2

Given the new scope here, that says (in part) that

If the question is not looking for an alternative to a product or solution that they have tried, then that question is off-topic on this site. Because a lifehack is an alternative to a solution or product that is unavailable or undesirable, we need to know what product or solution they are trying to work around. Unfortunately, this will probably leave some questions without a site to be asked on, but we simply can not take every question if we expect to have any sort of quality control.

What about a question that asks

I have problem X. I would try solution Y, but I can't because of Z.

Does that Y count as a "solution that they have tried"? ( and, by extension, would a well-formulated Z count as sufficient explanation? )

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  • in a hack context the lack of Z is often the reason a hack is needed. Like I don't have a hammer, how do I drive a nail, Answer use another heavy tool like a pipe wrench.. – Jon Dec 16 '14 at 13:42
8

I think that a question like that does fit the new scope, because it acknowledges that a "standard" option does exist, but can't be used because it is (in the wording of the scope question) "unavailable."

So long as "Z" is well-explained (he's camping, and doesn't have access to a whetstone or knife steel; his shaver broke, and he can't use a razor/sharp knife for religious reasons), my opinion is that the question would be squarely on-topic on LH according to the new scope.

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  • Provided that the question shows that they have put forth thought into a solution and provide reason behind why that solution doesn't work, I agree with this – Zach Saucier Dec 16 '14 at 4:13
  • What about I just don't have access to the standard item (is this on topic)? lifehacks.stackexchange.com/questions/421/… – liebs19 Dec 16 '14 at 14:16

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