The folks at the New York Times announced yesterday a widget providing access from your Google homepage to Times’ classic crosswords. They have an archive of over 1,000 of these and will release new content each Monday.
It’s a great idea and will extend the reach of the Times’ brand. There are hundreds of other crossword widgets already available but with the Times joining the game more mainstream newspaper brands will undoubtedly make the move.
I wonder if there will be an impact on crossword sales from this. I doubt we will notice it this year but it must have an impact at some point. If people can get satisfaction from an online crossword, why pay for a magazine or book? Especially if that satisfaction came through branded and trusted crosswords available on mobile devices which provide the flexibility of a magazine.