Spectator Crossword

[cruciverbali]

We mourn the passing of another free link .

Let's just hope that the Grauniad ensures a future for Azed - here is this week's puzzle:

http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-files/Guardian/documents/2009/09/11/1946sept13.pdf

[kayakamina]

What a pity as by this time in the week I've already done Azed
etc.
I understand that the Spectator crossword will be available, but will be the previous weeks.

[crucifernz]

Hi Cruciverbali
What has happened with the Spectator Crossword? Being on the other side of the globe, I don't get the goss.
I notice that the Spectator site has changed and only 12 Sept and 5 Sept puzzles are currently up.

[crucifernz]

Will postal entries of online puzzles still be eligible?

[greyfox]

Normal service i.e. early posting of the link, has been interrupted.

Has anyone seen any announcement about this change? I'd echo crucifernz's query whether postal entries of the online version are acceptable.

I'll email Doc, the crossword editor, when I get back from work if someone can't clarify what's going on.

[Spaghetti]

As I see it we only have to miss one week. We'll be able to access this week's on 24th September, and we'll have one every week after that. They allow 16 days to get it in, so the only question is whether they'll still accept posted entries. If they don't, we'll lose the small chance of winning £20/£30, but at least we'll have our Thursday entertainment.

[kayakamina]

Greyfox

I spoke to the Editor who confirmed that access to the current on-line crossword
is by subscription only.
Today's puzzle will be available next Thursday 24th.

[zita-green]

Cruciverbali, what do you mean about Azed's future? What is going on?

[Lubumbashi]

I am a subscriber to The Spectator, but can't crack the clues on how to download this week's puzzle. The Spectator doesn't recognize my email address. Can't get the mag itself delivered here in the Congo. I don't expect something for nothing, but I would like my money's worth.

[Sandy-Wroe]

Zita-Green,
The Observer is said to be in a dire financial state. There's been some talk that it may close.
If that happens perhaps the Guardian will publish Azed, and also Everyman,for people like myself in the 2nd or 3rd eleven of solvers

[zita-green]

Thank you, Sandy. I've been buying both titles for more than 30 years The Grauniad has pots of cash; they can't close down The Observer. I think they spend too much on their web stuff.

[robinruth]

Lubumbashi - i am in the same position - a subscriber who cannot download the current crossword from the 'this week's magazine' site, even after logging in.

[zita-green]

Hi, RobinRuth. Can't get my weekly fix. Finished Azed & The Listener is taking ages. I could buy the Speccie but that won't help anyone else.

[crucifernz]

Does that mean that only online subscribers to The Spectator as a whole now get immediate access to the Crossword? You'd think there'd be some info on the site explaining the change, but I've done a search and drawn a blank. I have previously had 18 days from publication to complete and post to the UK in time for deadline. I guess 11 days Airmail will still be OK, if I complete it swiftly! I suppose I shouldn't complain, as I've already gleaned GBP20 as a runner-up.
I've also started doing the Observer's Azed recently, but not posting to the UK as I can't make use of the prize vouchers here in NZ. Still, it would be a pity if Azed goes as well...
There's still the Times Crossword club, which at GBP24.99 annually is good value (and I won GBP100 for the May Club Monthly, so again can't really complain)
WOULD STILL LIKE TO KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH SPECCIE - I'VE GROWN USED TO MY WEEKLY FIX!

[greyfox]

Thanks kayakamina. Did he confirm that posting solutions from the online version is still OK?

[cruciverbali]

Thanks for all your comments folks - Victoria at The Spectator is the one to ask about the future acceptability of web-prints from non-subscribers, but she isn't at work today ([email protected]).

Glad to hear you've started doiing Azed, crucifernz. I'd encourage you to submit - there is the added Kudos of a public mention from JC if you do well in the monthly Competition Puzzle and the chance to win a covetted Azed bookplate in a variety of colours ! If you are lucky enough to win a Book Token, I will gladly convert it to NZ dosh for you !

Cruciverbalist

[mintyman99]

Try this link. I am a subscriber.

http://www.spectator.co.uk/article_assets/articledir_10674/5337026/crossword.pdf

[cruciverbali]

You're a star mintyman - printed off and ready to go - thank you !

[Rollo]

Thanks a lot for that link.

[mintyman99]

glad i could help. maybe i should have kept quiet. would have increased my winning chances without you lot!

[dr b]

mintyman, your link just took me to "searchignited.com." Anyone else with that problem?