Puzzled

I like cryptic crosswords. The problem with them is that they're either too easy or too hard. Neither of those gives the optimal solving experience. Some where the perfect puzzle exists, perhaps? I read a setter saying that the art of setting is to give in gracefully, which amounts to the same thing: I should have to think about it, but it shouldn't be baffling.

The fifteensquared blog breaks down how the solutions work, which is helpful, but the comment section is a depressing read. The commenters always love the puzzle, except for the easier ones. If I've gone to that site it's because the clues made no sense, but the commenters still say how much they enjoyed it. I want to tell them how bad it was, but I've seen people who've complained get stomped on, so I leave the happy commenters in their bubble.

Covid has removed a lot of the social aspect - no lunchtime pub crosswords any more - but also meant that I've done some on line with family members. Hooray for social puzzle solving!