23x23

[lifeof]

Hello, 

I've been out of the loop for a little while but am trying to return to my efforts at puzzle construction.  The NY Times publication specs posted here no longer mention 23x23 puzzles--does anyone know if they're not accepting that size puzzle anymore?  (And if not, do you know if any other outlets are?)

Thank you for your help!

[ebirnholz]

lifeof:

This recent blog post from Rex Parker answers that question.

UPDATE: Some clarifying info from Mr. Shortz himself:

To clear up the confusion regarding 23x crosswords ...

Kevin McCann misquoted me on Cruciverb. I never banned them. I simply discouraged them, because they're difficult for me to use in the downsized Sunday Times Magazine.

A couple years ago the Sunday Magazine had its trim size significantly reduced. I can no longer print a 23x and KenKen and the KenKen answers from the previous week on a single page. The KenKen answers have to go elsewhere in the Magazine, for which I need to get approval, which is a pain and an uncertainty. So I just discourage 23s.

But for a 23x (or any odd-size puzzle) I really like, I'll still take it. I'll find a way to use it.

Note that a 22x21 isn't really affected by the above rule. By shortening the clues a little, I managed to fit everything into the usual space.

[lifeof]

Thanks so much for your help, ebirnholz!