Talk:Phoenix

Spaceships not phoenixes?

Spaceships can definitely be phoenixes. Just look at this Seeds (2/) spaceship:

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If it means specifically for 23/3, then it should say so. Correct? --Axaj 02:25, 6 October 2009 (UTC)

It indeed means specifically for 23/3 (as well as the comment about period 3 oscillators). The general rule-of-thumb as been that, unless clarification is given, any statement made in LifeWiki is about the standard Life rules. Of course, I won't raise any objections if someone feels like adding a note that other rules (such as seeds) can have phoenix spaceships and whatnot. Nathaniel 03:31, 6 October 2009 (UTC)

Tacit assumptions seem to be fairly common, but although this Wiki seems to be devoted to J. H. Conway's Life, other cellular automata seem to be creeping into the repertoire. This is probably a Good Thing, because the general context illuminates the particulars of Life, nor need it necessarily mean that the Wiki would lose its present focus. Should another rule grow sufficiently in importance and interest, it would undoubtedly acquire its own Wiki. In the meantime, why not keep a veriety of viewpoints? And without being unduly repetitious, indicate the limits on seemingly absolute statements?

Speaking of pedantry, how about either curtailing or amplifying pronouncements such as "a period three oscillator cannot be a Phoenix." Even if someone is accused of having said so, citing a reference containing the proof or sketching out the reasons would surely be helpful. And how about that business of evolving into period 2? Obviously the field could be sprinkled with Instant Vanishers (wouldn't that be a nice category?), but what other, less trivial, evolutions culminating in period 2 are known? Could gliders come along and zap the ends of a barberpole?