[louielarry]

Hi.  I'm also a beginner puzzle constructor.  I have a puzzle I think is ready to go except for a concern I have over the answer, GERDAS.  I have tried several times to change this answer but seem to be stuck with the G-E-R-D for sure.  I wanted to use it with the clue, "Hitler's secretary, Christian, and others".  I didn't know if Hitler was a forbidden reference for a crossword puzzle -- sort of like a disease.   Any thoughts?  Thanks.

[Alex Boisvert]

Hey.
Hitler has been used in a few clues over the years, so I don't think that would be a problem.  The bigger problem from my pount of view, is that the name is just not well-known enough.  Couple that with the fact that editors don't like plurals of names as it is, and you've got a problem.

If it were me, I would rework the grid to get rid of that area.  Sorry ...

[louielarry]

Thanks.  I appreciate the advice.  I'll take another look at it.