Australian Crosswords

Crossword blogs are a great source of information regarding particular crosswords, but more, they provide insight into the psyche of crossword solvers. I have taken many comments from crossword blogs and used them as a basis for cryptic comment of my own for this column. The way people solve, the things they struggle with and questions they ask all cause me to think through various cryptic topics. But as with all blogs, or public discussions, there are elements at play that aren’t directly associated with the topic at hand involving the personalities of the participants. A local blog, DA Trippers, has seen a marked change in key personnel over the last few months, largely due to the way contributors contribute. For a long time the blog has featured a systematic breakdown of a weekly crossword, with people posting their thoughts and queries, and others perhaps providing hints to answers. It was generally matter-of-fact, with very little personal input and a fairly equal distribution of comments from posters. Now there are just a few main contributors who tend to dominate the discussion, and some past stalwarts have ceased to post. The posts are now more conversational which appears to put people off. It’s like two or three people in a circle of people carrying on a conversation between themselves. The blog is set up in such a way that prohibits specific replies to another’s post, which means everybody is subjected to what could be almost a private conversation. I’ve always found the dynamics of blogs interesting and it’s been fascinating to watch the shift in this one.

When I’m looking for something to say about cryptic crosswords, it’s easy to end up in the area of the technicalities that sometimes arise in cryptic blogs like use of capitalisation, nounal anagram indicators or what a “?” means. Recently, while doing my weekly scavenge for my next topic, I wondered just how many people cared about these things. For some time now a blogger on the Australian Crossword Club site has been critical of certain crosswords. Generally his/her focus is on the number of anagrams used and clue surface readings. There’s rarely any response, and if there is it’s usually offering lukewarm support or resigned apathy. Why is that? If the blogger is making valid points, why aren’t all cryptic solvers backing him/her up? My theory is that only a small number of cryptic solvers actually care about such things – the majority are happy with what’s offered or are unconcerned with the aspects that the blogger talks about. As long as the crosswords satisfy their needs, they are happy. Only a small percentage of solvers are interested in the technicalities and, as setters are accountable to all solvers for what they write, they should be too. This leaves the vast majority just solving the clues in front of them and hopefully enjoying what they do. So, forgive me if my writings here don’t grab your attention – it’s only taken 20 years for me to work out why.

It’s been over 2 years since The Stickler was yanked by News Ltd. When I first thought of doing a weekly puzzle I searched for ways to get the word out to Stickler solvers and to a new audience both in Australia and across the world. A general search for “cryptic crosswords” in Australia yielded surprising results: the most interest was centred on U3As (Universities of the Third Age). Cryptic crossword classes were commonplace and sometimes there were beginners and advanced classes on offer. I made an effort to reach out to the tutors of these classes, either directly or through U3A offices, informing them of the crosswords and resources available at www.stickler.com.au. My hope was to get U3A cryptic classes doing The Stickler Weekly and the word would spread from there. It’s been a partial success, with a number of tutors including my work in their classes, and others happy to promote the website.
It’s clear that U3A interest continues to grow in cryptic crosswords as search results show more and more classes are being held. I’ve decided to make the Stickler experience more tangible by offering my services to these groups around the country in person. Subject to suitable interest shown by the U3As and other groups, I’ll be planning a series of road-trips that take in as many cryptic crossword classes and solving groups as possible. Solvers and tutors will be able to pick my brains in their regular classes, and U3As without a class will be able provide a taster to members through an introductory course. Prospective tutors can use me to help structure and plan classes and I’ll run special classes on any areas of cryptic crosswords that interest solvers. There will be no charge.
I’m not limiting this offer to just U3As – any organised cryptic crossword solving group can request my services. So if you are involved with a U3A or an organised cryptic crossword solving group, or any other group that might benefit from some cryptic counselling, please let me know. I’ll be sending out an email to the U3As that I’ve got contact details for with the above details soon. At this stage I’m looking for expressions of interest and feedback on the concept. If the response is good, and the resultant scope logistically feasible, it’ll happen.
The forum’s all yours…