There is NO-ONE that knows everything. We are all knowledgeable in our own field and gain knowledge throughout life. We all need to use some form of finding out answers whether it be from the original encyclopedia, dictionary, google or simply asking. So if that is cheating, then we are all guilty of it. I like to do my own researching first by using books but will use this site if I am stuck and fail to find a suitable answer.
I hasten to add that I asked this question for my own peace of mind because when I get out my quiz sheet inbetween the onion bahji's and the poppadoms my brother-in-law usually comments, "oh your cheating again!" and I really didn't think I was.
After reading everything here am still undecided but am leaning towards it really being ok!
I don't think it is 'cheating' but I do think some people give up too soon. Sometimes they are asking before my magazine has been delivered. Surely they could spend a little more thinking time before asking for help.
Im a setter and believe me it is also down to the persons way of thinking when setting the clues. There are standard formats for creating cryptic clues, but it is also down to one person interpretation against anothers. I try to eliminate variations as much as possible, but some logical answers appear now and again that I will accept. I would be surprised if google was NOT used to answer my latest quiz! You would far to cleaver to be on answerbank otherwise!