THE AMERICAN CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACADEMY & HALL OF FAME, INC. September, 1989, Report No. 1 to Members: Greetings. Eve- rything takes longer than it should. Many of you wrote 10 inquire why your checks hadn't cleared. Our incorporation as a Wisconsin non-stock entity took longer than it should have. which will be sent you not with his, at with our next mailing in their revised form, Those revisions necessitate a mecting of ‘our Board, proof of Wisconsin amendment by te Secretary of| State to be furnished the IRS. Issuance by the IRS of our tax number (39-1646278) took longer Thi should be completed by the end of the year, and no doubt than it should have, Mel Taub couldn't open an Academy ‘account absent that number, but by the time you get this, our account will be with a New York City bank. Our acceptance as an IRS non-profit group is taking longer than it should. 1 ‘completed the application under 501 (c) (3) and after much ‘back and forth with Chicago IRS, itis decided we properly belong under 501 () (6), as specified in our final Bylaws-~ ‘we will qualify to be a tax-cxempt institution. I wouldn't be surprised if additional membership enrollments, trickle in after this goes to press. If you know of anyone who hasn't yet signed on, have him or her use the form mailed to them, or send me the name, and I'll dispatch a packet. INSTITOR Huth, tHE roserns, sioner sine), RIHELLE seThe, ELIZIA sey, aL oss," Eovote STUDS, WHEY as, mune SeaneTT EMUFICE, JMS AMO PATLIS SADT, LOnIE sTteY SANTOR, EAS, EvELIN F BOL, ALF Scapato, cU00 W186 Scarea, TRONS BLaGh, VICTORIA F seme, GAY L SCAU, ATU BGGEE, JUKE A oH, THOMAS SCHUSTER, NANCY axe cu2eEK, VINCE ove, KEVIN ATMEL SEFICE, foBeET STP, oowonaee esheets ta, PAULINE ITLL, JEMETTE & SWORE, cHURLETTE L swotTd 4, VILL BUCKLE, EOWAID VRCHFRELD, MARRY URTOR, FIMGES Cane, YELLIN L Canta, oROTHE 6 umn, nonce Lone, s0stmH & Coven, BET SUE eure, Hocet COVELL, VALTER HoMARD con, ent ‘AVTOSEH, DAVID ALA DE CHRISTOPHER, DJ fe OTT, MARTA Dea, GAYLE W DERE, CARLES BESDERID, ELIO O1EML, mabe TULA, AGBERT O10 orsea, cane WATS, JOMMNE ELLIOT bovovar A THe HERBERT vas, sLORIA F Fein, stack FITTGEALD, CHEOLINE SRA UTEwea, SAMUEL FLOVEREE, uAME SATE FULLER, THowas 0 FURTACO, ANTE GeLsAN, SUSAN FASE, CHARLES € SIESCAT, THOUS LA FAY L GILLIS, BAREARA LNDEE ‘*Founding Board of Governors amet ap porto IOWA, Uths & SHLEERLIATZ, SORA SUNS, FHASEE sua, 1 SHAUL srromer, roreTay sui, TERE 0.0, SATLLEY SOELL, TARDY ¢ SOMNCCINT, STERINTE SOUWGEL, SABA STEINBERG, OHH TOE, 040A J Tues, OBERT SMLLTVAT 1a svn vere ane 44, HEL TeTTEBAdn, HMURICE J WEDNER, EENST TUDE "HORELEY, OEBCRAN ELKEY ence, Gast DERRUL, THOMAS ee, shke wasn vag 14 Mee wesre, ELL WITTE, KEM L wrrtek, stMUeT E uenAso, s¥ene eLr2serH itera, ante itsOh, JEAN ze, KORN § woUre, tee out, voy YATES, VIRIAL YELLE, TA nm, 1588 HALESKA 1A, EOHENE T aicESE, fDUGD J Torr, ‘Hanes J We BEAT, LSOH ever, BERT wocet, AUTO TEELETON, THOMAS H wate, TEAC AILURAESER, CATHY A oss, abncLo OOH, WARY MARSHALL wun, ¢ F HEWMAC f, STANLEY ‘HRYMENYC, SULTAN PAUL om, way ORGDITA (see, VINCENT ag, siMes tancenre PALER, ARTHAR Y EOEESER, wasuCFTE Pern, PTTERSOH een, Jor uesTOn, cates HHAPING, NICKEL apne, ATTN arian, enh eae He aout, Wome wsrIMes Lh, AMtHEH AETIULE, UVEENCE fangs, waFTOR(COMMENTS ARE NUMBERED BELOW IN THE ORDER RECEIVED. THESE TWO ARE ANSWERED DIRECTLY: 5.0", New Jersey, asks, "looks prety different from the ‘original concept. (How did the changes come about?)" Dear "O" - As hinted at in the Enrollment Flyer, from the valuable “overall input and guidance” given by interested constructors and editors. 23, "J", Connecticut, "Could arrangement be made for consiruc- tors to be on "Wheel of Fortune"? Dear "'S"- Because of our acquaintance with Merv Griffin Productions through his election to the Academy's Hall of Fame, I have twice suggested that very thing in letters to them. “Fortune” fans would then get to see just what those devilish constructorfeditors look like and find out if they're any ‘etter atthe game, To date, I have received no response from ‘Merv's people, but [hope the seed is planted and will take root. (ifnot, Il try them again carly next year.) Comments 1, “Suggest CWP Academy consider 2 Trophies: (Q) ‘Arthur’ for special proclamation (@) ‘Margaret’ for annual best published puzzle." - 2, **Would like to meet any fellow constructors who might be visiting Italy.” (Write Academy for name) -“E", Milano 3, “'m delighted that we hve an organization through which we ean ‘pool ideas and efforts, and hopefully make our professional offerings financially as wel as intellectually rewerding,”* - “B", FL 4, “An organization ofthis type is long overdue and I feel privileged tobecome part of it” = "I", NY 5. "The American CWP Academy looks pretty different from the ‘original concept for a Hall of Fame. Members would be interested in hearing how the changes came about. I approve of having a more restricted Hall of Fame--we can't all be Hall of Famers.”” - "0", ND 6. "The Academy is along overdue, very welcome idea. A ‘lobby" ‘group for constructors is needed to boost demand for quality, innova. tive puzzles at a market price which rewards the construcior for his time. Most current fees ($15-S25/puzzle) just don't make the time ‘expenditure fruiful. Thank you for your part in the development & ‘thank all founders for me."* = “B™, VA 7. “*Sounds like an organization that it would be an honor to be & ‘member of. Comment = ‘Wheel of Fortune” has cerainly been successful, but does anybody remember (a5 I do) a terifi litle TV ‘game show hosted by Merv Griffin about 30 years ago called ‘Word for Word?" = “I",CA. 8, “Would lke 1 see the Academy promote stricter adherence to Mrs. Farrar's suggested limitation of black squares to 1/6 of the whole, unless thee are compelling reasons for deviation. We are getting so Jinx that even the N. Y. T. recently had 2 15-sq. with no less than 48 ark squares, Ugly!!! Downstream perhaps the Academy could exer its influence on Publications to adopt a standardized stylesheet, to the nd that if a particular submission did not suit an editor's current needs, it could be offered elsewhere without revamping. (Time-saver!) (Would serve on any committee which had a its purpose a voluntary ‘moratorium on the use of ALOE, ALDA. and ASHE, all of which, 2s a solver, I'm heanly tired of confronting." -“E",CA. 9. “Good ideal” -"K",Italy 10. “Absolutely professional, very impressive and, 1 believe, 100% factual. Congratulations on a splendid job.” -"W", MD MF 11, “Iwish the Academy well, hope that it enjoys immense success, and feel greatly honored to bea part off.” - "G", NY. 12, “All constructors in sum, constitute a family. (And fist names) are a given. So, hail, Bob! Brilliant idea! The Academy will be a clearing house for ideas and dissemination of ideas. For instance, 1 hope we can get a uniform style of submissions--with or without periods after numbers, ete.~youknow what I mean. Also, editors scribbling over your copy instead of using ‘Post-L's.” It stops being FUN, then I'll stop. Consiructively,” = “R”, NY 13, “Would like to get children involved."* - 14, “Advertising Agencies might bea good source to use puzzles. An ‘Agency (fora Pharmaceutical House) contacted me and I did 4 (15 X 15) puzzles used in their advertising. The pay was excellent - $1,000.00." = “T", NI 15, (1) Cur down on far-fetched definitions. (2) Limit the use of ‘obscure geographical allasions. (3) Encourage the use of Spanish, ‘Yiddish, Italian and Russian idiomatic terms. (4) Use more of Eugene TT, Maleska-type puzzles~lke step-puzzles,ete."" -“F, FL 16. “Being a relative newcomer to crossword puzzle constructing, T ‘am pleased to have been chosea to sign on as a member of this ‘Academy, I don't always have a lot of time wo make puzzles, and ‘would be interested in finding new markets for those puzzles Tcan make, I heartily applaud the educational aspects of the Academy's stated purpose, as fel puzzles can be educational as well as enter taining, OH 17. “I'm surprised and honoured! I hope the Academy works out” = "8", Ontario 18, “Think the time is well overdue for an organization devoted to puzzle professionals. Has off! A clearing house for various types of puzzles is a particularly good ides. Could I suggest a computer user's ‘Special Interest Group (SIG) for constructors with # PC and a modem? Ttmight be worthwhile finding out how many Academy members have computers.” -“D™, Ontario 19, "Good show!" - "Y",OR 20, “This sounds like a fine idea.” -“E", TX 21, “Tam flatered that someone recommended me. [love making ‘puzzles. I wish the remuneration were greater and the attitude of some ‘editors less self-serving, Taank you.""- “E™, NY 22, “Unbelievable good work!" -“L",CA. 23, “*Congratulations and I wish you success inthis venture. Thank ‘you for including me. Suggestion: could arrangement be made for ‘constructors to be on ‘Wheel of Fortune?” = "J", CT. 24, “I feel that this isa briliant idea, helpful to publishers, editors, ‘constructors, and the puzzle-enjoying public.” -“W", NY 25, “Good idea! Ta be happy to work on a committee.” “W", PA, 26, “I believe any efforts to promote interest in words, language, and reading ae to be commended. T appreciate being able to join the group!” - “HOH 27, “Thave taught thematic puzzle construction and Word Play ‘courses at the University level in an Experimental College~also several session of adult education groups. There isa strong interest in these courses (elthough consiruciors alzeady being published do not approve of increasing the competition with so many new Mledglings--a surprising reaction to me, because I feel the competition raises standards generally." -""P", MA 28. “Tonsider myself aclasicist and prefer, as a constructor, to use ‘words which, to any reasonable literate person, will come realy (or ‘vith some difficulty) to mind, relying on ingenious definitions for a degree of obfuscation and literary delight, The CWP Academy ischarming idea. Word-lovers are a breed epart, now becoming ate, and should stick together.”” -"“S”, NY 29, “Ifthe CWP Academy has intention of being a help, I need info ‘on possible buyers for my puzzles. In particular, [would like to do ‘more than T do ‘on order.” Good luck!” - "C"", SC 30. “I'm very honored that somebody nominated me to sign on a8 2 ‘member. [think this is» wonderful idea to bring editors and construc- ‘ors in ouch with one another, [look forward to helping in any way I can” 8", CT 431, “"Lwas excited 1 read about the Hall of Fame - to be per of it can only top that excitement! How about forms, as presented inthe [National Puzzlers League?” = “0, NT 32, “Prospects look promising for this organization.” - “M", NY. 33, “Thank you forthe opportunity to join the Academy. Please count on my support. Thope you have plans for opportunities for ‘members 1o mect atleast once or twice a year.” -""S", VA. 34, “For some time I have been tying to devise a workable form for ‘blaining information for special event puzzles-‘custom crosswords.” ‘A short, non-threatening ist of questions is unlikely to elicit enough ata for a puzzle, but a questionnaire with detailed explanation and instruction simply disappears~people don’t ike to fill out forms! ‘What's more, they aze casual about spelling proper names. I sincerely hhope you are able to suceced where Ihave filed." - “S"",CA, 35. “Thanks for contacting me. Iam most interested in your referral service--how goes it?--and inthe possibilty that organization might afford us ‘clout in the marketplace and give us the espect end payment that other writers receive... eprint fees on Sunday Times puzzles, perhaps.” -"*S"".CA 36. “(1) Concerning your touching on untapped markets. Perhaps these markets could be issued in a monthly newsletter to all members. (2) At this particular time T have ample work to do, but would think About taking on more ifthe market was challenging and fun-especially if was fun. Thank you.”” - "H™",BC 37, “This sounds like fun!" - "M,C 38, "This seems to be a great idea, and I'm happy to become member!" -"S",CA 39, “"Years ago, I met someone who wrote travel article forthe N. Y. ‘Times for which she received $500. (+ travel expenses) for short article. [think the Times should pay at least as much for « Sunday puzzle. Aside from that one gripe, I enjoy constructing, and thnk the ‘Academy is a wonderful idea. Good luck." -"G", ME 40. “am 78 and slowing down, but I want to be part of this group! ML 41, “Would like any info on computer software being used by ‘constructors to generate numbered gris or organize word lists." -“D",CA 42, “Tam hopeful and curious about this organization. Best of luck! “T" CA 43, “Great deat Plaque (not rophy) should be the ‘Margeret." You could charge more for dues.” =""A",CA. ‘44, “Lappreciae the nomination from the Academy. [look forward to eceipt of materials available and actively participating in the ‘Academy."* - "8"",NI 45, “I applaud your efforts to develop new markets for crossword ‘puzzles~particularly for puzzles that are at least slightly challenging, Tringe when I see... clues that read: Monogram for Ed Asner. Good Ick.” = "W", FL, 46. “The CWP Academy isa good idea. You may be interested 10 ‘know that am working on a book tobe called ‘The Mind of the Puzzler.’ Iam a cognitive psychologist as well ase word puzzler, and the book is an exploration of puzzlers’ processes of discovery and solution, with the puzzlemaker's creative process receiving the most attention. AS a puzzler, Lam interested in developing new types of crosswords that incorporate constraints inherent i letters and lan- guage.” -"S", VA 47, “There isa very wide range of prices paid for purzles~some are quite low. The seting of a standard scale of pay would be helpful 0 constructors. Also an agreement with publishers as to the length of time a puzzle could be held for publication, since the majority of magazines and papers pay on publication. There is often the wait of 2 year or more for payment-quite unfair to the contributor.” = "Y", NY 448, ““Because of varying opinions inherent in our unigue field T' Tike to see all significant decisions, actions and changes decided by a vote by the entre membership rather than the Board of Govemors or any other numerically limited number of individuals.” - "S™, NI 49, “This looks to me lke a promising project” -“P", MI 50. “Beet withes for success. The Academy should lobby to have ‘puzzles deed ae pert of curriculum and testing in schools."* -“R"', NY 51. “Being « rolatively new constructor, I'm flatiered at being asked to become a member."* -"D", NY 52. “Lhope you thrive & prove helpful to constructors.” - “R"", NY 53, “Thad read and saved the NY Times aticle by Rendall Rothen- berg, so was pleased to review it when this material was received. I ‘would like this venture to succoed very much, & hope the interest in it ‘can be sustained. Perhaps more information is available and I willbe able to express my views more readily.” -"'S””,CT 54, "There are a few editors who don't acknowledge contributions, telling you if they can use your work--or not, preventing you from sending it elsewhere. A SASE is enclosed for this purpose. Most are very good, however.” = "S", NY 155, “Will Weng for Hall of Fame! Thanks forthe invitation, Bob! I's good to be aboard.” "M", NI ALL OTHER QUESTIONS IN THE FOREGOING WRAP-UP ‘CAN BE ANSWERED ONLY BY YOU MEMBERS, AND PERHAPS BEST DEFINED AND DEALT WITH IN A. COMMITTEE PROGRAM, Thirty-one members expressed ‘an interest in helping on a committe. Others also wanted to now more about new markets such as ad agencies’ use of puzzles in marketing campaigns. We learn that Stan Newman has for some time been providing crosswords to this corporate market, so he isthe logical choice to form a committee to exploit this avenue (See Comment No. 14 in particular.) A separate insert showing the name and address of the 32 interested members goes to those members. It is hoped that there will bean active MARKET COMMITTEE, Expand and develop use of word ‘games in advertising, different from the impossibly difficult mis-named "Crossword Puzzle" loteries used by newspapers 10 stimulate circulation. SPECIALTIES. Insttor has knowledge of other markets that «can be developed to provide specialty puzzles for non-advertis- ‘ng uses. It may be that a separate kitty for penetration into that ‘market should be developed for those interested.COMMITTEES ON PRICING, SUBMISSIONS, STAN- DARDS, PAYMENTS, SOFTWARE, MARKETS, DUES, RESIDUALS, HALL OF FAME, ETC., ETC.: ‘See numbers 3, 6, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 41,43, 45, 47, 48, 50, & 54. (No. 46, from your colleague Prof. Arthur Schulman of the University of Virginia, is of special interest. We worked with him on the idea of including a survey in this report, "What ‘makes the puzzler’s mind tick?" but there wasn't room. That survey form will come your way separately. You'll find itto bbe an interesting challenge in self-analysis ‘Volunteerism without suasion and guidance seldom succeeds -- ‘50 we suggest that one hardy VOLUNTEER ORGANIZER is ‘needed to help get these other committees alongside Stan ‘Newman's organized and functioning. REFERENCE MATERIALS. This is too fulsome to collect and collate for this report, but will come along later. In the ‘meantime, here are works by members. ‘Arnot, Michelle, "What's Gnu?" Vintage Books (Random House). Cox, Emily. "The Atlantic Monthly Puzzler Book,” by Cox and Henry Rathvon, variety of cryptic crosswords. David R. Godine, $9.95. Hovaneo, Helene, "Puzzlers Paradise," Paddington Press. "Creative Cruciverbalists,” William Morrow & Co. Jacobson, Maura. “Crosswords With Themes," Playboy Press, four volumes, "Maura B. Jacobson's New York/Cue Magazine Crossword Puzzles.” Dodd Mead, two volumes. "Puzzles With Point," three volumes, Doubleday. Katz, Robert. "Crossword Puzzle Editor,” unpublished soft- ware, Kurzban, Stanley A. "Compleat Cruciverbalist," Van Nos- ‘wand Reinhold. See entry under Mel Rosen, co-author. Lewis, Frank W. "Problem Solving, Part available from ES. Lewis. 32 Pembroke Ave., Acushnet, MA 02743, $8.95, PP. “Maleska, Eugene T. "A Pleasure in Words,” $10.95, “Across and Down," $9.95. "My Favorite Word Games,” $8.95. "Cross- ‘word Treasury 32,” edited by Maleska and Margaret Farrar, $6.95. All available from Simon & Schuster, along with a range of books of selected puzzles, NATIONAL PUZZLER'S LEAGUE, Supported by many Academy members. First year's dues, $8.00, $10./yr thereafter, monthly publication, “Enigma”, Treasurer, David Rosen, 207 E ‘CROSSWORDERS OWN NEWSLETTER, published bi® dian/foreign, add $2.00 cach.) Each additional subscription (Great giftidea--AFC sends an acknowledgement to your giftee $1297, Identify your order as from an Academy member 2 will make a donation to the ACWP Academy for each subscription. Many helpful books are offered through AFC's catalog book service, some not available elsewhere. Preston, Charles, The USA-TODAY Crossword Puzzle ‘Books (and other published compilations from other sources). ‘Rathvon, Henry, See entry under Cox, Emily. Rosen, Mel. "The Compleat Cruciverbalist,” Kurzban & Rosen. If youFLibrary doesn't have it, Mel may have a few copies left -- 11718 Nicklaus Circle, Tampa, FL 33624. Shortz, Will. "Great Masters Wining Crossword Puzzles,” Volumes 1, 2, and 3, Bantam. "World Ciass Championship Crosswords,” Simon & Schuster. "GAMES Magazine Book of Crossword Puzzles,” Workman, Also Senior Editor, GAMES ‘Magazine, one yeat for $13.27, P.O. Box 2112, Harlan, 1A 51593-2301. Will's Special Edition 188, Vol. 2, No. 5, "GAMES Crossword Celebration, 75th Anniversary of the Crossword Puzzle--1913-1988," may become a collector's item. ‘Tunick, Barry. "Crossword Crosstalk," by Tunick and Sylvia Bursztyn, Copra Press, available at $15.50 pp., from Barry ‘Tunick, 4470 Elenda St., Culver City, CA 90230. Weng, Will C. "The Crosswords Club," five new Sunday-size puzzles per month, direct by mail from Box 635, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, $30,/yr. Also WW's many puzzle compendiums and collections offered by different publishers. ‘Any members' work not listed is an unintentional oversight, and correction can be made in a future report SPEAKER'S BUREAU. Henry Kissinger is into it. So is George McGovern, Jim Wright, Jeanne Kirkpatrick, and others like Wisconsinites Al McGuire, the ex-basketball coach, and cx- Governor Lee Dreyfus, the latter abandoning politics for the lucrative after-dinner circuit. Clubs, schools, and associations. are looking for newer kinds of programs for lectures, symposia, and seminars. Some of you are already doing that to a degree, ‘one appearing on a discussion panel on public radio, one lecturing on a course in puzzling ata prestigious university, and another moonlighting as a puzzler while serving as a professor ata state University. Of course there are others I've not heard of, but I did attend a meeting of an international Club in New York where a constructor/editor gave an adaptation of his "Sell the Magazine” talk, a blackboard presentation wherein the ad salesmen showed him off at meetings of ad agencies’ ‘media buyers to tout the popalarity of its puzzle, the weekly’s ‘most notable and enduring feature. Others of you go to the Caribbean on puzzle cruises that attract crossword aficionados, Others of you organize and preside over CWP contests for more advanced aficionados. At one of these, I hear that a well-known editor constructed a 15X15 from scratch, building on 15-word entries called out by the audience. Many of you are ready now to get paid for such appearances. ‘Others who might like to do this can begin to build such a talk by appearances at church, Boy & Girl Scout, civ, and club ‘groups. Perhaps the Academy can provide a pool of speakers for use by various Speaker Bureaus that we know about. If you'd like to know about speaking at general audience ‘meetings, please indicate that under “Comments” on the insert.