MnGCA

Moe the Sleaze

This puzzle cache has been in place for about a year and a half and, in that time, has been solved only once, almost a year ago. I'm trying to decide what to do with it. There isn't much point in having a cache out there that isn't going to be found. On the other hand, if there are still people out there actively trying to solve it, I don't want to archive it. Another option is to simplify it such that it will be obvious when you have peeled away the first layer.

Please help me decide what to do.
_________________
"Hi, I'm Moe, or as the women know me - Hey! You in the bushes."
-Moe, The Simpsons

JJnTJ · Geocacher Joined: 23 Aug 2010 Posts: 218

My first instinct was to ask you to simplify it, but I think that might take away from Sharknose Bunnies' accomplishment of solving it.

As much as I hate to say it, I think you should archive it. I've spent some time working on it since I started caching, and haven't got anywhere.

What did you think of LabguyMN's parody? Very Happy

LabguyMN · Geocacher Joined: 23 Jun 2010 Posts: 7

It appears jjntj and I are the only ones working on this actively. Part of me wants it to be available, as I estimate that I've spent more than 100 hours working on it. I don't think I'll solve it ever but that's the way it goes. Part of me just wants to know the solution as I've surrendered. Part of me hopes a bear eats the cache and a sinkhole eats gz. You asked.

I Spy. · Geocacher Joined: 16 May 2008 Posts: 116

I am one of several folks that I know are working on it - some actively; some hoping to see some inspiration. How about keeping it going for three months and see where you are then?

Brooklyn51 · Geocacher Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Posts: 45

I, too, am working on it although I admit to the need of some inspiration. I surely wouldn't mind a hint but I also wouldn't want to take away from SNBs outstanding performance with this one by simplifiying it... too much.

Valsey · Geocacher Joined: 04 Feb 2010 Posts: 49

I have been spending some time working on this one too, but havn't been able to peel the onion. It should be kept it at the same level to credit SNB's find.

15Tango · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 11:56 pm Post subject:

It's not in my neck of the woods, so I haven't been working it, but if the cache isn't bothering anybody or isn't at risk of being found and carried off by a muggle, and nobody is hounding you to archive it to clear a 0.1-mile radius so other caches could be hidden, then leave it be.
_________________
There comes a time in every young boy's life when he gets an irresistible urge to seek buried treasure.--Mark Twain

KRedEP · Geocacher Joined: 03 Aug 2007 Posts: 721

It'll be a lonely cache soon........

bflentje · Geocacher Joined: 29 May 2006 Posts: 3673

I like the idea of simplication. My style is that on all of my puzzles, after about a year or so, I always place either a strong hint or solution on the cache listing. That allows non-puzzlers the opportunity to clear out their radius if that's what they desire. Besides, if it hadn't been solved and found by then, the chances decrease significantly for visitors after a certain point. But then you knew that.. Wink

foundinthewild · Geocacher Joined: 25 Dec 2006 Posts: 3

I had several hunches over time but SNB has been keeping his vow of secrecy. I have pretty much stalled out even though I have a couple tabs open in firefox with my ideas waiting further inspiration. Not much has changed in the puzzle situation, e.g. leaked (intentionally or not) hints are non-existent. Make the difficulty whatever you like, we pretty much know SNB is a master and FTF champ as well. I sure would like a "directional" hint, or more.

spinowner · Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 7:10 am Post subject:

I've been excoriated in this forum in the past for not giving hints on puzzles. I recall one comment saying something to the effect of "why wouldn't you want someone to find your cache?". As a result of that I felt enough shame that on a recent puzzle I started giving hints after just a couple weeks until someone found it. In retrospect I wish I wouldn't have done that, at least not as quickly as I did, because it dampens the satisfaction felt by those who would be able to solve the puzzle on their own.
_________________
Sig line? I don't need no stinking sig line!

bflentje · Geocacher Joined: 29 May 2006 Posts: 3673

threenow24 · Geocacher Joined: 06 Jun 2010 Posts: 23

It may not get visited every day, but some people like caches that aren't logged every day, week, year, whatever. I say it's fine as is.

spinowner · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 3:55 am Post subject:

Moe the Sleaze · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 6:20 am Post subject:

Thanks for your inputs folks. I guess I'll leave the cache as is, at least through summer. If I then decide to change the puzzle, I'll probably archive this listing and create a new one to preserve the integrity of SNB's (and anyone else who finds it between now and then) find.
_________________
"Hi, I'm Moe, or as the women know me - Hey! You in the bushes."
-Moe, The Simpsons