XWord Muggles Forum

Ahoy Muggles!

We have a special treat for you today! I recently invited 11 of your favorite meta constructors to collaborate on a special tribute puzzle honoring the hard-working Moderators of the "XWord Muggles Forum" - Peter Abide, Bob Harris, Brian "Mac" MacDonald (Webmaster), Joe Ross, Bob Stevens (Cruise Director), and Kay Whitman. The end result is a big honkin' 23x23 grid with 184 grid entries and tons of awesome theme material. And with a puzzle this large created by 12 constructors from around the world, we couldn't stop at just one meta answer. No, no, no, we had to include a second mechanism with a second meta answer as an added bonus. So, sharpen your pencils, grab your highlighters, and block out the entire holiday weekend to tackle our collaborative offering. And remember not to overthink it, because sometimes the answers are hidden in plain sight.

I'd like to thank all of the creative constructors who joined me in this "Monumental" effort: @Al Sisti, @AnswerPfinder, @benchen71, @Bird Lives, @cbarbee002, @DrTom, @MarkWoychick, @MikeyG, @Schmeel, @Wendy Walker, and @whimsy. Henceforth, you can call us the "QWERTY Dozen".

The first meta answer is a 9-letter word that you can confirm on Crosshare.
The second meta answer is a two-word phrase consisting of 11 letters that you can confirm via PM.

"Monumental Moderation" - Crosshare

"Monumental Moderation" - PDF


Nudges are here.
Solution is here.

Good luck, and Happy Holidays!
Cap'n Rick

(NOTE: If you enjoy solving on Crosshare, help keep the site running by donating a few bucks)

Solved the nine letter. Now onto the 11!

Ditto ^. Thank you and Merry Christmas all!

Ditto^

Added to the Meta Calendar. (a moderator's work is never done)

And finally the 11 letter is solved.

Still thinking about that 11 letter, but the 9-letter was a fun pursuit! Great way to honor our fabulous volunteers!

I did this backwards of everyone else - found the 11 letter answer first and the 9 letter one second. But have both now. Great job, everyone!

A few magic markers later, I've got both answers.

Applause and kudos to the entire team for a nice early Christmas present!

Got the "Niner" but haven't looked at the "11". Everyone have a Merry Christmas !!

Aha and AHA! Confirming the 11-letter answer by PM but pretty sure of it.

This was extremely well done - bravo to the constructor group!

Day 1 Leaderboards

Okay, here's how the two leaderboards look after the first day:

Meta 1 (9-letter word)

Cindy
Meg
boharr
Hector
HeadinHome
MatthewL
MMe
KayW
Laura M
Darrell
HeadinHome
ChrisCross
BarbaraK
Abide
markhr
Dow Jones
LesY

Meta 2 (2-word phrase with 11 letters)

Cindy
MMe
BarbaraK
KayW
Meg
Abide
LesY
boharr

Please let me know if I've missed anyone. Thanks!

I scored both answers! What an awesome puzzle and a great surprise. Thank you to the "QWERTY Dozen." And a Merry Christmas to each and everyone.

My sentiments exactly. This meta is truly MONUMENTAL. My sincere thanks to the QWERTY dozen and all the wonderful constructors and muggles who make this forum a uniquely wonderful and welcoming place each and every week.

Half of the metas solved (9 word). Very nice tribute to our mods.

Not sure about the 123 part, you QWERTY DOZEN 456789 ! You all are too much. Thank you.

On to the 11-letter...

Regfish7 and I Got the first one (9 letter) but still working on meta 2! Great tribute to our moderators!!

Got them both. Really fun puzzle, and a nice tribute.

QWERTY DOZEN, you all rock!
Thanks for this seriously delightful puz!
And "Happy Christmas" to all!

Got the 9 letter answer. Have a two word phrase of 11 letters, but going to think about it a little bit.

Nice puzzle! Really fun to do! Kudus to the Many Marvelous Muggle Meta Makers for their Magnificent Masterpiece!

Yes, "Kudus," as in these guys:



If you come Across them, you'd think their stripes are all Down. Can't say your guess would be on the nose, though...