Thanks, Princess Lea, for dubbing me with the ROTY designation. You
are much too kind, and someday soon we'll finally meet to work on
our collaborative letterbox...

I wanted to share a phrase with everyone that I cooked up for myself
as I write clues. It's sort a mantra, I suppose, for me as a new
letterboxer:

CLARITY WHEN YOU NEED IT, AMBIGUITY WHEN YOU WANT IT.

Looking at the clues and directions I'm creating from this
standpoint, I make sure that the basics and practical aspects of the
clues are clear enough to understand by everyone. The puzzle part
depends on the right amount of ambiguity. Some confusion is a good
thing, but if the hunter's frustration takes over, you lose as the
planter. They must be able to sort out the confusing part by using
common sense, or other elements provided by you or on the scene.

The other item I've learned is that it's a good thing to utilize a
friend as a tester. Before publishing the clues, recruit a friend to
try them out. Accompany them as a silent observer. Note where they
get lost, and if they can sort out the problem and get back on
track. If they get frustrated, you know you need a bit more clarity.
Let them give you feedback freely throughout their hunt, but don't
coach them until absolutely necessary.

I find that I review and make adjustments to my clues many, many
times before publishing them. And if you haven't noticed, I like to
ramble on with my narratives...

With 2 planted boxes under my belt, and two more on their way, I'm
having a lot of fun thinking about all the themes and locations that
would make for interesting boxes. It's also making me re-discover
San Francisco, and get out of the same old "corridors" and paths
that have become too familiar. I'm seeing this wonderfully quirky
city in a new light, and it's refreshing!

Paul in SF