Venerable New York Times crossword editor Will Shortz was recently schooled on the meaning of "Illin'," sending shockwaves through the close-knit puzzler community. He's learned his lesson, if Sunday's crossword puzzle is any indication.

When freelance writer Julieanne Smolinski noticed what she thought was an error in Saturday's New York Times crossword puzzle (PDF), she shot off an email to the corrections line. To her surprise, the Times' crossword puzzle editor responded, and the Great New York Times Crossword Puzzle Illin' Debate was born.