This is an upsetting time for clock,
Clocks had been gaining so much popularity recently. I remember how major the QiYi clock was upon that release. Before the QiYi clock, everyone was using a modified Rubik’s brand clock (These clocks have been out of production for years, if you want one unfortunately your best bet is EBay).
Since the QiYi Clock has been released, we’ve had some great options with updated QiYi clocks, the ShengShou Clock v2, EStar Clock, Picube EStar (Can’t be stocked by Speedcubing.org) and now we’ve just had the new MoYu clock release (Yet to be stocked on Speedcubing.org)
With how big of a brand MoYu is, this would have brought so much attention to Clock. Many people had just brought their first clock thanks to MoYu.
I know despite some of the newer hardware options like the shengshou v2 and EStar clocks, those didn’t do as well as the QiYi. which I believe that’s due to brand recognition.
When I think of ShengShou, I think of okay-ish puzzles and lots of higher order cubes.
When you think of EStar, well what do you know about them? All I know is their clock.
MoYu being such a MASSIVE brand in the cubing scene has brought so much attention to the clock. Their hardware is some of the best for almost every WCA puzzle.
Here’s the thing, with how long all the events have been in the WCA. There's no removals they could do that wouldn’t cause backlash. Clock, despite the hate, is definitely one of them that will cause a lot of backlash. It’s grown so much as of late.
Sure there are clock haters, but it’s still a very large event. So many people have put years into learning the clock just for that to now be taken away.
It’s a shame as I was excited to see just what the new MoYu clock could have done for the cubing scene. So many had brought one just because it’s MoYu.
FTO being added is amazing and I’m so happy to see its inclusion!
But why did the WCA NEED to remove anything?
Because for those who didn’t like clock, they never lost anything by having clock in the WCA. they could just not do it.
But for those who do like clock, spent time practicing and learning clock. They've now had a massive loss because it’s been removed!
It’s really unfortunate and despite being someone who doesn’t solve clock (I do own one, I solved it twice. Never used a tutorial) I do think it should have stayed.
I may not be the most qualified person to speak on this matter, but I do believe this is really unfortunate.
So what can we do? Well the WCA has released a form for everyone to sign to attempt to bring back clock
If you can, you should sign this petition. Even as a non clock solver myself, I have signed the petition. Because it brings no harm to me for clock to be added back.
Daniel had some very good points he made in his video that I’d encourage checking out if you want more opinions on these changes.
