@amoebacrosswords.bsky.social
Crossword-botherer. Occasionally seen all over the place.
Yeah he's the youngest I know (Charlie's also younger than me!)
November 29, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Yeah he's the youngest I know (Charlie's also younger than me!)
People *do* go back and solve old puzzles in e.g. books of puzzles - but as I say elsewhere in this discussion, that's mostly a matter for the curator of those collections. But if a given series wants a 'timeless' feel, that also seems an entirely legitimate decision.
November 28, 2025 at 11:25 PM
People *do* go back and solve old puzzles in e.g. books of puzzles - but as I say elsewhere in this discussion, that's mostly a matter for the curator of those collections. But if a given series wants a 'timeless' feel, that also seems an entirely legitimate decision.
I think it's more about knowing your audience. Your UK daily crossword audience isn't going to be up on the latest pop culture (moreso in some outlets than others). So anything more than the occasional nod to that is consciously alienating them.
November 28, 2025 at 11:25 PM
I think it's more about knowing your audience. Your UK daily crossword audience isn't going to be up on the latest pop culture (moreso in some outlets than others). So anything more than the occasional nod to that is consciously alienating them.
Oppa Gangnam Style!
November 28, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Oppa Gangnam Style!
Being the *only* South Korean rapper - and that it was *such* a big thing - probably gives it a longer shelf life. But yes, time to retire him.
The only issue IMO with very modern refs is that they might not work in e.g. a later puzzle collection. But that's a matter for whoever curates them!
The only issue IMO with very modern refs is that they might not work in e.g. a later puzzle collection. But that's a matter for whoever curates them!
November 28, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Being the *only* South Korean rapper - and that it was *such* a big thing - probably gives it a longer shelf life. But yes, time to retire him.
The only issue IMO with very modern refs is that they might not work in e.g. a later puzzle collection. But that's a matter for whoever curates them!
The only issue IMO with very modern refs is that they might not work in e.g. a later puzzle collection. But that's a matter for whoever curates them!
Well it's a webseries, so...
Skibidi Toilet's writer (1,1,5)
Skibidi Toilet's writer (1,1,5)
November 28, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Well it's a webseries, so...
Skibidi Toilet's writer (1,1,5)
Skibidi Toilet's writer (1,1,5)
Glorious!
November 28, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Glorious!
I wonder how long CHER will remain crosswordland's favourite singer? (probably a while)
November 28, 2025 at 10:27 AM
I wonder how long CHER will remain crosswordland's favourite singer? (probably a while)
That doesn't convince me for a few reasons, including that it bakes in a preference for older references (which tbh I suspect is the underlying issue rather than any real point of principle), but there's at least a coherence to the argument.
November 28, 2025 at 10:21 AM
That doesn't convince me for a few reasons, including that it bakes in a preference for older references (which tbh I suspect is the underlying issue rather than any real point of principle), but there's at least a coherence to the argument.
I think the strongest 'culture' argument is 'What if they're a flash in the pan/they should 'prove' their worth by being known for X period of time' - which of course doesn't apply to e.g. plants.
November 28, 2025 at 10:21 AM
I think the strongest 'culture' argument is 'What if they're a flash in the pan/they should 'prove' their worth by being known for X period of time' - which of course doesn't apply to e.g. plants.
Yup. The old guard need to remember they're not the only audience forever - and the new guard need to remember they're the flow, not the stock! Hence, incrementalism.
November 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Yup. The old guard need to remember they're not the only audience forever - and the new guard need to remember they're the flow, not the stock! Hence, incrementalism.
Exactly this. Any plea for more up-to-date abbreviations etc has to have setters in mind too - unless you want a whole bunch of 'initially'/'finally' clues...
There are also some outdated abbreviations I would generally avoid, but especially with constraints of some series, I allow myself.
There are also some outdated abbreviations I would generally avoid, but especially with constraints of some series, I allow myself.
November 28, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Exactly this. Any plea for more up-to-date abbreviations etc has to have setters in mind too - unless you want a whole bunch of 'initially'/'finally' clues...
There are also some outdated abbreviations I would generally avoid, but especially with constraints of some series, I allow myself.
There are also some outdated abbreviations I would generally avoid, but especially with constraints of some series, I allow myself.
Sunday's tpgrammar is good!
November 25, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Sunday's tpgrammar is good!
Sorry I suddenly vanished, but I finished the Prak later. Two very nice puzzles!
November 23, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Sorry I suddenly vanished, but I finished the Prak later. Two very nice puzzles!
Fantastic stuff, well done! 👏
November 23, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Fantastic stuff, well done! 👏