Interactive

rfmcdpei posted a question about unexpected fun. Recently I've enjoyed learning how to write interactive fiction. A particularly nice thing happened the past few days, so here is my reply to Randy's question:

I've been learning how to use Inform, programming software for writing interactive fiction games. Recently I struck up a correspondence with one of the writers whose work I've enjoyed. Several days ago I got stumped with how to program a particular puzzle. I asked this new acquaintance whether he had any suggestions. He did, and he liked the challenge so much, he wrote the code, then asked whether I wanted him to send it. I thought this was really nice of him: he was enthusiastic about my idea, but he wasn't showing off, and he wasn't imposing his help on me. I decided to accept the gift because the code would have taken me several evenings to work out, and I was eager to move on with the rest of the story. I can incorporate a thank you into the game somehow. I was struck by the unexpected pleasure of his collaboration.