Crossword Puzzles

As a crosswords fan of many years’ standing I enjoyed reading the article on the current state of the puzzle business (March 20). Besides working any newspaper crossword that crosses my path, I also subscribe to two crossword fan magazines.

Besides the puzzles, these magazines contain extensive commentary and letter sections. Contrary to what Stanley Newman says about most crossworders being over 50 years old, most of the letters seem to come from younger solvers.

Further, it is not uncommon to see younger people--in their 20s and 30s--working at various newspaper crosswords while seated in coffee shops or during work breaks. The same puzzles older folks try every day.

WILLIAM N. MENDLEN, Santa Monica