zorba_scank
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Mine is in the queue. This must be the quickest we've completed a challenge in a while. Reply #41. Jul 12 19, 6:36 AM |
1nn1
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...and online. https://www.funtrivia.com/crossword/play.cfm?gid=6589 Game, set and match. I cannot recall a challenge ever been posted, run, met and completed within four days but this one was indeed. Thank you for your participation I will post some feedback shortly. Reply #42. Jul 12 19, 3:49 PM |
1nn1
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Feedback on this challenge. All supplied packets contained three letter combinations that had been tested to ensure there were multiple words possible for each combo. The limited number of available packets for this challenge was due in part to the fact we did not know how such a challenge would be received and as such was run as a pilot. It also added a level of complexity to the editing process - the impact of which was unknown. Because the 12 packets were snapped up within days and entries submitted in record time, this provided an insight that the challenge was well received. Additionally feedback posted on the thread was always positive so there will be a Round 2 in the near future, possibly with an extended number of entries available. Some feedback received said the challenge was challenging itself, yet from the speed of submission, I am surmising this was due to it being a different sort of challenge and participants had to get their head around what was a fairly novel concept, rather than the challenge being difficult itself. Ten of the twelve entries were submitted on what I call the "Quad Box, five and three" format or a variation thereof. This is the most popular grid submitted to FT. It covered the requirements of the letter combinations needing a minimum three letter length and no word requirement for anything greater than five letters. Whilst each packet was different, each packet had the same formula for the 12 character lists. Each had a nnn- format starting with the same letter and a -nnn format ending with the same letter. This provided an easy fix to address the crossing requirement, but this was not an issue with most submissions exceeding the four pair crossing requirement. Indeed some entry crossed all 12 letter combinations. Each packet had the same number of nnn-, -nnn, nnn, -nnn- format. Also each packet had one (only) three letter combination where the options were limited. However from the speed of submissions, none of the combinations provided seemed to hold up the construction process. The one item that did cause some concern was a couple of participants saw the "nnn" format as a requirement for a three letter only word rather than a 'free-range' option where the the combo could be used in any letter count. Perhaps I could have explained that better. There will be another crossword challenge made available before Round 2 of Three Little Letters which will up the ante ever so slightly. Some of the ways the challenge intensity could be increased is by any or all of the following: 1. Requirement for a medium sized crossword 2. Minimum letter count - four letters 3. Introduction of a world requirement longer than five letters. eg 2x7 letters words or at least one word 9 letters or more 4. Introduction of 'Four Little Letter" combinations 5. Use of more obscure TLLs eg 'JEE' Please feel free to send feedback on what you would like to see in Round 2. It is after all a challenge designed for you. Just don't expect is to be easy... Reply #43. Jul 26 19, 7:48 PM |
moonraker2
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Thanks for the feedback 1nn1, I found this format to be a most enjoyable challenge. I would welcome any if not all of your suggested additions to the challenge, assuming it doesn't deter others from participating. However, there is one additional suggestion I'd like to throw at you, ie that each crossword should be symmetrical, which in my view is a fundamental requirement of crossword compilation. Reply #44. Jul 27 19, 4:00 AM |
spanishliz
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I've said this elsewhere to 1nn1, but will say it here too. If we are wanting to attract new crossword authors, we should try to keep restrictions that go above and beyond crossword guidelines at a minimum, or make them optional. That way experienced authors could incorporate them if they want to do so. Reply #45. Jul 27 19, 7:12 AM |
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