Just so you know.

[Matt2584]

With my Matt-bat puzzles, they are not the type of "Last one to answer is a rotten egg" type thing. People can work out the answers in their own time, even if they are last, it doesn't matter. People on here have said about how they find puzzles taxing on their brains, they don't have to take part. They can either look at the illustrations or skip past the post completely. I only started posting my puzzles because I originally made them for my local Headway group as something else to do. Not everybody takes part because of the same reasons others have on here but those who want to take part do. So I don't want others to feel stupid because they are not stupid at all and remember that you don't have to be the first to answer either :).

[iforget]

Matt you know it doesn't matter how many times people tell me its not a race or a competition or that I shouldn't feel stupid if I can't do something, I still feel stupid when I can't do something.

I don't skip any posts because I can't recall what they are or if I have read them so I read... and of course because I don;t recall seeing them before I will try the wretched things every time and end up feeling frustrated and stupid every time...

I am certain its not your intention to make anyone feel bad... but we can't help how we feel.

This site is not set up for puzzles and games type things. There doesn't appear to be any way to mark threads as read and then again that would only work if there were no new replies to a thread...

I have no idea what the answer is... to the puzzles themselves or the issue of puzzles on the board

[RogerCMerriman in reply to iforget]

I do find i have to hunt down the, on topic posts as you where, but since Matt's photo puzzels can only be posted in a new thread on the message board. I guess could post links but that does rather defeat the purpose, and while it's never been a sort of mental challange that I could do really, and since I've allways been so, it doesn't worry me.

And Matt has such enthusiasm, I wouldn't want anything to dampen that.

[Matt2584 in reply to RogerCMerriman]

Thanks Roger :).

[Hidden in reply to iforget]

Hi iforget

Sorry you are finding the puzzles so distressing. I was wondering as you have difficulty r'mbering you have already attempted a puzzle and so repeat the frustration, could you stick a post it note on your computer reminding you not to look at any Mattsbats?

Just thought that might make it easier for you to be selective of which posts you want to read and avoid distress. Other people with less severe memory problems can choose by the title of the thread whether they want to take part.

It's difficult to work out the best solution as some people clearly enjoy the puzzles and others don't. But I guess it is the same with other non puzzle threads, there are some we understand what they are feeling etc and reply, there are others which we are not experienced with so we leave someone else to answer it.

I do hope we can find a solution that everyone is happy with

[Hidden]

Very kind words Matt

[Matt2584 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, hedgehog :).

[barny1]

I have to agree. It's just a bit of off-topic fun for those who want to participate. They don't have to and I don't find every post to be interesting, so there's no difference. We all have differing abilities and disabilities, the same as the general population so there's no need to feel stupid about something you can't do. I'm always impressed by some people's ability to respond to others with much needed and relevant information and iforget, your posts are always insightful and funny to me.

But I agree, it's difficult to filter through posts now. It would be great if you could post images in replies, that way all of Matt's puzzles could be in one thread. But I don't think Matt should stop posting his work, it's makes for a refreshing change to the standard health-stuff.

[cat3]

It doesn't bother me if the questions have already been answered because I don't look at the answers 'til I've either solved them or given up.

I hope that between us we can think of a way to please everyone regarding this puzzle issue.

A former member here (Bikerlifestyle) often posted photos or posts unrelated to brain injury, but they were always extremely popular posts and he began the headings with the words 'OFF TOPIC'.

I, for one, would be sad to see your puzzles disappear Matt as your lovely illustrations brighten my day and I actually look forward to them now.

Also, I feel that anything which taxes our brains, in a fun way, can only be beneficial.

Cat x

[Matt2584 in reply to cat3]

Aww thanks Cat :). That was one of the main reasons I post my puzzles on here, It is something fresh and not the same old talk, which personally I can find depressing sometimes, not just here but also at my local Headway group and also the puzzles are good for stimulating grey matter. I know some people don't want to take part in them but like I said before they don't have to. Whenever you see a Matt-bat post, scroll past if you don't want to take part. I'm not trying to destroy people's brains even more than they already might be, that is not my goal, believe me.

[Matt2584 in reply to Matt2584]

I also agree with you when you say you try to solve the puzzles yourself before you look at the comments.

[iforget]

The main reason I posted about this at all was that a newish person commented they found it very confusing having to wade through all the off topic stuff...

and it is possible that a new person seeking HEALTH support might come to this HEALTH related board in search of information that could make a huge difference to their life...

only they won't find it because the board is filled with off topic posts and they will give up before they find the information they need...which most likely will be here somewhere.

And we will go on posting or ignoring puzzles and off topic threads completely oblivious to what happened.

It is great that Matt is enthusiastic and has drawing talent and I would never want to dampen his enthusiasm but the whole point I was trying to make was not about Matt and it seems has been lost...

and now I am left feeling like I am a killjoy who thinks only of her own needs... which may or may not be what people are saying but it is what I am feeling right now and I am not afraid to own that feeling and protect myself where and how I see fit.

So I am going to take a step away form the boards for a little while because I do not come here to end up feeling like shite.

I am fine and I will be fine and I'll be back... but for now I need to step away and just breathe...

[StrawberryCream in reply to iforget]

I am totally with you with all you have tried to explain and feel about it. You have explained well and it is totally ok to be expressing a different opinion. It's likewise for me. Very best wishes iforget my thoughts are with you. X

[aqua4]

Hi Matt, It is very inspirational to see your fantastic pictures and to see how much you have achieved with your puzzles.

The fact remains that most on here have brain injuries. I agree with I forget. Many like me can only see whats in front of them.

If someone new wanted support they may look on here and only see a page with puzzles. Imagine how that person would feel. I do. They may miss a chance to get the valuable support that everyone on here can give.

I hope someone can find solution to cover both.K

[Matt2584 in reply to aqua4]

Hi Aqua,

I understand fully in what people are saying that this a health website and people might come here to seek guidance or help but they find it hard because there is all these puzzles in the way. In my defence, I will say that I don't fill up the whole news feed with my puzzles though. I only post one or two a day, if your lucky. I've only got one more of my puzzles to post for now and then I shall be drawing some more. so maybe the titles of my puzzles should say

"Matt-bats: Nothing to do with health".

I like to think of it that solving puzzles, crosswords, other word games is a form of health, it stimulates the mind.

[aqua4]

Hi Matt, started a reply then thought I don't have the energy. K