GLOC Revival

[mith]

For almost 2 years, the GL has been run almost entirely by its members. The owner of the site created a program, GLOC, that automates many of the authoring, editing, and publishing aspects of updating the front page, and it is this program that we have used to keep the site running.

However, it has never been used to its full potential. Initially, the idea was for a large group of members to have access, with specialized permissions. Some would create the puzzles, some would edit puzzles submitted, and then the publisher would add the polished puzzles to the site. In practice, though, with the exception of a few authors submitting, most of the work has been done by the publisher (myself and Sofis), including editing, searching for puzzles during down times, and contacting (annoying) authors who might be willing to create some for the site.

I'd like to change that. For one thing, I don't spend nearly as much time here as I have in the past, and much of my energy is focused on games rather than puzzles. As such, my role as publisher, editor, and most everything else is not ideal for me. In addition, some of the things that drew myself and others to the GL in the first place, the thought provoking logical puzzles and paradoxes with interesting stories, along with the beautiful graphics, have been lacking. That isn't to say that the recent puzzles have been bad (though there have been negative comments), but the focus has shifted, and rather than keep it the same, or change it back to the way it was, I'd like to diversify things a bit.

So, this is my request for participants in the new GLOC. Here's the sort of people I'm looking for.

Authors

Obviously we wouldn't be a puzzle site without puzzles. If you write puzzles of any kind, logic puzzles, cryptics, THPs, whatever, this is where you fit.

Editors

Is there a Grammar Nazi lurking in you? Do you get annoyed when html tags are messed up? Tend to find spots in puzzles that could be tweaked to make them a little better? In the new GLOC, we hope to actually make use of editors. All puzzles will be reviewed before they are published, and hopefully not just by the publisher.

Artist

Got a powerful graphics program that you know how to use? I don't know if there's anyone that can create the sort of things that used to regularly accompany the puzzles, but I'd love to see some nice graphics.

Publisher

This role can actually be filled by more than one person, but one may work best. I need someone that has way too much time on their hands, who will regularly update and keep everyone else informed and active. Most all of the positions I would like to at least know who you are, but for the publisher in particular, a long time member is required.

Anything else you can think of

If you see a potential role that could be filled, whether you are the person for the job or not, let me know.

If you are interested, post here, along with an email address. I may not get back to you immediately, but as soon as I get around to it, I will add you to GLOC and send you information on how it works.

[This message has been edited by mith (edited 06-10-2003 05:31 PM).]

[Lepton]

Will the old GLOC website be used? That is what turned me off of the program originally. (also, I lost my password) At the time, it seemed unnecessarily bulky. Could all the same functions be performed in the GLOC forum in open threads? This would give everyone involved a chance to see the puzzles, post suggestions, etc. without having to step off familar territory.

I'm willing to give this another shot, in any case. There are a number of good puzzle-makers in VSP that should give this idea a shot too. I'm not great with graphics or writing, though, so I guess that doesn't leave me as a very useful person.

[mith]

Same software, but 2.0. Don't know if that makes any difference to you.

Anyway, most of them could be done in the GLOC forum, yeah, we'd just need someone to put them into GLOC when they're ready to be published.

[The Cruciverbalist]

I'd gladly write more puzzles if you want. Also, I'd love to do more audio puzzles, unless that'll create technical hassles.

[mole]

I'll be in this time. Anything except graphics, I guess, though in order to be an Author I suppose I'll have to write some puzzles.

[ZutAlors!]

I'd be interested in being an editor (maybe an author, but I'm afraid I haven't been very prolific of late). It sounds like you're modeling this on the peer review process for scientific journal articles, yes? So "editors" = peer reviewers, and "publisher" = journal editor. I'd like to know a little more about the mechanics of the process, but that can wait til later.

My email should be in my profile, but here it is anyway: tandandy@earthlink.net

[Dastal]

Humm...I'd be happy to work as an author. I'm working on a pretty difficult cypher. I lurk around the site a lot, and contribute occasionally. However, I'll be gone on vacation/work for the next two months.

[Magnetic]

I'd be up for puzzle-writing. I'm new to the site, but I've done a few in VSP so far, and just started up my own little site (homepage in profile) a few months ago to have a place for my puzzles. Not big on math/trivia puzzles, more into wordplay, abstract or visual reasoning stuff, but I'm up for all of it. And I like the idea of collaboration/peer-review on generating puzzles, for it rarely happens before-the-fact, and is usually helpful after-.

You can reach me through the email on the site: PuzzlesWithoutRules@Yahoo.com

[This message has been edited by Magnetic (edited 06-12-2003 02:06 PM).]

[Gomez]

I hardly ever write puzzles anymore but you're more than welcome to use the puzzles from the competition Logain & I ran.

[Gomez]

Also, FWIW I personally think the puzzle content has improved recently. Standouts include 'Christmas Confusion' 'Get Out' and 'A New Years Drink'. While the puzzles are getting more complicated and that may be offputting for people who just want an easy brainteaser to chew over on their coffee break, harder and more involved puzzles which require a few steps are a reflection of what's popular in VSP at the moment.

Just out of interest, what sort of negative comments have you been getting? Just so we know what to steer clear of when coming up with new puzzles.

[This message has been edited by Gomez (edited 06-13-2003 02:49 AM).]

[Duphrates]

I don't mind doing some graphics work, if it's any help.

danny@abcwax.co.uk

[This message has been edited by Duphrates (edited 06-17-2003 04:42 PM).]

[mith]

Hey everyone, sorry for being a bit slow about emailing. Got busier than I expected I would be (we're moving a building for my mom's school, which involves me and my dad (with random help if we're lucky) building a floor under it so the guy can pick it up). I'll probably be sending you all something Wednesday or Thursday.

[Skellum]

I can be a back-up graphics person if you need one. I don't have 3d software, but I can drive Photoshop. I also don't mind being a puzzle-checker. My e-mail address is Skellum@Hotmail.com

[MatthewV]

I am very familar with the geometric solids in Bryce (and a few other programs) and would be more than willing to make graphics when possible.

[Mackay]

I'm also happy to do some editing. If the position isn't filled. Oh, wait. I'll check in 2 weeks time when I've moved to make sure I still have the Internet. THEN I'll be interested in some editing.

[Lepton]

I guess I could publish if no one else wants to.
It'd probably be better than me writting puzzles.

[Vagrant]

I'd be happy to help out.
I'm halfway decent at most things and not really excellent at anything (at least anything that would help here).
My preference would be for authoring although quite a bit of what I've posted has got some of that negative feedback you refer to, but having an editor would probably have helped.
You haven't asked for them, but maybe I could be a tester after the puzzles have been edited (yet another thing that would help some of my puzzles)?
Anyway, let me know if I can ease the load. My email's in my profile.

[mith]

Alright, been busy lately, but I am finally starting the process of getting this thing going. Expect email(s) soon, from either myself or Lepton.

[Neo]

I've got a bit of a grammar Nazi in me, so I'm around if you need me.

[Mr Nigma]

I was an official Grammer Nazi for several months at my last command, so I'd be more than willing to help in that area.

If you do wish my help, I'll be sure to log on more regularly. However, my computer access time as a whole will be very suspect after this month (I leave for Japan early to mid August and I still have no idea concerning internet access).
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[mudbuck]

I'm in for it.

I don't really care what role I'll get. I'll do my best in anything I get.
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[i_h8_evil_stuff]

A grammar nazi is me. I know basic HTML and how to fix stuff, too.

[mudbuck]

Actually, I can already think about a puzzle. I'll talk about it later.
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[Mr Nigma]

I was about to time out on the computer I was using, so I didn't have time to spellcheck.

No?

How about... I said grammar, not spelling.

Bleh. I'll do better if/when it actually matters.
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