BBC Focus Magazine

[iAaz]

Hello,
I apologise in advance if this is the wrong place to post this but here goes.
I started the science crossword in the latest issue of focus and noticed that the clue for 14 across is missing. How am I supposed to win the science book?

If anyone knows the CLUE could you pass it on

Thanks

Aaron

[iAaz]

Also im fairly sure the clue for 9 across is wrong. Can someone confirm this?

[M Paul Lloyd]

I'm really sorry about that iAaz I'll have a word and see if I can find out for you.

[King Random]

that's pity, hope you can find out soon....

[M Paul Lloyd]

Trouble is the crossword is supplied by someone outside of Focus central (they usually are for most publications) so their is little in house control over such things, probably should have been spotted on a proof read but things do get missed I'm afraid.

[KingPhillip]

Without the puzzle at hand, I would hazard a suggestion of empty set, void, vacuum, nil, zero, even missing. Sometimes, a cruciverbalist would offer this as part of a theme for the puzzle.

As for the other clue for 9 ACROSS, at the least, you're not absolutely certain.

[lynx]

Please let us know what the clue to 14 Across is ASAP.
I can't see anything wrong with 9 Across.

[Shadowwolf]

The solution taken is to not supply the missing clue but merely leave the space blank, entries missing this answer will be valid.

Missing Crossword Clue: June issue

[pmh]

I'm less worried about the missing clue than the missing crypticality. Agent Starling's puzzles were a fantastic multi-dimensional challenge, usually with at least two equally tricky ways to work out each answer. Whereas the new Science Crossword is a mere trivia test, without even enough crossings in some cases to be sure of the correct solution.

On the other hand, it is now possible to submit entries by email, which is good to see. When can we start doing that for the Prize Puzzle?

[Pacman66]

I was very disappointed to see the change in crossword compiler. The new crossword is a world away from the old one. There are certain crossword etiquette rules that apply in all mainstream crosswords, here's a small sample of these:

The grid should be symmetrical: the new crossword grid looks like it has been designed by an amateur
2 letter words are a big no: yet there are 11 of these in the most recent issue!
All words should have at least 2 crossing letters: Obviously not possible with 2 letter words, but they shouldn't be there!

I have shown the crossword to a family member ( who is one of the UK's leading crossword compilers) and he was embarrassed to see such a poor crossword had been published. The clues are no longer cryptic (mentioned already) and to me no fun now, in many of the clues are just poor and unimaginative.

I suspect this is all part of the BBC's cost cutting measures, I doubt whoever has compiled this is a professional crossword compiler, however I would urge them to follow the above simple rules and at least it will look and feel more professional.

[M Paul Lloyd]

I'm sure the people concerned are giving it their very best attention Pacman66 and hopefully it will all be sorted out to everyones satisfaction as soon as is humanly possible.

[bazazaz]

I miss Agent Starling's crossword. The science crossword is a big sway towards cancelling my subscription.

[M Paul Lloyd]

Just had word from Focus Central, Agent Starling's Cryptic Crossword will return in the August issue of Focus, on sale 28 July.