<h1>I just invented a square wheel: is it a good idea?</h1>

<p>We often have threads where someone claims to have just solved some basic problem (usually with an equally basic solution, like "you just need to add 42 to the output"). Those questions often get closed, but sometimes they get answered. The answer usually points out where the OP made a mistake that invalidated their brilliant solution. </p>

<p>The problems with such questions are that (a) they usually do not ask any valid question and (b) they focus on the solution rather than the problem, so it is hard to grasp what problem they are inclined to solve. Moreover, in many cases they would fit better in a <em>discussion forum</em> where they could be discussed, rather than a Q&amp;A site where at best we can enumerate the reasons why the approach is right or wrong. </p>

<p>Such questions do not seem to fit a Q&amp;A site unless the OP defines them in terms of a <em>problem to be solved</em>, rather than presenting a solution.</p>
