The purpose in creating the hoax has been debated. It is frequently presented as being a trap for Joseph Smith, to expose his translating abilities. Local recollections indicate that the creators of the hoax never expected the plates to be delivered to Smith for translation, but more of a community prank. Fugate himself stated the purpose was, "simply for a joke" on the local community of Latter Day Saints, and one of his sons said that rather than being an elaborate trap for Smith, it was "a little plan by which to startle the natives."