[Retros] Retros column in The Problemist

[Steve Dowd]

Mark, I don't think Kevin was offended. He is one of those folks who
expresses himself strongly, and with great conviction. That means it
sometimes looks like he is taking offense.

What you are calling for is my view, a maximization of the "Entertainment
value" of your column, which strikes me as legitimate.  An editor has to
not only provide the best column possible, but must also think of his
readers. I too enjoy a Retro column that is diverse (proof games often
remind me of games played by beginners; I know this is not the case, but I
can't shake my dislike for them) as I like trying to figure out other kinds
of retro problems. It is no coincidence that Smullyan's work, for example,
remains popular amongst players. I would skip over any retro column that
was almost all proof games.


On Wed, Apr 23, 2014 at 2:37 PM, Mark Thornton <
Mark.Thornton at papwortheverard.co.uk> wrote:


>  Dear Kevin,

>

> When I read the Retros columns in Die Schwalbe and Strategems, I like to

> see a mix of Proof Games and other Retro problems.  Regular solvers in The

> Problemist tell me that they also like that kind of mix.  Hence, I'd like

> to offer a "balanced diet" to my readers, in The Problemist.

>

> In my pipeline of original problems, the ratio of PGs to other types has

> recently shifted from slightly above 1:1 to nearly 4:1.  So I am asking

> for composers to send me original non-PGs.  Composers may or may not

> respond to this request.  Time will tell.

>

> I am genuinely puzzled to find that my request upsets you, but apologise

> for unintentionally offending you.

>

> Yours sincerely

> Mark Thornton

> ------------------------

> Retros Sub-Editor, The Problemist

> 8 Wimbish Road, Papworth Everard, Cambridge CB23 3XJ, UK

> e: Mark.Thornton at PapworthEverard.co.uk

>

>

> ----- Original Message -----

>

> *From:* Kevin Begley <kevinjbegley at gmail.com>

> *To:* Mark.Thornton at papwortheverard.co.uk ; The Retrograde Analysis

> Mailing List <retros at janko.at>

> *Sent:* Monday, April 21, 2014 11:11 PM

> *Subject:* Re: [Retros] Retros column in The Problemist

>

>  I always appreciate efforts to encourage greater overall diversity, even

> with respect to chess problems;  but, it makes me cringe to encounter even

> the implication that a predetermined quota might be mechanically imposed

> upon a specific subset (e.g., when help-games are narrowly subjected to a

> faulty comparison, whereas the related subset of help-mates is kept immune

> from all similar restraints).

>

>  There is a growing misperception surrounding the traditional

> classification scheme.

> The great folly is rooted in an inherently false presumption that optimal

> health depends upon a properly balanced ratio of chess problems, according

> to a carefully established set of divisions, and sub-divisions;  in

> reality, the guidelines imposed by the traditional chess problem pyramid

> are unreliable, and were never informed by research (in fact, the genres

> were chiseled without any fundamental definition).

>

> This is yet another indication that the classification scheme is no longer

> benign.

> It has become twisted into a choking vine, to use a better metaphor, which

> deprives us all of fundamental stability, and healthy competition.

>

>

>

>

> On Mon, Apr 21, 2014 at 12:21 PM, Mark Thornton <

> Mark.Thornton at papwortheverard.co.uk> wrote:

>

>>  Dear Friends,

>>

>> The Retros column in The Problemist has a healthy supply of Proof Games,

>> but a dwindling number of "classical" Retros and other types of retro

>> problem.  Whilst I am always happy to receive originals, of any type, I

>> would be particularly grateful to any composer who can help me to "balance

>> my portfolio".  Thanks in advance to all who respond.

>>

>> Best wishes

>> Mark Thornton

>> ------------------------

>> Retros Sub-Editor, The Problemist

>> 8 Wimbish Road, Papworth Everard, Cambridge CB23 3XJ, UK

>> e: Mark.Thornton at PapworthEverard.co.uk

>>

>> Sent via http://www.ANY-Mail.com

>>

>> _______________________________________________

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>> Retros at janko.at

>> http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/retros

>>

>>

>

> Sent via http://www.ANY-Mail.com

>

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>

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