Crosswords

[dylanfanatic]

Exactly what is the problem with the Sunday Mail You Mag, Sunday Mail £1,500 crossword and the Daily Express Big Monday crossword? For years I have been completing crosswords. I am 64 and enjoy the 'brain exercise,' BUT I want to complete the crosswords, I DO NOT WANT silly, childish games like count how many times the letter (?) appears in the grid, or what word is spelled by the shaded squares. A POLITE request to these compilers, grow up folks, and leave things alone!
Bob

[dannyk13]

Totally agree.

[aelmpvw]

i think the 'what word is spelled by the shaded squares' has been introduced so that the paper can make money out of phone entries

[Quizmonkey]

Aelm is right - populist papers are commercial organs and don't print prize crosswords out of the goodness of their hearts. It's usually either for data capture (hence making them as easy as poosible to maximise entries); or to make cash, as already stated. Why not abandon the tabloids for the qualities who aren't so mercenary?

[cgoody]

I would also add that it is quicker for them to see if you got these numbers of letters right( only checking one box ) rather than checking the whole crossword.

[Anneyelland]

I am sick of them too- it is perfectly simple to do the clues with the shaded squares and not bother with the rest - but where is the skill or fun in that.

[Dee Sa]

I don't mind sending my entries off with a 2nd class stamp but I will not spend money on a phone call entry, occasionally I win small amounts but not enough to cover the postage for the year.

[whitehill]

I quite agree Dee Sa, text and phone both cost twice as much as postage and I'd rather the money went to keep our friendly local postman in work.

[BEAC]

On 25/01/2015 I asked on this site if anyone knew how the MOS crossword was judged as it seems perfectly obvious that the postal entries will be mainly ignored. Can't see them opening envelopes when the other entries got them money. There must be some info somewhere showing how five points of entry gives us all a fair chance - post, text, phone, e mail and website. Will daily mail follow suit?

[Edalco]

And why do some ask for your age, phone no., e mail etc !

[omani]

Well said Bob. You have my support

[omani]

I agree. If the prize money is not an issue, what about just doing the crossword to maintain the 'brain exercise' but don't send it to the newspaper [by mail or 'phone/text]. Maybe, just maybe, the newspaper will get the message???

[eamonnmac]

I totally agree with all of the points made above. Seriously thinking of not buying the Mail on Sunday anymore, as the Crossword Comp was the main reason for purchase. "I Spy" games are fit or kids comics.