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Hmm, I don't want users to see shorter answers and then modifying their own to get the same length or even shorter (since they didnt do the real work). What about something like being able to see the shortest answer, but after that you are no longer allowed to modify your pattern? Feel free to pitch in if you have an idea of a neat way to do it.

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Well, the way I look at it, I don't see a problem with building on other people's attempts. I'm dying to know how anyone's managed to implement (e.g.) 11-byte email validation, and if I can find an even shorter solution, so much the better to help everyone else learn some regex tricks too!

On the other hand, if you're planning on adding something like a public leaderboard of names, then I guess that would change the nature of the game. Glory, instead of learning or personal challenge. And cheating becomes a problem.

You're right.

I managed to mess up some entries of the database, thats why you see some ungodly stuff like 11b email validation. I'll patch it up.

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