Page for online answers - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Page for online answers," is a classic example of a straightforward, definition-based clue often found in early-week puzzles. It points to a very common acronym that most people who use the internet will recognize instantly. This type of clue serves as a great entry point into a puzzle, helping solvers build confidence and get some key letters on the board.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a literal description. Let's break it down:

• "Page": This refers to a webpage on a website.
• "for online": This specifies the context is the internet, as opposed to a page in a book.
• "answers": This describes the content of the page. It's a place to find solutions or information.

Putting it all together, the clue is asking for the name of a webpage that provides answers. The answer is a three-letter acronym for such a page.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue this direct, a few thought processes can lead to the solution:

1. Direct Association: When you need help on a website, where do you look? Your mind might cycle through terms like "Help," "Support," "Contact Us," and the term the clue is looking for. The answer is one of the most standard elements of website navigation.
2. Acronym Brainstorming: If you suspect an acronym, especially for a short answer, you can think of common internet-related abbreviations. URL, HTML, ISP, and the correct answer, FAQ, are all possibilities. Matching the definition to the acronym quickly singles out the right one.
3. Using Crossings: Because the answer is short and common, getting even one crossing letter is often enough to confirm it. If you have the 'F' or the 'Q', the answer becomes almost undeniable.

Background Context

The answer, FAQ, stands for Frequently Asked Questions. The concept of an FAQ list originated in the early days of the internet on USENET mailing lists and forums. To prevent new users from repeatedly asking the same basic questions, community members would compile a document of these common queries and their established answers. This practice saved time for veterans and provided a valuable resource for newcomers.

Today, the FAQ page is a standard feature on virtually every website, from e-commerce stores explaining their shipping policies to software companies providing troubleshooting tips. It's an essential tool for customer self-service and information dissemination.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect example of an "easy" difficulty clue. It relies on common knowledge from our daily digital lives rather than obscure trivia or tricky wordplay. For solvers, it's a welcome and quick fill that provides a solid anchor for solving the surrounding clues.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This often appears on a website's help or support section.
2. Hint 2: It's a common acronym for a list of common queries and their solutions.
3. Hint 3: The letters stand for 'Frequently Asked Questions'.

The answer is FAQ.