CROSSWORDS: Puzzle Sources

Paper | Web Sites | Applications | Which to Use

pdf 366Paper

Summary

  • 1913: crosswords in a newspaper
    -- with 'enabling technologies': paper (140), printing press (1440)
  • magazines, puzzle books
  • print from Applications; download .pdf from Web Sites [later]
  • on paper+ some puzzles available only in print, e.g., magazines, NYT Puzzle Mania
  • + no training; familiar
  • + portable
  • + pen or pencil
  • + flexible formatting
  • + no batteries required
  • + recyclable (usually)
  • - reading glasses, lamp, pen(cil) and/or eraser may be needed
  • - hands dirty from newsprint
  • - dead trees, delivery trucks
  • References: Paper

Quotes

web 135Web Sites

Summary

  • nyt1990: World Wide Web, first web browser
  • 1996: Across Lite .puz format
  • web browser with an interactive, embedded player usually JavaScript (avoid earlier Java or Flash plugins)
    -- and/or downloadable files (see Apps)
  • + largest number & widest variety of puzzles
  • + save or download puzzle for later?
  • + print, .pdf files?
  • nyt print+ works on most devices/platforms
  • - different user interfaces for sites & embedded players; less customizable than app
  • - advertising
  • - online connection
  • Why do sites provide puzzles (free or $)?
  • Benefit for paper subscribers; current, premium or additional puzzles, etc.
    -- puzzles may be same as (or different from) print version
  • Advertising/referrals: sell books, custom puzzles, services, tshirts
  • Joy of sharing; Fame; ...
  • [section: Web Sites]

Collaboration

Augmented Reality (AR)

cp.com
Crossword puzzle SVG ID: 41010
by OpenClipart, Public Domain

Quotes

AL 45Applications

Summary

  • solve app;1996: Across Lite format & desktop application
  • there are many desktop and mobile apps to access and solve puzzles
  • AL download+ download, import, sync puzzles from variety of sources (usually)
  • + offline use, save progress
  • + consistent, customizable user interface (vs. multiple web sites)
  • + grid size/layout, font size?
  • + linked clues, e.g., see n-Across
  • across lite+ timers; social integration; fastest solvers?
  • + pen/pencil mode
  • + hints; dictionary/search integration?
  • + printing?
  • - something new to learn
  • crosswords ipad- some apps have limited sources -- NYT or USA Today only;
    no import? use proprietary format?
  • - $ for some apps; free: AcrossLite, XWord
  • - some apps may not support common features, e.g., rebus, inscribed circles
  • - some special formatting, , e.g., gray squares, extra lines, etc., might not be displayed;
    in which case, a publisher's note might recommend using print version instead
  • [section: Applications]

Quotes

steve ipadWhich to Use?

  • 'Your mileage may vary' depending on:
  • the number, variety and difficulty of puzzles that you'd like to solve;
  • convenience, desired features;
  • locations where you solve puzzles;
  • comfort level with apps and web sites
  • preferred device(s): screen size: HDTV, laptop, tablet, phone, watch, ...;
    input methods: keyboard, touch, voice, ...
  • Methods Steve uses to access and solve various puzzles: Paper, Web, Apps

pdf 366Paper

web 135Web

  • I usually don't solve puzzles in a browser -- I mostly download and solve offline later;
    scraperalso, I prefer a consistent interface across puzzles
  • I use Crossword Scraper to convert browser crossword applets [PuzzleMe, Crossword Compiler]
    on some sites to .puz, .jpz or .pdf; e.g., NYT, The Week, Reagle; [image: right];
    free browser extension: Firefox, Chrome; "CS" indicates Crossword Scraper compatible sites below

AL 45Apps

  • 1a) iPad: automatically download some puzzles in Crosswords (CW): Newsday;
    cw"CW" tags sources below [image: right] list mostly obsolete
  • 1b) Mac: download .puz in browser: LAT, Universal, WaPo, Atlas Obscura;
    convert .puz on a few "Crossword Scraper" (CS) compatible sites: NYT, The Week, Reagle
    and for other sites when .puz server unavailable; email or AirDrop .puz files to iPad
  • 1c) iPad (when travelling): download .puz in browser, import into CW
  • 2) iPad: open crosswords in Crosswords
  • Next section lists many individual sources (and more formats),
    and some aggregator sites which provide daily & other links, e.g.,
  • cruciverb.com [image: below, right]
  • crosswordfiend.com [image: below, far right]
  • Johnston: annual archive: Jonesin', Univ., WaPo, WSJ
  • fiendcvDaily Crossword Links the biggest list of all
  • Brendan Emmett Quigley (BEQ): Mon: themeless; Thu: themed; .puz, CS
  • Los Angeles Times (LAT): .puz free cruciverb.com account req.; CS
  • New York Times (NYT): mini (free), otherwise $; plus archive; CS
  • Newsday [Creators]: Mon-Sat, Sun; CW, .pdf
  • Reagle, Merl: Sun (4 older puzzles); CS
  • Universal (Univ.) [McMeel] : Mon-Sat; Sun: .puz; CS
  • Washington Post (WaPo): Sun (daily = LAT); .puz, CS
  • Wall Street Journal (WSJ): Mon-Sat (no Sun or holidays); .puz, CS
  • The Week: Sat; CS

References: Paper, Print