WHAT IS THIS GROUP ABOUT?
This discussion group is for people in Massachusetts who love crossword
puzzles. The primary purpose is organizing occasional social gatherings
in the Boston area, but we also occasionally discuss cruciverbal news
and topics of local interest.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
You can read and post messages by email, here on the Google Groups
website, or both. You may set your email preferences to get messages as
they arrive, or once a day in collected (digest) form. The volume of
messages is quite low.

WHO'S IN THE GROUP?
We're an eclectic, friendly bunch of avid solvers and crossword
constructors. Puzzlers of all abilities are welcome! At least four of
our members have published puzzles in the New York Times, and many have
either attended the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament in Stamford or
intend to go. But not everyone's a solving whiz, so don't be shy - join
us!

WHAT'S THIS "CRU" THING?
"Cru" is short for Cruciverbalists (a term for those who make or simply
enjoy crossword puzzles). It's also the informal name of the Today's
Puzzle forum at the New York Times website, where several of our
members are regulars.

WHERE AND WHEN DO YOU MEET?
We set up meetings every month or so, usually in a cafe or similar
space in a central location. Gatherings are informal and fun. At a
recent meeting, Will Johnston showed us some of his popular crossword
construction seminar, we did some puzzle co-solving, and everyone
yakked about crosswords and crossword people. If this sounds like your
idea of a good time, you'll fit right in.

HOW DO I JOIN THE LIST?
Just click "Join this group" above. You'll need to create a free Google
account if you don't already have one. Once you've signed up, please
post a message introducing yourself so we can say hello!

WHERE DO I GET TECHNICAL HELP?
Simple - just drop me a line (erichelm...@gmail.com) and I'll be glad
to help with any issues you experience.

Eric Helmuth
Boston Cru host
Cambridge, Mass.