can I add two particular bugbears of mine?

1. Not reading through earlier posts - how many times does the same question come up? I use AB when really stuck and other sources fail me, but I usually don't have to post as someone else already has - even if two/three days ago. If I can see that, why can't others? I suppose this is back to the point about instant gratification...


2. Not giving the x-word/puzzle name - it would make it much easier for those who try to help to know with what they are assisting.

Oh, and a third pain in the [insert word of choice here]: posting several times instead of just once with all the various requests.

I have other rants, available on request, but that will do for now.

[Hapus]

Does this site have a custodian of sort - someone who could prevent repeated questions from being posted, and ask that repeat offenders of multiple posting for the same puzzle to refrain or risk being barred for a while?

[Hapus]

Like an AB-ASBO.

[JoolsTwo]

AND not putting a clue No. on the question.

[maimai]

Oh how I agree. I've only discovered this site a few months ago and mainly use it to get a gentle nudge when really stuck or to get someone to help with the justification of the answer (guardian sat / observer sun).

However have noticed a) the repeat questions and b) the postings early in the day for the answers. So last week I did an experiment. I never buy the Sunday Express, but a copy of the magazine was inserted in one of our other papers. As I always notice a lot of questions re the prize (�1000 I think) crossword, I decided to do the following. To see how far I could complete the crossword just from this data base (ie. me not even looking at the clues/trying to work itout). By Monday morning I had completed three-quarters of the crossword. Only then did I look at the clues - and the ones left over were the easy ones. For me (as for many others on this post), it's the process that's important not the end result. Thanks for raising it.