The idea of this project comes from several sources:
1. Non-programmers want to have a CYOA system, and I just happen to have one.
2. Example of "Real-Life" IF, as opposed to the prevalent fantasy IF.
3. People routinely ask (at Usenet) how to screen computer programmers.
Indirectly, it is also an example of how to choose the appropriate system
for the task. I could have chosen to use standard IF adventure format to
accomplish this task, but I have chosen not to do so. Treating this simple
test as full-blown adventure simply means that I have to expend a lot of
energy coding sophisticated parsers that can accept normal, conversational
English. Not only that, most people would miss out on the better answers
that, in all probability, require profound thinking.
In retrospect, I believe that I do this project to get beyond ordinary
thinking. I am not a lemming. If I do jump off a cliff, it will be for a
good reason. If everybody is busy doing story IF, I'd do puzzle IF. If
everybody is busy doing fantasy IF, I'd do reality IF. If it's different,
I'd probably do it. Hmmm... Is there anybody doing mazes? I'd probably
do something like that. :)
Alas, I probably will suffer for it. I had pointed out (much to the
chagrin of a lot of people) that judges are discriminatory toward size.
There is a lot of reasons for it, most of it is probably due to lack of
detail that smaller entries has. Still, how much detail is necessary,
anyway? Ah, the red badge of courage, I seek thee to no end.
All in all, have fun. The evaluation is not completely accurate (depending
on which region you are on) and, in reality, is done just for fun. So
don't be surprised if you get what you deserved. <evil grin>
Harry M. Hardjono
Notes:
1. The CYOA system is public domain.
2. Human Resources Stories is freely redistributable.
3. Why do modern IF works use XYZZY? Doesn't XYZZY break mimesis?
4. Let he who is without sin cast the first *URGHHH*
5. I had intended to include _War and Peace_, but thought better.
6. I had intended to implement my CHICKEN comp entry, but...
7. If I have to tell you my score, it'd all be A pluses with 6 digit salary
(Ha! Big fat lie).
