I really like the ideas here, but I do wonder about the fairness/accuracy of some of them. Thanks for giving me much to consider!
1A: Neat use of [tip seen around] to suggest that the same letter appears on both sides of the word; [burns] is also a great definition here. 5A: I'm assuming this is meant to be "two dills"; clever, though I wonder if [saying] is in the right place cryptically. 6A: Funny! 1D: Cluing multiple container placements with a single indicator is a bit tough; putting them out of order makes it even harder, especially if solvers don't know a shorthand for the Stone Temple Pilots. (I love the surface, though.) 2D: Having [in] in the surface and in the answer is unfortunate. I also don't think I parsed this right: [Illinois] = IL and it's around [First place] somehow? 3D: Great definition, my favorite clue. 4D: I personally think a removal should be consecutive (so [-mind], not [-dmin]), but again, I like the surface.
Thanks Aaron! I’m glad you got a kick out of the surfaces. I had a lot of fun with them. I got playful with 5A and am glad it came across as intended. 1D was a pain and the last I finished — it was not satisfying to write or, I imagine, to solve. In 2D, I pushed the envelope a bit by using NOI for [first place], i.e., No. 1. I thought it novel but fair. I appreciate the feedback!
5A: I'm assuming this is meant to be "two dills"; clever, though I wonder if [saying] is in the right place cryptically.
6A: Funny!
1D: Cluing multiple container placements with a single indicator is a bit tough; putting them out of order makes it even harder, especially if solvers don't know a shorthand for the Stone Temple Pilots. (I love the surface, though.)
2D: Having [in] in the surface and in the answer is unfortunate. I also don't think I parsed this right: [Illinois] = IL and it's around [First place] somehow?
3D: Great definition, my favorite clue.
4D: I personally think a removal should be consecutive (so [-mind], not [-dmin]), but again, I like the surface.