CROSSWAYS WITH THE CROSSWORDERS

Earlier I commented on the crossword-puzzle implications of the DMN redesign. A self-identifyingly puzzle-solving FrontBurner agrees:

I think you mean tabloids there; a broadsheet would be like the sports or Metro or main sections. If that’s what you mean, then you’re right, the NYT puzzle should be like God intended it: in a broadsheet section, preferably in the back half, on the right side of a recto page. (It’s not particularly critical to me whether it’s above or below the fold, so long as it’s entirely above or below the fold.)

Anyway, I hate, hate, hate the tabloid section where the NYT crossword now languishes. Maybe by the end of the week I’ll figure out a way to fold the thing to do the NYT puzzle, but I’m sure I won’t like it. Two other gripes about it: numero uno, they chop off the name of whoever set the puzzle, and numero two-o, the clue font is weird. (Those are fairly wonkish complaints, but, like, whatever.)

It’s good to see, though, that the DMN is finally carrying the soduko puzzle since the makeover, so there’s that silver lining. Of course, it’d be nice if they printed these oddly addictive puzzles on a large enough grid not to require a jeweler’s loupe when I do them…

It’s not nice to hate. But I agree.