# Final Two Quizzes **URL:** \ **Category:** ruby-talk\ **Created:** [28 January 2008 16:59 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087 "2008-01-28T16:59:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ea5d25/32.png) [@James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://rubytalk.org/u/James_Edward_Gray_II)\ **Post date:** [28 January 2008 16:59 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/1 "2008-01-28T16:59:57Z")
As most of you know, we have two Ruby Quiz problems left ([http://groups.google.com/group/comp.lang.ruby/msg/6f46393932c22e49](http://groups.google.com/group/comp.lang.ruby/msg/6f46393932c22e49)). I haven't picked them yet, so now is a great time to send me any terrific ideas you've been sitting on. I'm looking for a pair of great little challenges to end on, so pull out all the stops and send me the good stuff. Thanks. James Edward Gray II ---
**Author:** ![fedzor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbe5ce/32.png) [@fedzor](https://rubytalk.org/u/fedzor)\ **Post date:** [28 January 2008 23:38 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/2 "2008-01-28T23:38:56Z")
Once again, thank you for such an enjoyable time in Ruby Quiz 🙂 I'm curious - have you found a replacement quizmaster? Thanks, Ari Brown > **···** > > On Jan 28, 2008, at 11:59 AM, James Gray wrote: > > > As most of you know, we have two Ruby Quiz problems left ([http://groups.google.com/group/comp.lang.ruby/msg/6f46393932c22e49\](http://groups.google.com/group/comp.lang.ruby/msg/6f46393932c22e49%5C)). > > > > I haven't picked them yet, so now is a great time to send me any terrific ideas you've been sitting on. I'm looking for a pair of great little challenges to end on, so pull out all the stops and send me the good stuff. ---
**Author:** ![James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ea5d25/32.png) [@James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://rubytalk.org/u/James_Edward_Gray_II)\ **Post date:** [28 January 2008 23:46 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/3 "2008-01-28T23:46:23Z")
You want the job? 🙂 No one has yet mentioned to me the intention to take up the call when I'm done, no. I sure hope they do though, because I'm ready for my turn to play along! James Edward Gray II > **···** > > On Jan 28, 2008, at 5:38 PM, fedzor wrote: > > > On Jan 28, 2008, at 11:59 AM, James Gray wrote: > > > > > As most of you know, we have two Ruby Quiz problems left ([http://groups.google.com/group/comp.lang.ruby/msg/6f46393932c22e49\](http://groups.google.com/group/comp.lang.ruby/msg/6f46393932c22e49%5C)). > > > > > > I haven't picked them yet, so now is a great time to send me any terrific ideas you've been sitting on. I'm looking for a pair of great little challenges to end on, so pull out all the stops and send me the good stuff. > > > > Once again, thank you for such an enjoyable time in Ruby Quiz 🙂 I'm curious - have you found a replacement quizmaster? ---
**Author:** ![James\_Britt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/22d042/32.png) [@James\_Britt](https://rubytalk.org/u/James_Britt)\ **Post date:** [29 January 2008 01:26 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/4 "2008-01-29T01:26:20Z")
I don't know if I want the job, but I have already registered the domain rubyquiz2.com ! If anybody is interested in setting things up, i can certainly host it on my dreamhost account... > **···** > > On Jan 28, 2008, at 5:46 PM, James Gray wrote: > > > On Jan 28, 2008, at 5:38 PM, fedzor wrote: > > > > > On Jan 28, 2008, at 11:59 AM, James Gray wrote: > > > > > > > As most of you know, we have two Ruby Quiz problems left ([http://groups.google.com/group/comp.lang.ruby/msg/6f46393932c22e49\](http://groups.google.com/group/comp.lang.ruby/msg/6f46393932c22e49%5C)). > > > > > > > > I haven't picked them yet, so now is a great time to send me any terrific ideas you've been sitting on. I'm looking for a pair of great little challenges to end on, so pull out all the stops and send me the good stuff. > > > > > > Once again, thank you for such an enjoyable time in Ruby Quiz 🙂 I'm curious - have you found a replacement quizmaster? > > > > You want the job? 🙂 > > > > No one has yet mentioned to me the intention to take up the call when I'm done, no. I sure hope they do though, because I'm ready for my turn to play along! > > > > James Edward Gray II ---
**Author:** ![fedzor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbe5ce/32.png) [@fedzor](https://rubytalk.org/u/fedzor)\ **Post date:** [29 January 2008 12:33 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/5 "2008-01-29T12:33:59Z")
No thank you 🙂 School hogs my time, and besides, I can't do half of these. But would I love to? God yes! > **···** > > On Jan 28, 2008, at 6:46 PM, James Gray wrote: > > > On Jan 28, 2008, at 5:38 PM, fedzor wrote: > > > > > On Jan 28, 2008, at 11:59 AM, James Gray wrote: > > > > > > > As most of you know, we have two Ruby Quiz problems left ([http://groups.google.com/group/comp.lang.ruby/msg/6f46393932c22e49\](http://groups.google.com/group/comp.lang.ruby/msg/6f46393932c22e49%5C)). > > > > > > > > I haven't picked them yet, so now is a great time to send me any terrific ideas you've been sitting on. I'm looking for a pair of great little challenges to end on, so pull out all the stops and send me the good stuff. > > > > > > Once again, thank you for such an enjoyable time in Ruby Quiz 🙂 I'm curious - have you found a replacement quizmaster? > > > > You want the job? 🙂 > > > > No one has yet mentioned to me the intention to take up the call when I'm done, no. I sure hope they do though, because I'm ready for my turn to play along! ---
**Author:** ![Matthew\_D\_Moss1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/91b2a8/32.png) [@Matthew\_D\_Moss1](https://rubytalk.org/u/Matthew_D_Moss1)\ **Post date:** [30 January 2008 19:01 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/6 "2008-01-30T19:01:27Z")
> No one has yet mentioned to me the intention to take up the call when > I'm done, no. I sure hope they do though, because I'm ready for my > turn to play along! "You're it until you're dead or until I find someone better." I'd be willing to take over for James, with a little caveat. I'm currently planning a move to take place sometime in March, so my brain is a bit occupied with that, aside from work. So I might not be able to really grab hold until after the move, but I can try a bit before then. If that's fine with folks, I'll have a talk with James and others who might want to help. I have web space I can use, though not a particular mind to put together a web page. ---
**Author:** ![James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ea5d25/32.png) [@James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://rubytalk.org/u/James_Edward_Gray_II)\ **Post date:** [29 January 2008 14:51 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/7 "2008-01-29T14:51:29Z")
If you knew Ruby backwards and forwards, the quiz would be a lot less fun. Running it is actually ideal for someone still learning. It's even fine if you make little mistakes (I've made a ton) or have to ask for help from the community (I've done that too). It's that interaction and working together that made the quiz so valuable, in my opinion. I've learned a whole lot of Ruby these last three years. Anyway, I'm not trying to talk you into it. I just want to make sure anybody who's reading this knows that if you are thinking, "Man, I would love to run the Ruby Quiz if I only knew enough Ruby," you are perfect for the job. James Edward Gray II > **···** > > On Jan 29, 2008, at 6:33 AM, fedzor wrote: > > > On Jan 28, 2008, at 6:46 PM, James Gray wrote: > > > > > On Jan 28, 2008, at 5:38 PM, fedzor wrote: > > > > > > > On Jan 28, 2008, at 11:59 AM, James Gray wrote: > > > > > > > > > As most of you know, we have two Ruby Quiz problems left ([http://groups.google.com/group/comp.lang.ruby/msg/6f46393932c22e49\](http://groups.google.com/group/comp.lang.ruby/msg/6f46393932c22e49%5C)). > > > > > > > > > > I haven't picked them yet, so now is a great time to send me any terrific ideas you've been sitting on. I'm looking for a pair of great little challenges to end on, so pull out all the stops and send me the good stuff. > > > > > > > > Once again, thank you for such an enjoyable time in Ruby Quiz 🙂 I'm curious - have you found a replacement quizmaster? > > > > > > You want the job? 🙂 > > > > > > No one has yet mentioned to me the intention to take up the call when I'm done, no. I sure hope they do though, because I'm ready for my turn to play along! > > > > No thank you 🙂 School hogs my time, and besides, I can't do half of these. > > > > But would I love to? God yes! ---
**Author:** ![James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ea5d25/32.png) [@James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://rubytalk.org/u/James_Edward_Gray_II)\ **Post date:** [30 January 2008 19:33 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/8 "2008-01-30T19:33:30Z")
Matthew, Ari, Thomas, and John all need to put their heads together. Sounds like we have the makings of a team here… James Edward Gray II > **···** > > On Jan 30, 2008, at 1:01 PM, Matthew Moss wrote: > > > If that's fine with folks, I'll have a talk with James and others who > > might want to help. ---
**Author:** ![Thomas\_Wieczorek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47c2d/32.png) [@Thomas\_Wieczorek](https://rubytalk.org/u/Thomas_Wieczorek)\ **Post date:** [29 January 2008 21:23 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/9 "2008-01-29T21:23:48Z")
Thank you for the many quizzes. I came to Ruby through a blog entry about Ruby's open classes and ActiveSupport's use of it, \_why's online book and last but not least the Ruby Quiz. I just participated in one and programmed a few, but not with much success. It showed me already many new things 🙂 > **···** > > On Jan 29, 2008 3:51 PM, James Gray \ wrote: > > > I just want to make sure > > anybody who's reading this knows that if you are thinking, "Man, I > > would love to run the Ruby Quiz if I only knew enough Ruby," you are > > perfect for the job. > > That part is really challenging. I am learning exclusively Ruby for > the last weeks and I am falling more and more in love with it. I'd do > it. For the challenge and keeping the fun going on. > Is anyone else interested in countinuing it? ---
**Author:** ![James\_Britt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/22d042/32.png) [@James\_Britt](https://rubytalk.org/u/James_Britt)\ **Post date:** [31 January 2008 05:01 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/10 "2008-01-31T05:01:53Z")
Indeed, 3 heads are better than none. (I'm not counting mine) First off, we need a logo contest... or perhaps a weekend roundtable via chat or something? > **···** > > On Jan 30, 2008, at 1:33 PM, James Gray wrote: > > > On Jan 30, 2008, at 1:01 PM, Matthew Moss wrote: > > > > > If that's fine with folks, I'll have a talk with James and others who > > > might want to help. > > > > Matthew, Ari, Thomas, and John all need to put their heads together. Sounds like we have the makings of a team here… > > > > James Edward Gray II ---
**Author:** ![James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ea5d25/32.png) [@James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://rubytalk.org/u/James_Edward_Gray_II)\ **Post date:** [29 January 2008 21:34 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/11 "2008-01-29T21:34:12Z")
That almost exactly where I was when I started. 🙂 Think it over. You've got a couple of weeks to decide yet. I'm glad to hear someone is interested though! James Edward Gray II > **···** > > On Jan 29, 2008, at 3:23 PM, Thomas Wieczorek wrote: > > > On Jan 29, 2008 3:51 PM, James Gray \ wrote: > > > > > I just want to make sure > > > anybody who's reading this knows that if you are thinking, "Man, I > > > would love to run the Ruby Quiz if I only knew enough Ruby," you are > > > perfect for the job. > > > > That part is really challenging. I am learning exclusively Ruby for > > the last weeks and I am falling more and more in love with it. I'd do > > it. For the challenge and keeping the fun going on. ---
**Author:** ![fedzor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbe5ce/32.png) [@fedzor](https://rubytalk.org/u/fedzor)\ **Post date:** [31 January 2008 20:25 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/12 "2008-01-31T20:25:39Z")
> First off, we need a logo contest... Why do we have to leave everything James did behind? > or perhaps a weekend roundtable via chat or something? I think this would be good, although you'd have to count me out (school work). IRC/IM some weeknight might be good, though. > **···** > > On Jan 31, 2008, at 12:01 AM, John Joyce wrote: ---
**Author:** ![Dominik\_Honnef1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Dominik\_Honnef1](https://rubytalk.org/u/Dominik_Honnef1)\ **Post date:** [29 January 2008 22:01 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/13 "2008-01-29T22:01:44Z")
I really don't want to be pessimistic nor do I want to put somebody off, but I have to mention that, whoever wants to take the job, has to be sure, what he has to do. It's not only a taking part (but of course it's a great chance to learn Ruby), but also a lot of giving, meaning that it can be alot more work than you may think in the first moment. Why I'm saying this? Just to be sure, that noone gets frustrated, and that we don't have to search for someone else in just a few weeks. However, if you are sure that you can stand the work and that you really want to do it: I'm sure that you are welcome to do it 🙂 (Why I'm posting this as a reply to James and not to Thomas is that James shouldn't be too much like "It's a great job" without mentioning the possible problems. I'm not saying that you didn't mention the problems, but people are likely to forget them right after reading, so it could be important to post them more than one time. However, I hope you don't see this in any offending way. I'm new to this quiz and I really like it, so I just want the best for it :)) > **···** > > On [Wed, 30.01.2008 06:34], James Gray wrote: > > > On Jan 29, 2008, at 3:23 PM, Thomas Wieczorek wrote: > > > > > On Jan 29, 2008 3:51 PM, James Gray \ wrote: > > > > > > > I just want to make sure > > > > anybody who's reading this knows that if you are thinking, "Man, I > > > > would love to run the Ruby Quiz if I only knew enough Ruby," you are > > > > perfect for the job. > > > > > > That part is really challenging. I am learning exclusively Ruby for > > > the last weeks and I am falling more and more in love with it. I'd do > > > it. For the challenge and keeping the fun going on. > > > > That almost exactly where I was when I started. 🙂 > > > > Think it over. You've got a couple of weeks to decide yet. > > > > I'm glad to hear someone is interested though! > > > > James Edward Gray II > > -- > Dominik Honnef ---
**Author:** ![James\_Britt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/22d042/32.png) [@James\_Britt](https://rubytalk.org/u/James_Britt)\ **Post date:** [29 January 2008 22:20 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/14 "2008-01-29T22:20:45Z")
Agreed on the potential difficulties/workload... whoever does try to take over, and it could be a team effort with more than one person, should be aware of the difficulties. That said, I would urge everyone to accept a possible change in format from whoever takes it over. It does not necessarily have to remain exactly the same as before. And again, I will reiterate, I already have [rubyquiz2.com](http://rubyquiz2.com) registered (since the day James announced the end was coming) and I am willing to host it, and even help out with site building/maintenance, for whoever does take over rubyquiz!!! ---
**Author:** ![Thomas\_Wieczorek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47c2d/32.png) [@Thomas\_Wieczorek](https://rubytalk.org/u/Thomas_Wieczorek)\ **Post date:** [29 January 2008 22:31 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/15 "2008-01-29T22:31:25Z")
> Why I'm saying this? Just to be sure, that noone gets frustrated, and that we don't have > to search for someone else in just a few weeks. I agree. It is a great responsibility to take over. That's why I am thinking over it since James' announced it and I am still not sure. I am not that much concerned about keeping it running, I have the will and time to do so, but I can't really come up with new quizzes. I think that you have to work on many different quizzes to choose the right one which is not too complex and is fun to do. > whoever does try to take over, and it could be a team effort with > more than one person, should be aware of the difficulties. I am also thinking about a small team of 2-3 people. Email and IM can keep those people connected. > That said, I would urge everyone to accept a possible change in > format from whoever takes it over. It does not necessarily have to > remain exactly the same as before. I thought about another way to submit code, perhaps over the rubyquiz2.com site, but I also think that the discussions about each should be kept on the mailing list. I am always happy to see a new [QUIZ] mail in my folder. > **···** > > On Jan 29, 2008 11:01 PM, Dominik Honnef \ wrote: ---
**Author:** ![James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ea5d25/32.png) [@James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://rubytalk.org/u/James_Edward_Gray_II)\ **Post date:** [29 January 2008 23:04 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/16 "2008-01-29T23:04:33Z")
> I really don't want to be pessimistic nor do I want to put somebody off, > but I have to mention that, whoever wants to take the job, has to be sure, what he has to do. > It's not only a taking part (but of course it's a great chance to learn Ruby), > but also a lot of giving, meaning that it can be alot more work than you may think in the first > moment. Oh yeah, it's a lot of work. I'm sure you can search the archives and find me saying that, a lot. 🙂 Luckily, it is rewarding work. Well, at least for those who value the same things I do. > (Why I'm posting this as a reply to James and not to Thomas is that James shouldn't be too > much like "It's a great job" without mentioning the possible problems. The time commitment is the biggest problem. I have it down to about four or five hours of my time a week now (depending on how popular the quiz was) and I have a hard time imagining someone doing it in less time. Well, unless you want to ditch the summary. 😉 I've considered that. It's hard to know how much the summary adds. I don't know if I write about the right stuff or show the right code. I'm sure I don't do all of that all the time. The discussion for the good problems is usually very good. I bet reading the emails is at least as helpful as reading my summaries. That's how I decide what to write about anyway. 🙂 That might be one option to reduce the time commitment. > However, I hope you don't see this in any offending way. No offense taken. > I'm new to this quiz and I really like it, so I just want the best for it :)) Me too on all accounts except for being new to the quiz. 😉 James Edward Gray II > **···** > > On Jan 29, 2008, at 4:01 PM, Dominik Honnef wrote: ---
**Author:** ![James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ea5d25/32.png) [@James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://rubytalk.org/u/James_Edward_Gray_II)\ **Post date:** [29 January 2008 23:29 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/17 "2008-01-29T23:29:32Z")
> whoever does try to take over, and it could be a team effort with more than one person, should be aware of the difficulties. I'm interested to see how a team would work in this instance. I really want to believe it would lighten the load and make things better, but I wonder if it will complicate management as well. I'm pretty sure it's my drive that got us this far. 😉 > That said, I would urge everyone to accept a possible change in format from whoever takes it over. It does not necessarily have to remain exactly the same as before. Oh yeah. I expect Ruby Quiz 2.0 to be twice as good. 🙂 James Edward Gray II > **···** > > On Jan 29, 2008, at 4:20 PM, John Joyce wrote: ---
**Author:** ![James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ea5d25/32.png) [@James\_Edward\_Gray\_II](https://rubytalk.org/u/James_Edward_Gray_II)\ **Post date:** [29 January 2008 23:41 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/18 "2008-01-29T23:41:34Z")
> I am not that much concerned about keeping it running, I have the will > and time to do so, That's 98% of what it takes. Trust me. This is the hardest part. If you have that, the rest is easy. > but I can't really come up with new quizzes. This part isn't really that tough. Here are some of the tricks I've used: \* Adapt challenges from other contests. They are all over the Internet, so it's hard to run out of material for this. I kept a list of favorite sites bookmarked and would often go back to them for more ideas. \* Do problems you read in programming books. \* Encourage submissions heavily. The quiz once ran for over six months without me writing a problem. \* Offer small incentive for submitting ideas. \* Any time you are programming and find yourself thinking, that was a neat little problem to solve, make a quiz. > I think that you have to work on many different quizzes to choose the > right one which is not too complex and is fun to do. When people send in an idea, ask them to solve it. I do. It shows you how hard it is. (If they do it in three lines it's a lot different than if they send you over 200 lines.) Eventually you get a good feel for what is just the right fit. Another tip: always err on the side of too easy. The submissions get way more creative for the easy problems. > I am always happy to see a new [QUIZ] mail in my folder. Yeah, I would really miss the problem discussion if it went away from this list. I'm speaking as a fan here, not the Ruby Quiz guy. James Edward Gray II > **···** > > On Jan 29, 2008, at 4:31 PM, Thomas Wieczorek wrote: ---
**Author:** ![Thomas\_Wieczorek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47c2d/32.png) [@Thomas\_Wieczorek](https://rubytalk.org/u/Thomas_Wieczorek)\ **Post date:** [29 January 2008 23:49 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/19 "2008-01-29T23:49:57Z")
I'd like to see the summary in the end. It describes interesting solutions and if I didn't have time to read the mails, the summary is a good overview. > **···** > > On Jan 30, 2008 12:04 AM, James Gray \ wrote: > > > Well, unless you want to ditch the summary. 😉 > > > > I've considered that. It's hard to know how much the summary adds. I > > don't know if I write about the right stuff or show the right code. > > I'm sure I don't do all of that all the time. ---
**Author:** ![Todd\_Benson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/34f0e0/32.png) [@Todd\_Benson](https://rubytalk.org/u/Todd_Benson)\ **Post date:** [30 January 2008 04:46 UTC](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087/20 "2008-01-30T04:46:45Z")
I agree that the summary is usually pretty good. James is very insightful. Nothing against rubyquiz2, but maybe the quiz could take on more of a community effort? Like a project on rubyforge backed by a group of people (not me, of course, mostly because I'm an idiot 🙂 I feel like the quiz handling is too big for one person, unless, of course, that person realizes that being timely is important, which James was exceptional at. my little copper pieces, Todd Todd > **···** > > On Jan 29, 2008 5:49 PM, Thomas Wieczorek \ wrote: > > > On Jan 30, 2008 12:04 AM, James Gray \ wrote: > > \> > > \> Well, unless you want to ditch the summary. 😉 > > \> > > \> I've considered that. It's hard to know how much the summary adds. I > > \> don't know if I write about the right stuff or show the right code. > > \> I'm sure I don't do all of that all the time. > > \> > > > > I'd like to see the summary in the end. It describes interesting > > solutions and if I didn't have time to read the mails, the summary is > > a good overview. [Next page](https://rubytalk.org/t/final-two-quizzes/44087.md?page=2)