meltdiceburg: It has been suggested to me recently that unless a cacher solves a puzzle in the manor intended by the co when they set it, they are a cheat and should not be allowed to claim a find. Personally, I have never shared this view, if you find the container and sign the logbook you are entitled to a find - people will find the final hides of puzzle caches in a variety of ways, as a co you accept this when you set up a puzzle and allow people to play and enjoy the game in the way they want.
However, some of those involved in the puzzle side of the game seem to obsess and take it very seriously, it is just meant to be fun. Someone guessed their way to one of my puzzles without any knowledge of how the puzzle works, and wrote in their log exactly how they did it, right down to the height of the final container, so anyone could have found it in the same manor without solving it. I had said nothing and got on with enjoying the game until this same person has this weekend publicly called me a cheat and a liar after I spent many hours on their puzzle - I worked out for myself exactly how the puzzle cache worked, I fully understood the clever idea and got a tick on the checker but because this person thought it was possible I'd had a hint - nothing more than a hint - I was insulted. Perhaps it's only me who can't see how it's ok to guess your way to a puzzle final without solving and share the method in a log it but then publicly humiliate someone for a lesser crime.
The action of this individual is the latest in a list of people from the puzzle elite who have told me my puzzles are rubbish because they don't conform to how they think a puzzle should be, or have lectured me on d/t ratings and how I should cut up vegetables. It has caused me a lot of upset and stress which I don't deserve when I give up my time to set puzzles for the enjoyment of others. I have realised I want no part in setting 'proper' puzzles or maintaining them - the actions of the few ruin it for everyone so all my 'proper' puzzles will be archived today. This is not intended as having a go at anyone, but as an explanation as to why I am taking this action. I will focus my efforts on those who want to get out for walks. Thank you to everyone who has visited this one.
NB. The container will be left in place for a minimum of a month to allow anyone who has solved it to go and claim a smilie as I would never rob anyone of that. Please do not remove the container if you visit after archival, it is my property and I will remove it myself and put a note on the page when I do so.