This post originated from an RSS feed registered with Ruby Buzz by Eigen Class. Original Post: eigenclass.org "Happy 2007!" Ruby mini-contest Feed Title: Eigenclass Feed URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/eigenclass Feed Description: Ruby stuff --- trying to stay away from triviality. Latest Ruby Buzz Posts Latest Ruby Buzz Posts by Eigen Class Latest Posts From Eigenclass

The contest will start on Sat. 2007-01-06 20H UTC

(click here to see what it corresponds to in your timezone)

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find the secret message hidden in that Ruby script, follow the instructions to generate the code that will prove you've found the message, and claim your chance to win a (very) modest prize at http://eigenclass.org/rubychallenge2007/YOURCODE . The completion times will be recorded and Kernel#rand will also pick a few lucky winners.

Here's what people had to say about a similar puzzle I made last year:

Wow, I'm really impressed. That was a tough (and fun) puzzle. -- Kevin Ballard

Thanks Mauricio, you made my day! -- olivier

My head hurts. Took me nearly two hours -- aniero

How long will it take?

Anything from a few minutes (say 10-20 minutes if you're having a good day and aren't easily scared off by tricky Ruby code) to several hours. Many will give up before, though :-)

Sources

There's a different script for each supported Ruby version; get the one corresponding to your ruby executable or you won't be able to run it at all, let alone crack it.