The truth is that the worst is yet to come. But we’re going to see the best in ourselves. The crossword community is leading the way, and has given me hope and resolve in a hundred little ways this week:
-On Monday I was contacted by a group of puzzle constructors and editors who were putting together a charity puzzle pack to benefit COVID-19 relief. Details forthcoming.
-This weekend, in social isolation, I saw, communed with, and connected with many of my dearest friends via the Crossword Tournament From Your Couch. It was an asynchronous tournament of 1,800 solvers, hosted entirely online, on a system designed in *less than a week* by Kevin G. Der and Finn Vigeland. For free. Just because.
-And on the 15th and the 21st (last night), I hosted How to Build a Crossword Workshops that maxed out my puny Zoom account at 100 participants. Attendees were as enthusiastic as they were caring, with multiple people voluntarily leaving the seminar to make room for folks waiting to get in.
This week’s puzzle, “All Together Now,” was built entirely (except for the clues) during that first Zoom seminar, with theme answers crowdsourced from the attendees. Its subject matter is apt. I hope it brings you a moment or two of diversion, and a reminder that we’re in this together.
So much love, everyone. Stay safe.
Ross
Are you planning on running another “build a crossword” session? I wish I could have been there.