The Crossword Centre Clue-Writing Competition

CCCWC May competition voters’ comments

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A clue to SONY (Printer's Devilry).
36 comments were received for this competition (from 9 competitors, 1 other)
Move your mouse pointer over any bold clue number to see the clue.

Here is the text

Comments on the competition
1.
Many clues seemed contrived in both devilled and undevilled versions an a few had the break between words (ususlly dixcouraged). A nasty challnege with a nasty outcome for many!
2.
Some very clever constructions here, particularly 3, 17, 23, and 42. One thing common in the afourmentioned clues, though, is the change of letter case in the trick part. Being new to this form (and forum), am not sure if that is acceptable in a PD clue. Whatever the rules, the clues are a Devil’s Delight – and definitely not a piece of cake 😃
3.
Printer's Devilry always makes for an entertaining and enjoyable challenge and this one has produced some very imaginative entries – clue 15 stands out for me.
 
Comments on the clues
3. Alex James with no brie? Fuck, that's horrible!
1.Perhaps too ripe for a crossword clue?
2.A point for originality and humour. Not more, because I've never heard of him
3.funny
5. As to sex when I tour Braintree, hugging isn't enough
1.Not my winner but it did make me smile and deserves points.
8. Boned feature about Blu-ray Disc producer?
1.troffe detsaw A
2.Not sure reversal is legal!
12. Experiencing Nigella well might make ministers flustered
1.Very well spotted and adeptly executed
2.Points for humour. I wonder which minister has experienced Nigella…
14. Hint our anniversary might go unnoticed
1.Reads well in both versions.
15. Hockney often paints blue for mellow backgrounds
1.Very good
2.Clever construction. Points here.
3.Clear winner for me – original, imaginative and reads well in both versions.
17. It’s disheartening to see property prices going down Wardour Street
1.As smooth as a politician's promise. Good clue.
18. John earns to party
1.Very topical, shame no breaks in the surrounding words. Ref the same person, different indulgence: Is child, fathered by John, early?
2.ha ha ha – take points!
22. Must we aim for roads with no petrol cares indeed?
1.One of the more robust clues in this round. Points here.
23. New car videos on YouTuber's channel getting lots of views
1.Uber and Youtuber, an excellent spot nicely worked
29. SINN FEIN BAN KEATS TO KICK OFF IRISH LITERARY REVIVAL! (4)
1.Only one point due to the shouting
31. Support John , our supplier of champagnes in Wandsworth.
1.I liked this best of the y/our clues
34. The limnologist leaves La Sonne to go and study other French rivers.
1.Nicely done but rather too obscure to be solvable
2.Cleverly done but seems a bit of a cheat to use French place names
35. The Royal Ballet dancers are not recognisable in their costumes and masks.
1.Different, reads well in both versions and deserves points.
36. The washroom I tour, right down the hall.
1.A first class surface & the 'undevilled' version is superb.
39. Trumpet again sounding weird
1.Clever, topical and different – my runner up.
40. Undergraduate Stu dents the SIT Triumph
1.Nice idea but rather forced
41. When rationing's in force, black marketeer delivers my need for drink in gallons
1.Most clever, I liked this a lot. Points from me.
2.Clever – gets points – although “meets my need” might have sounded more natural
42. Who is Delilah, Samson? Your deceitful lover!
1.Devilled and undevilled versions seem to have been switched, but ignoring that because it's a great construction
2.Was Samson also deceitful? I'll have to look it up!
3.This contest has a dozen great clues, which opened my eyes. But, this… this is just the best. Super-exemplary class at work!
44. You drinkers love to pour beers!
1.I love a lager top
2.Two natural sentences, quite an achievement
45. You fly-fishers often reach for Barbour jackets
1.Same 'split' as me, I think your clue is a touch stronger however.