It started with a comment from Sarah from Western NC: “Where’s Steve G?? He’s never this late posting. Hope he’s ok.” Other early risers agreed.
Cheryl Leigh, also from North Carolina, posted: “…it’s 4:06amET and SteveG has not posted…Anyone else feel a bit uneasy about this? Steve, if you see this, just know that I’m thinking of you and hoping all is well.”
Felicity from England asked: “Dear Steve, where are you?…sending all best wishes from a sunny part of England.”
Allin from the Rockies said out loud what everyone else was thinking: “The spelling bee isn’t as much fun without the generosity and good humor of Steve G.”
Some hoped Steve was simply getting some much-deserved sleep, but mostly, the hive was abuzz with concern.
The New York Times Crossword has tested the intellect – and patience – of puzzlers for decades, while its newer counterpart, the Spelling Bee, has only been around since 2015 (2018 digitally). Even so, the game has developed an impressive global following.
For those who don’t know, a new Spelling Bee is posted at 3amEST every day of the week. Players make as many four-letter-or-more words as they can with seven letters laid out in the shape of a honeycomb. All words must use the center letter.
Players like myself move through different levels as we create words, aiming for Genius – or even the highest status, Queen Bee. Every day, the question many of us ask is the same: how many words can I get without turning to Steve G’s hints in the Bee’s community forum for help?
Apparently, on May 27th, many in the hive needed Steve G’s clues before he was ready to give them.
Before most of us were even awake, Steve G finally came online to post his hints – and an unnecessary apology: “Sorry I’m late! I guess now I know what happens if my phone isn’t charged and no alarm!”
The poor man can’t even sleep in without the Spelling Bee world going a little crazy with worry. And is it even sleeping in if you normally volunteer to get up in the middle of the night to post hints for a puzzle?
That’s right: he (and a handful of other dedicated hint givers) don’t get a penny for their work. Just a huge dose of appreciation now and then from people across the world who play the game.
The hive clearly loves Steve G, but last week, the community made it clear that it’s not just about his quirky, funny hints.
“Steve G, your impact shines like a beacon not only today but on all days,” posted Jessica from New York.
Vanessa S from Portland agreed: “Steve G do not care at all about the late hints, was genuinely worried something had happened to you!”
Jorn Meeus from Belgium noted: “Steve G thank you so much for all your effort each day…On a day like today, we’re reminded not to take that for granted.”
The hive might not like hearing this, but Steve G doesn’t do it for us. The Spelling Bee isn’t even his first love. He revealed in a 2024 interview that he’s a New York Times Crossword lover first.
He only started doing the Spelling Bee with his twenty-something daughter during the pandemic as they hunkered down together in Florida and he fed her hints via text. He still creates hints with her in mind.
“I don’t do this as a favor to the Spelling Bee community,” Steve G says. “It’s a symbiotic relationship where I get to have my little creativity session with the words…Everybody is getting hints that I’m writing for my daughter. That’s why they’ll sometimes be educational or have a little morality play.”
In other words, he’s sharing with the rest of us what he’s already doing to connect with his daughter. Aren’t we the lucky ones?
EvilynG of Albuquerque made a good point: “It’s really just a matter of acknowledging someone who donates time and their unique skills every day…[his consistency and creativity] is remarkable.”
That’s the real takeaway here.
How many of us do what we do day in and day out, wondering whether it really matters to the people around us? It does. Without each of us doing our part – whether you’re posting puzzle clues, providing comic relief at your work lunch table, or pulling up the trash cans for your elderly neighbor every week – this world would be a lot less productive, but also a lot less fun.
Think about all the people – family, friends, even strangers – who cross your path every day. The ones who make your life better even in the smallest way. Do they know how much you appreciate them? Everyone likes knowing that what they do matters to someone, so tell them!
And while you’re at it, make sure your phone is properly charging before you go to bed so you don’t oversleep.
(Photo/New York Times Spelling Bee)
