EDWARD: E-nygmatic asks: Hello Riddler! This is a bit of a random question, I must admit, but I was wondering if you have heard of Escape Rooms? If so, what are your thoughts of them? They seem like something you would either be in full support of or strongly opposed to.

I am wholly in support of escape rooms, though with a caveat. The concept itself is sound, but the execution tends to lack finesse. Nowadays, any old fool with two pennies to rub together has realised that they can hide a couple of clues in a disused room, add some cheap tricks, et voila! License to print money. As far as I have ascertained, it is a jolly way to waste an hour or so, with a mild case of idiot shame as the worst consequence. And here I reach my favourite part - where this becomes all about me. As the escape room idea was just getting off the ground, I saw the tremendous promise that it contained. I drew out several intricately plotted rooms, brilliant in design of course, and pitched them to relevant parties with the view to create franchise opportunities. Alas, I quickly discovered that I would have to fund my ideas myself, as I received one rejection after another. It was most disappointing, let me tell you - but I was no disheartened; I am still keen to have these produced, when I get the chance.

The companies I approached were excited at the beginning, but always balked at the promise of death upon failure to escape the room. I was unwilling to alter this aspect of my plans, so we would part ways... Not friends. My concept was so elegant, so precise - I mean, what better way to thin the herd than through natural selection? Any buffoon can propagate; I was attempting to even the score.

The willing victims would go in, have a fabulous time failing at my puzzles, be offed as punishment for their ineptitude, and as the kicker, I would be paid for the privilege to watch it all unfold. I naturally offered to cover the costs of containment and sanitation after every round, but to no avail. Honestly, some people simply have no vision.