I wrote recently about the crossword fans who immediately noticed that the Tribune Media Services crossword puzzle in the FYI section had undergone a radical change. They were right --its longtime creator retired the puzzle, leaving it to someone new.
I've had tons of feedback since then from other crossworders, most of it negative. Many times I heard from people who like the FYI puzzle because it's easier than the New York Times one in the Classified section. Their consensus: One of the two puzzles should emphasize fun rather than a challenge.
Well now in the past few days, I'm hearing from readers who detect a new turn for the better. I just got off the phone with a delightful reader who told me, "I'm so glad that puzzle is more like it used to be. We're not dumb people, honey, but the crossword shouldn't be work. I've got eight girls with me here right now -- we're in our seventies -- and we like it a lot more."
Crosswords
The change a month or so ago was initially pretty challenging, but I found the puzzles easier after a few weeks. I think you have to get into the mind and rhythm of the person constructing the puzzles. Or maybe he's just taking it easy on us.
Crossword
I'll have to check the new one out. I really liked the old Tribune crosswords. I like it when there's a balance: not too difficult but not too easy.