Hi
Does anybody know where I can obtain inexpensive software for generating branching anagrams, or alternatively a tutorial on how to do the same thing In Microsoft Excel?
cheers
Art

Welcome, Art856! This is the "Our new arrivals" forum, and it's dedicated to introductions from new members. This would be a great place to tell us a bit about yourself and your interest in magic. The "Magic Café" metaphor is a good one, and this particular forum is kind of like stepping in the front door of a restaurant. You wouldn't just yell out a question to the assembled diners. You'd find a place to sit and introduce yourself.

There are plenty of other forums in the Magic Café, including some where people share your area of interest. Scroll down the list of forums a bit and under the section titled "The Attic" you'll find a forum named "Penny for your thoughts." That's probably the right place for your question, but bear in mind that magicians are a secretive bunch, and mentalists perhaps even more so. If you stick around for a while and become a contributing member of the community, you'll eventually get access to other forums where the members may be a bit more forthcoming.

In the meanwhile, you might try the Magic Café's very helpful advanced search function. You'll see the link to it at the top of the page, just to the right of the search bar. Type in "branching anagrams" or "progressive anagrams" and choose the "exact phrase" option. That might help you find what you're looking for. Good luck and happy hunting!

(The amazing Mary Mowder usually handles this kind of reply, but perhaps she's taking a well-deserved night off, so I thought I'd pitch in.)

Welcome art85y,

I know nothing of these branching anagrams of which you speak.

Tell us about yourself. Are you a Magician?

-Mary Mowder

Doug- I've been under the weather. Thanks for greeting.

Art85y,
I personally spent a ton of time looking for a software that made branching anagrams, and then ended up coding my own, but in the end I found out that it works best for me to cut out a bunch of cards and do it like a logic puzzle. That way you can build in different pumps, and ways to narrow down the words. If you just sit down and figure out the puzzle you will find that it isn't as hard as it might seem at first.

-Nat

Art85y!

Eight days ago, Doug Trouten, who is eminently qualified to explain how the Café "operates", gave you some good advice. I suggest that you scroll up, read his post again, and, introduce yourself.

Dick -- Art85y did indeed introduce himself properly in a different threat, titled "A belted introduction." I think he decided it made sense to just start a different thread, rather than lumping it into a thread titled "Branching anagrams." I've also exchanged a couple of private messages with him.

Good! I, personally, don't care a whit about "branching anagrams", but, just wanted to add one more opinion.

Thanks Nat, all contributions very much appreciated, learning lots here. I can code but right now I want something off-the-shelf to complete the effects I have in mind. One of the apps that Doug pointed me to is perfect.
Art

As Doug said I have now introduced myself. it was within minutes of reading his post and included a sincere apology.

Good! Welcome!

You have now completed the newcomers "ritual" (!!!). heehee

BTW, an ordinary apology would have been sufficient!!