Constructing Crosswords with a Side of Irony

Ah, the world of crossword construction—a mystical land where words dance like pixies and, apparently, where personal connections are the golden tickets to entry. For those without a famed uncle or a family tree sprouting constructors, the Crossword Puzzle Collaboration Directory serves as a portal to mentorship. Launched in 2018 with a catchy Google form, it aims to match wannabe constructors with seasoned pros while explicitly targeting the underrepresented groups. Because who wouldn’t want to formalize exclusion, right?

This Facebook group is as inclusive as a bouncer at a trendy nightclub. Its mission is straightforward enough: pairing people from marginalized communities—such as women and the non-binary brigade—with mentors. However, it operates with a clause that says you must belong to one of these groups to play. If you’re white, male, and live in a well-furnished Manhattan loft, kindly step aside and let the real talent through. It’s a club where equity is the secret handshake.

Yet, let’s not kid ourselves; good intentions are often dashed on the rocks of reality. Case in point: professional opera singer Daniel Okulitch stumbled into this labyrinth of construction mentorship after diving headfirst into solving puzzles during the pandemic. Like a hapless adventurer seeking treasure, he posed a question in the group and, lo and behold, was whisked away by none other than Brad Wilber—a veteran constructor and a fan of the high notes. Cue the mentor! With dreams of crosswords embracing him tighter than his stage costumes, Okulitch has since published three puzzles, two of which carry his name solo. Bravo!

This delightful tale brings a twist to the Facebook group’s impact. Erik Agard, the crossword editor of USA Today and co-founder of the directory, is somewhat of a lighthouse in this stormy sea of ethical quandaries. He notes with the enthusiasm of a game show host, “I’ve seen people excel after using the group,” and isn’t that what America’s all about? A classic story of the underdog… or the opera singer who just wanted to construct some Latin-themed crosswords.

While the directory serves its purpose like a Swiss Army knife, it ironically highlights the very structural inequities it tries so hard to dismantle. Picture it: aspiring constructors grappling with their own mortal fears of rejection, while a robust community exists to facilitate their journey—unless, of course, you don’t fit the bill. So much for being the change you wish to see in the world; perhaps just don’t show up if you’ve attended more than two summer camps on traditional privilege.

But fret not! The thrill of discovery continues amongst those who do frolic in the fields of mentorship. Stories abound where novice constructors receive accolades like unsolicited friend requests on Facebook. It’s heartwarming to see people revel in their success and say, “I did it with help from a group whose motto is ‘Let’s not make everyone feel welcome!’” Ah, the sweet taste of irony paired with the potent aroma of fresh ink on a crossword puzzle.

So, whether one finds themselves seeking mentorship in the whimsical land of crosswords, or perhaps looking to escape the modern-day gauntlet of social dynamics, the Crossword Puzzle Collaboration Directory is here, leading the way—like a guide in a treacherous jungle. Just remember, if you find yourself on the outside looking in, there’s a whole world of puzzles waiting patiently to be constructed, even if they’re not made by you. Welcome to the future of crosswords, where every empty square may hold secrets—and exclusions!