Are non-competitive competitors OK? ;)

[lordcorleon]

Hello, I recently just got a membership on here and I was just wondering if it would be proper to enter competitions if one isn't trying to get the fastest time and such. Generally when I've done cryptograms I never worried about speed so much as making sure I get them right and as a result I know I'm not setting any blistering speed records (although I know I set some records for being the slowest solver, in part because I'd usually be in the middle of something else while solving a code). But still I'd like to keep track of the amount of codes I solved and points gathered, plus check out the fora for tips - so eventually, I can start racking up some DECENT times. So, is it OK to be non-competitive or is playing mode only for the dedicated league of cryptosolving professionals, and not for the faint of heart (or slow of mind) ?

[smoochie222]

to play in competitive mode. Just keep practicing and you will get faster. Read the posts to get helpful hints and have fun!!!!

[Lily H]

I've learned that it's nearly impossible for me to compete in the speed category because some of the players are soooo fast on this site. I've found that it's a bit easier for me to try to compete in the total points and percentage solved categories, especially since the amount of time that I can spend playing is very limited. Welcome to the site. It just takes practice, practice, practice...., and you will improve over time.

[gryhnd51]

It's not the destination, but the journey that is important.
(hey, is that maybe a quote

We all joined for the same reason, I think. We LOVE doing cryptograms!
some of us have more time to play, or might be a bit more "driven", but like the rest of LIFE, it should be about doing what gives you a life and makes you happy.

Hope you have a great time here!

[gryhnd51]

What I MEANT to write was : give you a "lift"....not a "life"

[maradnu]

You do not have to strive to be 'competitive'. Some folks want to, and you certainly can do that, but many play just for the enjoyment, without ever expecting to 'win' anything.

Play and enjoy, compete if you want, or not if you'd rather.

[momof6]

The amount of competitiveness among the registered players really varies. I find that my level of competitiveness varies from month to month. It's just a game. The point is to enjoy yourself. For some that requires a trophy every month, for others it's just the thrill of beating your personal best, the prize being not a virtual trophy or ribbon, but a feeling of satisfaction as you improve your speed and/or your solving percentage.

[sonofcarc]

Just to agree with and amplify what others have said. Tens of thousands of people enter big marathons that maybe 20 at most have any chance of winning. The rest are in it because they like competing with THEMSELVES. The goal is to keep getting better.

If I could urge only one change on the Admin here, it would be to set up a mechanism to let every player keep track of their month-by-month averages in whatever metric they are interested in -- without having to break into the top 20 to do it. (Maybe this already exists. If so, I've overlooked it.)

[lordcorleon]

Thanks for all your replies. I figured that things were pretty laid back here, but the socially paranoid side of me told me to make sure, so I had to appease him.

Right now I haven't a hope in Hades of catching up with the record times on here (although I did come up with a few "very fast" times), so I'm working more on just solving the puzzles. Thus far I've had 92 puzzles and solved all but 1 of them (On one puzzle I accidentally logged out before I could solve it), so it's so far so good. Although I need to work on my patience. At times I feel I could have gotten a solution a little quicker if I didn't try to "force" one. Ah, live and learn.

[bansaisequoia]

I don't have any tips to give you, lordcorleon, but I'm wondering how you chose your id for this cryptogram site. Can you give me a clue?