Comments on: Guardian 25,629 / Rufus

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By: Ian F

Ian F — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:57:55 +0000

Mark – I really have no wish to prolong this thread but, with respect, I don’t think I do “miss the point”. If you read my post you will note that I made crystal clear that I have no problem at all with anyone questioning the soundness or construction of a clue. No one likes a poorly constructed or unsound clue. Indeed to obtain the views of other solvers on the soundness etc of particular clues is often the reason I visit this and other sites! However what I dislike is sarcastic, petty and pompous sniping.

By: mark

mark — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:32:53 +0000

Mr Beaver at 36 hits the “a hard thing to catch” on the head.
Ian F you miss the point.
Easy or entry level is fine. Non cryptic or poorly structured clues are not.
I did this a day late and struggled as usual with Rufus more than I do with supposedly ‘harder’ setters. I don’t like it when you don’t trust the setter and have no confidence that you’ll know for certain when you get the answer.
To be fair today’s was probably the best effort from Rufus I’ve tried but I gave up because past experience suggested further time would only be wasted with “but hang on..” or “is that it!” type thoughts when I saw the answers.
I will try again having seen today’s but I’m in the sceptics corner for the time being.

By: RCWhiting

RCWhiting — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:01:49 +0000

Thanks, I had not realised that. Pity, and that the instruction seems to have leaked into other days of the week.
I wonder how recent that was; I do not remember from years ago (30/40) noticing the Monday puzzle being so obviously weak.
I must not say ‘dumbing down’ because I usually complain when old people (like me) come out with that over nostalgic phrase.

By: Gaufrid

Gaufrid — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:01:04 +0000

Hi Wolfie
He most certainly can. Below are extracts from Rufus/Dante comments giving the three most recent references to the brief.

Financial Times 13,808 / Dante – 2011/10/06
“Like the Guardian, I am asked by the FT to provide fairly straightforward puzzles for my Monday puzzles.”

Guardian Cryptic 25395 Rufus – 2011/08/09
“Also many thanks for other more supportive comments, obviously knowing my brief with the Guardian, FT and Daily Telegraph is to supply relatively easy Monday puzzles.”

Guardian 25,102 / Rufus – 2010/08/31
“As has been said, my brief is a fairly easy straightforward start to the week.”

By: Wolfie

Wolfie — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:35:19 +0000

Not just gossip RCW – Some time ago (perhaps Admin can find it) Rufus himself posted here confirming that his brief from the Guardian crossword editor was to provide an entry-level puzzle.

By: RCWhiting

RCWhiting — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:49:33 +0000

Wolfie
“Given that Rufus’s specific brief is to provide an entry-level puzzle”
I didn’t realise that this was anything other than gossip on this MB.
Also, Headmaster, Ian W.etc frequently complain that the puzzles are not just too easy but also of poor quality.I cannot agree or disagree with that view since an easy puzzle doesn’t really allow time for the quality to sink in.

By: Wolfie

Wolfie — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:55:35 +0000

Given that Rufus’s specific brief is to provide an entry-level puzzle, complaining that his offerings are too easy is like complaining that Polly Toynbee is rude about the coalition government. When reading Polly in the Guardian, or tackling a Monday Rufus, you know broadly what to expect. There is plenty of other content in the newspaper (and the website) to keep us all entertained – even, I hope, RCWhiting.

By: RCWhiting

RCWhiting — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:40:54 +0000

I hope all the above posters will,in their obviously close reading of my posts, noticed that I never criticise or use insulting words about people: compilers, bloggers or posters.
My comments are always about the inanimate objects which are crossword puzzles.
Such respect is noticeably absent from many of those who oppose my right to express my views.
These sort of comments are pure pomposity.
“To me, you’re just a troll, here so, so very obviously to irritate and infuriate people with your asinine remarks, ad nauseam. I’ve asked Gaufrid to ban you on more than one occasion, but he’s much more forgiving than I am, and tells me to stop ranting.”
And of course I plan what I say, it would be a very foolish poster who just came out with a rant, wouldn’t it?
“He’s BEEN PUT RIGHT on this time and again.”

By: Paul B

Paul B — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:16:03 +0000

For ‘shtick’ read ‘trolling style’. He plans what he says to the letter, in my view.