Logic Masters Deutschland e.V.

Accusation of plagiarism against puzzle authors!

Now the plagiarism debates have also reached the world of puzzles in Germany. As revealed yesterday, the University of Giessen makes serious allegations against the planned publication of the puzzle grid shown below (image: paLM). The combination puzzle is, concerning construction and used puzzle types, absolutely identical to a report about a team party, first published in 2011, so the accusation. "Currently we are checking all the publications of the two authors," says J.R., head of committee of inquiry, "Perhaps even already published puzzles of the two authors are concerned."

If confirmed, the suspicion would have significant consequences. A query at the management of German Puzzle Association revealed that the members are shocked, and that in their forum it is already discussed intensely how to behave towards the two authors, and which fundamental consequences for creating puzzles result out of this. "Personally, I might take it the hardest," said the chairman. "If the suspicion will be confirmed, the puzzle round of this year's RWE would be canceled, and I would lose the hard-fought title of RWE champion. Almost one year of preparation for nothing."

From many parts of the country it hails already first protests against the non-publication. The youngest club member Ronja simply has no words. But by shaking her head she expresses clearly her lack of understanding. Anna T. from NRW, enthusiastic supporter of this puzzle type, thinks this is simply scandalous. She had already announced a presentation in bookstores and now must cancel all events. Bernhard S. considered interrupting the league temporarily, but therefore he has to ask the League Committee vote, who for economic reasons doens't allow any interruptions.

The authors themselves show amazement about the investigation and don't feel guilty at all. "Of course we know the original puzzle; we had a lot of fun while solving it at that time. During the investigation it will be seen that contrary to the original puzzle we have worked with two digits and one free field less." Despite the massive allegations they are not thinking about demission at all.

On demand the Statistic-office confirmed to the editors that there have been already about 1,000th plagiarism cases this year. For the affected puzzle friends it is to hope, the expressed blame doesn't cause imitations.