The Stickler Weekly 23 Solution

A setter is said to have a “style”. What is this and how does it develop? A setter’s style is simply their way of doing things, and usually it starts out as a version of the styles present in a setter’s favourite crosswords. This concept is simple to understand as a budding setter interprets what they see when solving and sets about employing the same toolset.
It’s important that the learning doesn’t stop there as it’s hard to build a house just by living in one: a builder must learn the fundamentals of building to ensure a solid structure and to know where it’s possible to add extensions.
A style is developed as a setter comes to understand more about the different aspects of clues and formulates their own crossword philosophy, which will include certain devices/ideas and exclude others. Typically a setter won’t use devices they don’t like to see in other crosswords, even if they seem generally accepted by solvers and well-established through crossword tradition. Of course, any removal of tools will make clueing harder, so some setters may be reluctant to employ anything less than the full set.
My style changed greatly in the early years as I studied cryptic crosswords through solving, reading crossword books by great setters, and taking the time to listen to feedback from the solvers of my crosswords. It’s pointless arguing with solvers about things they don’t like: the puzzle is written for them and should suit them. Justifying an answer without serious consideration of the solver’s view is a mistake – a change may be necessary, a refinement of style.
It’s hard to see what’s not there: can anyone identify the things I don’t use or don’t do in my crosswords?