Online or Offline?

[AB Editor]

The Internet has become a standard part of almost everyone's life in one way or another. We at The AnswerBank wondered if crosswords have become online as standard, or if the old offline format still has a strong following.

 

This poll is closed.

Where do you fill in your crossword?

• Offline - 252 votes
• 94%
• On-line - 17 votes
• 6%

See final stats

Stats until: 21:32 Thu 19th Dec 2024 (Refreshed every 5 minutes)

© AnswerBank Ltd 2000 - 2024. All Rights Reserved.

[Donquixote]

The Daily Telegraph...religiously. Sometimes I don't even have time to read the paper, it's just all about the crossword!

[planeman]

Not too sure about the question, does it mean write in the answers 'on or off line' or does it mean research the answers, not already in the brain. I voted 'off line' preferring to use 'on line' only as a last chance for a missing answer.

I believe, in fairness to those competitors who do not have access to a PC that all crossword entries should be by hand on the printed answer grid.

[Bethnesa]

Dear editor,

I much prefer the puzzle to be offline. Please keep it that way. I agree with someone who wrote there was nothing better than to settle down of a morning with the paper and a cup of coffee.

[Kakuro1]

Sorry, Bethnesa but I do not follow - please keep what that way?

[Bambi_1]

I live in Germany, so I access the crosswords online (I pay for the Telegraph ones) and print them off as I like to do them with pen and paper. I never bother to post entries - in fact I think the Telegraph only allows entries from UK residents, although you can compete online. The latter option is, I think, only for people with lots of time to spend in front of their computers doing every available puzzle or they could never accumulate enough points.

[NW3Nutter]

I'mafraid I am a sad sack with too much on - I only do the FT Saturday crosswords - spend a lot of time working (full time), playing Lexulous (only with known friends) and generally enjoying a meal and a bottle of wine or two with pals. I so value the help here cuz I am usually doomed to losing out on the last one or two.

[geo0939]

I do both, (belt and braces) since you can submit alternative solutions online. This would be very expensive to do by post.

[geo0939]

PS: I have won a number of the broadsheets online, just to dispel the idea that only snail-mail is considered.

[geo0939]

Re: Bethnesa, you can have a coffee with your computer too, you know.

[valawil]

I prefer to have the 'hard copy' in front of me, (plus a bottle of tippex), I always complete the crosswords - mostly Telegraph ones, with help from other Answer bankers, but never send them in as I prefer to take my time, and not be stuck to a postal cut-off time.

[jabegy]

Offline usually, with all my reference books round me ! Still have to come on here for the odd one or two though.

[boingboing]

wow, thats a huge vote in favour of offline. I still like to post my crosswords but the prices for posting 1st class are beginning to get a bit steep. Will probably start franking from work soon to save a few pennies, shouldn't really but hell everyone else franks personal mail at work...why not me?

[Iolanthe]

Sunday morning - I read the paper in bed (lucky me!) and then, later in the day I put my feet up on the settee, and fill in as many answers as I can without help. Then I resort to asking on AB if I need help, or can help others.

[marray]

There must surely be a permanent market for "newspaper" crosswords. It is not always convenient to use a laptop on public transport and a paper is always easy to fold up for your pocket - the laptop is very vulnerable to theft too, you're an easy target when you use one in public.

[bribet]

Offline.It all depends on whether you are just entering for the chance to win something or whether you really want to use your brain. After 50 years of crosswords I still like to settle down and test my own knowledge.

[Mctavish]

Definitely offline for me.

[RocW]

I have joined both The Times and The Telegraph crossword clubs and although my wife and I fill in hard copy, I submit on line. Even after the subscription fees, it still saves a tidy sum over the year. It would save even more if I could submit ALL the Telegraph crosswords on line. As regards the comments from Boingboing above, that is so petty. Join the clubs and save money that way, not by staling from your employer.

[RocW]

Sorry about the typo. It should have read "stealing"!

[spursfan]

Offline

[herbage]

OFF LINE