Expert: Josh - 7/31/2008

Question
QUESTION: I had to ask a new question because it only allows 2 follow-ups. You are right, of course.. the complexity is in the game's rules, not merely in the number of initial positions, but with 700 of them it's unlikely anyone will become bored if the game itself is interesting.

I am having a software engineer of the highest order working on another game for me, and he'll probably start on this one once the other one is complete. He has programmed in the areas of nuclear energy (for the U.S. Government) and Artificial Intelligence, and I recently found out he worked on the (computer) proof of the Four Color Problem. How interesting is that?

By the way, my daughter works for APEC in Melbourne. She was also the first American citizen ever to work at the Australian consulate... and she's traveled to about 20 countries. Not bad for a 23 year old, right?

ANSWER: Sounds like you have found the right person for the job. He must be highly qualified having worked for the US govt in artificial intelligence. Is it hard to keep such talents? I'm from Australia by the way. I don't know that many people who have been to 20 countries. Was she on the amazing race? You must be a proud dad!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I mentioned my daughter because I knew you were Australian.

Would you be interested in being my "official mathematician" for all my games (I'm working on 3 or 4 at the moment (and they are all mathematical by nature). When I say on a website "there's a 15% of this happening", I can back it up with mathematical calculations?

Answer
Hi Bill

I am also an engineer by training, so I cannot picture myself being a mathematician at all. I have no problem with contributing occasionally  on a voluntary basis if it helps your course. It sounds interesting, but the guy with AI experience certainly seems like the man for your job.

Cheers:)