Question about how you like your puzzle giveaways.

1. Would rather know which game is it to save me the bother of going through the puzzle.

2. 3 hours is enough.

3. Sometimes.

4. No.

5. Depends on how easy it gets.

6. Depends on how much extra help is given with the hint.

1. I prefer knowing what the game is. The main reason I don't do puzzles that don't is because I don't want to force myself through a puzzle I might not enjoy for something that I already own. If I enjoy the puzzle or have an idea what the answer is, I'll likely do it anyways. If not, I'll just avoid it.

2. I'd say yes, but with the number of different time zones that could leave some in the cold.

3. Depends on the puzzle. If I don't care for it and have no idea, I won't force my way through it if I already have the prize.

4. Not really. The quality of the game matters more to me then the value. Like I'd prefer something big and good like Fallout 3 over something that just came out but isn't very good.

5. I think that any hints should be given at first to keep that from happening, as it can be annoying. The only time I'd say that isn't a good idea is if the puzzle is absurdly hard and pretty much nobody is getting it.

6. As I said before, unless the puzzle is proving challenging, especially if it's in a way you didn't intend (like poor wording), then hints should be given at first and followed by clarification if needed. Later hints aren't that bad, but they can be annoying to those who already got it (which normally doesn't include me).

That's my opinion at least.

1. I would like to know what game it is before i begin with the puzzle
2. Yes that would be fine. I don't like those where you have to wait like a week :3
3. I have never seen a puzzle giveaway where I already owned the game, but i would probably check out the puzzle
4. No it doesn't matter
5. If the hints make it very easy the yes
6. An hour before it ends. Depends on how much time you get to complete the puzzle

I like my puzzles very strong and very cold, also shaken, not stirred.

1) Reveal the game, definitely.
2) I don't have a strong opinion on this one. On one hand, it partially prevents Yahoo Answers solutions, on the other hand, timezones, work, etc.
3) (...or for games you don't want?) Always, if the puzzle looks interesting and I have some time to spare.
4) If the game is revealed, there is no reason for any kind of disappointment.
5+6) In my own puzzles, I try to judge it on a case-by-case basis. I think a good puzzle doesn't need too many hints, and I prefer to add them mostly if I see that there are too few people in the giveaway, or if they mention some ambiguities.
7) Always give at least a rough estimate of the ending time (and specify the time zone you are using). The shorter the giveaway, the more precise this info should be.

1. Better if game is known, but I don't mind a surprise. I'm more in it for the accomplishment feeling than the game :)
2. 3 is plenty, maybe even 2 1/2.
3. Yes. As stated in answer one, I'm more for the accomplishment feeling.
4. See answers 1 and 3.
5. Depends on the puzzle difficulty. Sometimes I need those hints, too!
6. Anywhere from 30 min - 1 hour intervals, depending on puzzle length.

I like my puzzle giveaways like I like my women. Initially difficult, but containing that sense of satisfaction once I reach the... prize.

Shaken, not stirred

1. I definitely like knowing the game. I find that, all too often, I can't even make out what the puzzle maker is driving at to begin with. I'm not sure if I'm over-thinking things, or if my brain just works on a different wavelength or what, but I have other things to be doing than banging my head against a wall over a puzzle all day for a game I already have or don't want.

2. I guess it's enough, maybe. I'm not really sure. Allowing 24 hours (or even maybe 18 or 12) would allow more opportunity for those in inconvenient time zones, as has been mentioned, but if you give a heads up a day or so before like you did, I guess that helps to mitigate that factor.

3. I don't usually bother with puzzles for games I have/don't want (see the whole other things to do remark above, only so many hours in a day and all). I might if the puzzle really strikes my fancy, though.

4. I don't care about the dollar value of the game at all as long as it's one I'm interested in.

5. I don't think later hints are unfair, really. My selfish side would like that not to happen in a case where I've already solved it, simply to improve my odds of winning, but I try not to allow that part of me to have much of a voice in such things, so it's of little concern.

6. If you are going to give hints, I think they should be planned ahead of time and given out on a regular schedule. If you were to make a giveaway for a week (just for example), then maybe have seven hints prepared ahead of time and dole out one each day, for instance. That's just an ideal in my opinion, and if certain aspects of the puzzle turn out to be more difficult, it might be necessary to provide hints about those particular portions on-the-fly instead. I really don't have any strong opinions about hints, to be honest, as long as people are given adequate information to solve the puzzle.

I like mine deep fried. With plenty of condiments.

Not shaken please.

On topic:

1. While i would like to know what game is it about, i think that should be up to you honestly :D.

2. I think it would be better if there's some more time so everyone gets at least the chance to look at it, maybe a day?

3. Not really, while i do like puzzles, i dont frequent much in here.

4. Nah, not at all, in any case no one should really care about the "value" of the game, as it is, after all, a gift.

5. No i think its fine the way it is, if deemed nessesary for you or whoever makes a puzzle giveaway to give some hints, go ahead.

6. Well i think they should be given in quarters of time, depending on how much hints are you planning to give.

EDIT: fixed the format, sorry about that

1. Depends, you chose if you feel like it should be revealed :)
2. I'm bad so I'd probably need more time, your choice again xD
3. Depends again. If it's like a text puzzle then no, if it's a riddle with a cipher then maybe
4. A bit, yes. If the game is cheap then make it easier, and harder for more expensive games
   5,6. Maybe reveal clues in the last hour(s)?

My take: I don't like puzzles that much. If I want the game and the puzzle looks easy I might try. If the game isn't mentioned I will try only if it's really really easy (as in google finds the answer immediately). If time is limited then it will reduce the chance I'll enter.

First of all, thanks for puzzle giveaways - the idea is awesome. Then, here are my opinions:

1. I think surprise is better but you can always make an option to show the game name for those who want it, e.g. under "spoiler" link with hidden/shortened address.
2. Not enough. Each puzzle should be no less than 24h so that people from each timezone from Greenwich to Alaska could participate. I doubt Yahoo Answers could work so quickly.
3. I do.
4. Well, yes, I feel disappointed. But there are so many cheap but still great games: just look at metascore.
5. No, it's not unfair. Puzzle solving is already an accomplishment.
6. I think the best idea is to give hints but until a fixed limit is met, e.g. when there are 10/42/128/256/etc participants already in.

1. Keep the game a surprise.

2. 3 hours is way too short. At least have it open for a day so people from all timezones get the chance to enter.

3. Yep.

4. No.

5. Hmm. A bit undecided on this one. I can see why people would be annoyed by that. But it's probably also frustrating for people who are stuck on the puzzle so very close to finishing it.

6. Depends on the puzzle I guess. One hour before the end is about the general time I'd say.

<3 puzzle giveaways

Thanks everyone for your input, it was helpful :3

I'll do my best to make better puzzles without extra hints.

Oh yes, and shaken, not stirred

Last thing I wonder though, is there a 'magic hour' in which most people in most timezones can participate in a 2-3 hour long puzzle? mm...

We have mostly US, Europe and Australia right?

I like them raw