Fascinated to know...................

[blueberry2]

I am intrigued to know whether certain ABers , naming no names, sit in front of their computers most of the time or if they are somehow alerted to an incoming question. I, myself, would like to help out occasionally when online, but invariably questions are answered immediately.

Also I should like to know whether these brilliant minds post their crosswords, keep copies, have fantastic memories or just do them for fun and keep them handy!

I posted a question last week and it was answered very promptly but just in list form whereas I had gone to some trouble to make the odd comment and ask for a reason why the answer should be what it was. I think there are certain ABers who treat this site as a race to be first to show off their intelligence.

Maybe I am being unfair, and I am always grateful for help on the odd occasion that I use the site, but please let others have a go at answering occasionally. I think you know who you are.

[ageing fast]

What a long silence has followed this question!

I too am fascinated to know if some ABers sit at their computers 24/7. I do sit at my computer most of the day - because I work from home - and I log in to AB now and again to see what is happening.

I agree that it is better to have an explanation of the logic rather than just the answer.

I like to join in - but it is obviously "More important than life and death" for some folk - so good luck to them.

It all keeps the grey matter active!

[campbellking]

I work in a hospital, so normally have a quick look at the site before I go to work, and then another look in the evening. I like seeing other people's answers, and am very grateful for the ones I have recieved for my queries. I am absolutely useless at cryptic crosswords, so love admiring the rationale that has gone into providing the answers.
There are people on here whose knowledge I greatly respect (Shaney for example), people who make me laugh (Dottie), and others who irritate the life out of me!
On the odd occasion I have got the answer first, yes I do take a little warped pride in this, but it's a rarity. The site is set up to provide answers, so I wouldn't knock anyone who is generous enough to take the time to help others.

[shaneystar2]

Oooh I say campbellking..thank you for your kind words!
I have to admit to spending more time on here than I ought, but after bunging the chancellor over thirty years worth of tax and bringing up two children I had to give up work through ill health and this is my little pleasure amongst other interests .
This is a great site with some nice people .In fact I have a lovely friend who I met through AB.
I have been doing crosswords cryptic and otherwise since I was at school in the dark ages .My dear old Dad taught me how to do the cryptics.
I don't feel I am in competition with anyone to provide answers ..if I can answer it I will..simple as that.
Anyway I am off to my bed .Goodnight and Shaney sends a woof !
http://i8.tinypic.com/24n09hw.jpg

[gen2]

Hear Hear shaneystar2, I too am retired and probably spend too much time looking at this site. Much more healthy though than some of the alternatives available on the internet.


blueberry2, To answer your points in order:

1) No, I don't sit in front of my computer most of the time, but I usually have it on beside me while I am watching TV, so depending how rivetting the program is, I pay variable attention to this site.

2) I only do two crosswords a day (one 'quick' and one 'cryptic') and save them for my bedtime cup of coffee so any questions I answer are answered in 'real time'. I rarely submit crosswords - once completed, I lose interest and fall asleep. (Funny, my wife says the same thing about something else!)

3) I generally include explanations if the poster requests reasons or if the clue is particularly obscure.

4) This is not a competition. As long as the question is answered, does it matter who answers it? Try some of the categories where answers are not so 'black and white' and your opinion will still contribute to the answer.

5) No it is not a race, but the poster would rather have an answer 'sooner' rather than 'later', just as you found you got a prompt reply to your question.

I find this site helps keep my brain active and they say that is the road to a longer and more enjoyable retirement.

[blueberry2]

Thank you all for your thoughts.

Shaney and gen2, neither of you were even remotely considered when I posted.

Lovely picture of your dog, Shaney!

[JoolsTwo]

Hi Bluberry I do keep a copy of the weekend crosswords we do. We copy them to do them, then if we send them in, which we don't always do. We copy them onto the originals, then keep the copies to check the next week. So the copy is always here.

As to sitting in front of the computer, I have spells when I do sit for a while and always have this site signed in. And I will check in between house work chores etc. But I don't monitor it continually. I enjoy reading the comments on here and I also enjoy being able to answer the question. Some I do from the copies and some are - LIVE - so to speak. I am semi retired, so I do work sometimes. Then I don't have time to spend on the site.

I just enjoy the site and as aging fast says, it keeps the grey matter active.



Jools