Spaces Ahead/Before

[NghiemB]

I have a question regarding the "spaces ahead or spaces before" and "Spaces behind or spaces after" concepts.

The example says "D is inspected exactly two days before E is inspected". I'm assuming that since D is inspected before, the representation would look something like this: D_E, which is right.

However, for the example "F Marches exactly three groups behind G", I assumed that sine F is behind G, the representation would be F_ _ G, but instead the book shows G_ _ F. I thought F is three behind G, not G is three behind F. The book says that to get to G_ _ F, you "starting from G, count backward". However, the counting "backward"in the book is actually starting from G _ to G _ _, then G _ _ F, which to me is counting forward, not backward. Please clarify this concept. Much is appreciated.

[Dave Killoran]

Let’s take a look at the question you raised. On page 18/19, the diagram used, G ___ ___ F, is correct. When we discuss Linear games, the “front” or “first” slot is typically on the left hand side. Thus, the variable that is at the front or “ahead,” will be to the left of other variables. For example, look at pages 16-17, where the Linear setup is presented as 1-2-3-4-5-6, with “1” being the first slot, or the position “ahead” of the others. We use this representation consistently throughout the book, and as you can see from the explanation on page 19, we explain the diagramming by showing that spaces that are “behind” are actually to the right of other variables.

Basically, on those two pages, "ahead" is the same as "before," and "behind" is the same as "after."

Does that help explain what you are seeing? Please let me know. Thanks!

[NghiemB]

OK I think i got it. So ahead on those pages is what is first, which is on the left. And behind or after is simply later on in the spatial relationship, which is to the right for the diagram.

[Dave Killoran]

You got it!

[PeenutCButter]

I still found this a bit confusing, as I took the book to be conflating the two terms "behind" and "backward". I mean that, "behind" was synonymous with "after". Therefore it was being using in a temporal sense. Then when discussing the diagram, the meaning of the term "backward" if used temporally as well would imply that one should count spaces from right-to-left, which is not the case. If "backward" was used physically--in said diagram--then the diagram makes no sense as well. I think in the next edition PowerScore ought to seriously look at this conflation as it took me a minute to realize what exactly was being stated.

[Dave Killoran]

Hey Peenut,

Well, I'm not sure I agree 100%, but we are always attempting to improve these books so I'll review that before the next reprint

"Behind" and "after" do not have to refer to a temporal element, and they can both be used to refer to a physical aspect. The counting backwards refers to "back" or "after" the variable in question, not numerically. That said, it is inherently a tough idea for people to follow, no matter how it is presented so we'll check it out again.

Thanks!

[PeenutCButter]

Great! The clearer the better.