Overall, the triple unchecked squares in 1D and 4D are problematic, but apart from that solid grid/fill.
1A: Nice! 3A: I really like [is for me] here. 5A: [to remove fertility center] is tough. I think I like it, but I don't know enough about the procedure to say for sure. 6A: I don't fully get this one; [out or] doesn't feel quite right as an indicator. 7A: Bleak definition indeed, but I think this one's maybe too stretchy? It's bleak now, no? Also, [he's] is being removed non-consecutively, which is less than ideal. Maybe easier to just clue this as a hidden? 8A: I love the repetition of [German], but probably on the tougher side for the average English solver. 1D: I think too much is happening here. [Backwards reissue] for EUSSIER is fine (though I'd maybe use something like [Elevated] for a Down clue), and I'm kind of on board with [of back] being F but then you're also moving that part [to front] and then saying that [catalogue finally] for E [comes out] as a deletion. YMMV, but is the surface worth the work for both you and the solver? 2D: [set in middle] is tricky, especially with [of] being used as one of those iffy connectors. 3D: Love it! 4D: I don't see how to justify [heads] as meaning "the first two letters of the preceding word." I like the idea of the surface, though! Maybe [Much needed half-serving of duck added to cream (4,3)]?
Thanks again for your feedback! Do you have some sort of cryptic rules manual that you follow? I didn’t realize non-consecutive deletions were frowned upon, but it makes sense.
5A in retrospect should probably be “centers” since the procedure is removing the ovaries plural in my understanding
6A: I was thinking “out” as a verb, tho to be fair it is rarely used in that sense and basically never except as a past participle
7A: I had the same thought, but convinced myself with that almost-classic question “is an egg a chicken?” (no, for me)
8A: I’d bet there’s a large overlap between cryptic-doers and Schubert-listeners lol, but point taken
1D: yeah, this was my least favorite clue, probably needed to be reworked
4D: I like the “half-serving” clue, I guess “heads” should be used for the first letters of multiple words rather than the first few of one, that makes sense.
I don't have a formal guide, just anecdotal experience from being on both sides of test solves. If you're happy with a surface/indicator, stick with it! The form begs for innovation and creative interpretations! That said, I find it very helpful to hear what's not working for others (and why), and it always comes down to "Is it FAIR?" and then "Is it FUN?"
AuLeaf 🤓5:33 · 2024-06-13T17:19:03.547Z
I think 6A works with the adjective sense of "out [of]"=lacking, as in "I had a great time at the casino, but now I'm out $200."
and yeah for 4D I thought "duck heads" would be "D,D"... it is perhaps a bit weird to say that one word has two heads. `^^
3A: AM+P(iano)
5A: R in SPAY
6A: ARMORED - OR
7A: HEROES - HES
1D: oF + EUSSIER - cataloguE
2D: GAR+BAG+sEt
3D: datA+BY+SMALl
4D: DUck in PASTE
8A: LIEDER-DER
3A: I really like [is for me] here.
5A: [to remove fertility center] is tough. I think I like it, but I don't know enough about the procedure to say for sure.
6A: I don't fully get this one; [out or] doesn't feel quite right as an indicator.
7A: Bleak definition indeed, but I think this one's maybe too stretchy? It's bleak now, no? Also, [he's] is being removed non-consecutively, which is less than ideal. Maybe easier to just clue this as a hidden?
8A: I love the repetition of [German], but probably on the tougher side for the average English solver.
1D: I think too much is happening here. [Backwards reissue] for EUSSIER is fine (though I'd maybe use something like [Elevated] for a Down clue), and I'm kind of on board with [of back] being F but then you're also moving that part [to front] and then saying that [catalogue finally] for E [comes out] as a deletion. YMMV, but is the surface worth the work for both you and the solver?
2D: [set in middle] is tricky, especially with [of] being used as one of those iffy connectors.
3D: Love it!
4D: I don't see how to justify [heads] as meaning "the first two letters of the preceding word." I like the idea of the surface, though! Maybe [Much needed half-serving of duck added to cream (4,3)]?