Crosswords Topic

[Canary42]

Under the Crosswords topic "tips for better answers" could we have some guidance to include all the clue, word length, and any letters already found. Occasionally one or more of these items is missing.

[Svejk]

I think there is a guide like that, Canary. Its just that people don't follow it.
Can be amusing. I've seen people asking for, eg.' What's 12 across' no letters,no clue and best of all no mention of which paper they're reading. ;)

[mrs_overall]

I agree with sweaty.
Too many people asking for answers must think we are all psychic

[JoolsTwo]

Thing is people still give them the answer - So really no incentive for them to give any more details than '12 across' is there.

[factor-fiction]

I think every question gets answered in Crosswords whether or not clues or letters are given, but it does clog up the latest posts box a bit at weekends when the first few responses have to be along the lines of 'how many letters please and do you have any placed?' or 'what's the clue please?'

But whilst a few posters may be lazy and know they'll get an answer anyway I think mostly it's an error or lack of thought. Often they are new posters or posters who only post occasionally so they forget or they don't think it through. I doubt most would study the guidance notes- they already exist but posters for whatever reason don't see or heed them.

I'm not sure what more could help. Maybe the question title builder in Crosswords should include a note saying "enter clue and known letter pattern below' or there should be new boxes in the title builder for clue, letter count and known letter pattern.