Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

itsashame,
first you say "it has turned into a site where every single answer that you cant get on AB is asked"(is that why you come here,for the ones you can't get from AB?)
then you say some answers are "quite obviously just copied from AB"
Why don't you stick to AB

I find it extremely odd that the people who come to this site merely to complain never seem to post threads or attempt to answer queries, so just why do they bother? Perhaps they are needful of answers they cannot find on AB but would like things neatly tied up with headings so they don't have to go through other threads to find what they need? Half the fun of this site is being able to spend a little free time reading peoples' comments and answers, and there is nearly always something interesting to read and information to find out, especially the answers posted by Trevor and JimC to name just two, who go out of their way to give explanations for their answers. Everything you read is knowledge and you never know when that knowledge could be helpful for future crosswords, quizzes etc. or just for the fun of knowing.

I really don't believe that itsashame, Cleopatra, Mr. Griffin, milder or Frustrated set up this site, unless they are pseudonyms for "Ash" who apparently did, so how can they possibly know what that gentleman/lady's intention was when he/she did? And what right do they have to try and change something that is a way of spending a pleasant afternoon or evening for the vast majority of us in order for it to conform to the criteria of AB, which, although at times is interesting, most of the time is boring, unpleasant and downright rude to the people who find the need to start off their questions with an apology for having had to ask. There is absolutely nothing that says you have to read the threads posted, if you open one and it is not to your liking it is a matter of seconds to close it and move on to the next, or leave the site completely. Unless there is something fundamentally wrong with you, you read because you want to not because you have to.

not much you can add to that really,is there.

my thoughts exactly terry, take a bow Campanilla.

I don't think most of the people contributing to this thread want strict rules. They would be better called guidelines and would make the forum easier for everyone to use as they wish.
If the subject contains the name of the quiz, then those who want to help can do so and those who don't can move on to the next post.
For crosswords, the paper/title isn't essential but will let you know whether you may be able to help. For example, I know I will not be able to help with Mephisto clues. What is essential is that the full clue, the number of letters and any letters already solved are included in the message, not just DT1234, 16 across, etc. Therefore, as Terry says, Boardlettes probably wouldn't help.
@ JimB. I don't think people are being arrogant or showing elitism, I think they are trying to improve things for everyone.
@ Campanilla. The home page gives the objective of the site :-
Finish your crossword today...
Have you been finding it difficult to finish your crossword? Do you have an elusive clue? Then the crossword solver at Crossword Clue Solver is for you.

Simply tell us what letters you do have and we'll let you know which words fit the bill.

To use our FREE crossword solver just follow the instructions below...

This was the original aim of the site. I have nothing against quizzes appearing in the forum, but I am mainly interested in the crossword side.

Although I am an irregular visitor here may I add my pennyworth to this debate. It would be nice to receive a thank you from those that you help. I have often found this not to be the case.

@ JimB. Here's a quote from you getting frustrated yesterday. So its not just us.

JimB
Frank

Come on now, Trevor has already given the answer to this in response to a thread initiated by Oscar earlier today.

JimB

I'm sorry but "JimB" was right. The thread started by "Oscar" had enough information in its title to enable "Frank" to have found it easily had s/he tried. It wasn't masked by a meaningless title like so many threads here.

Well, Mr. Griffin, I do see your point, but things do evolve from an original idea and change comes about, in this case I personally think for the better. The people here are very friendly (if you care to go back through the threads you would be surprised to see just how many nice comments about the friendliness of the contributors there are). Why should people have to apologise before asking a question or be made to feel inferior for not knowing an answer, as happens frequently on AB? Not everyone is a genius or has access to reference books, encyclopedias and the like or even sometimes the knowhow to find things on the internet, which is why we all try to help in whichever way we are able. If a clue is requested, we give clues. If an answer is requested, we give answers. Just what is the harm in that? This is not rocket science or brain surgery and will definitely not have any bearing on world peace. It's just a group of people enjoying themselves in their free time and so, I'm afraid, until "Ash" whoever he/she is comes and tells us that we are not using the site as he/she meant it to be used, I for one, will continue as I have been doing up until now.

Wot say you, Jimbo you've been exceedingly quiet all evening?

Campo, old girl, god bless you, it wasn't you in sunny Spain who won the £113,000,ooo Euromillions jackpot was it? Hey, even if it was'nt, I'd still have the hots for you, errr.. hang on, I think I can hear the wife, err.. oh no, it was just a bump in the night.

Anyway, where was I, oh yes, there seems to be two issues here,

1. The need for good info (number of letters, any already, etc.)

2. Who should, or shouldn't, be allowed to subscribe.

I believe that 1 is O.K. but 2 is unacceptable.

Also, Mr Griffin, you mention my frustration yesterday re Trevors previous answer that should have been picked up by Oscar, Wrong call my friend that was badinage not frustration.

Also, you say,"it's not just "us" - enough said??

JimB (one of them)