StoneCold_'s blog

By StoneCold_, history, 9 years ago, In English

Many times it is not possible for us to start the contest since its starting time and we only become free in the middle of the contest. In such a case we suffer a large penalty time if we start the contest since the middle. While on some sites like topcoder the time-penalty depends only on the opening and solving time of the problem. Would it be possible to have a feature like that on Codeforces too ?

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9 years ago, # |
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Smells like a cheat :)

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    9 years ago, # ^ |
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    Everyone knows that it would be too easy to cheat in such a feature and that's why I was expecting some answer on whether or not it would be possible to use such a feature and take care of the drawbacks of it . Unfortunately the only answer on this thread is that by a judgemental bitch.

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9 years ago, # |
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It's one of the most things I dislike about topcoder...being able to spot problems you can solve quickly ( easy for you does not mean necessary easy for another people and vice-versa) is a skill in itself.

I know problems are arranged gradually, but I've seen many times that B is easier than A, or C easier than B. (and many times did not spot this during contest before it's too late) Being able to spot this should be rewarded, especially since you are taking a risk by attempting a more difficult problem.

Also keep in mind that this will introduce the idea of multiple accounts and cheating. It's much better leaving the current system as it is.