By way of reminder, the object of this game is to solve (and briefly explain) the clue presented by the previous poster and then set your own clue.

Anything from the (worldwide) crossword arena is acceptable by way of clue style, but if you stray too far from the pure path beware the scourge of... Pandora's WET NOODLE!

The puzzle could be an old favourite or something of your own making. Don't be shy: this is for everyone, not just the old hands!

For those unfamiliar with crossword clues who want to give it a try, there is plenty of guidance online and a quite entertaining and instructive book (not just for beginners) available from amazon http://www.amazon.com/The-Times-Crack-Cryptic-Crosswords/dp/0007546521/ref=dp_ob_image_bk and no doubt elsewhere, and for those who like British Crosswords you may like to try these (which are free): http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords.

There is nothing to prevent (say) a couple of related clues if offering a single clue cramps your style.

If there are multiple answers involved, there is no restriction against one person solving all and the solver of the final clue/part is the one who goes next.

Obviously you need to await confirmation of a correct answer before posting your own puzzle, but please then do so reasonably promptly: if having answered correctly you are not going to be able to set a follow-up clue within about the next 18 hours, please pass your turn to someone else so that the game does not stall.

To save the poor demented solvers from excessive brain damage , you should consider revealing one letter of the answer (in any position) when the question is set, unless the answer is very short/easy so that provision of a letter hint at the outset would spoil the sport!

If no-one is biting within about 24 hours you should start dropping additional hints.

To try to give everyone a fair crack of the whip, the immediately previous setter is asked not to post a solution to the current clue within the first 24 hours.

The weighty trophy to be passed to whoever solves your clue is the jewel-encrusted World Clue Federation Championship Belt
===[**WCF**]===

Constructive criticism and cheerful badinage are to be expected, not to mention a certain amount of national rivalry, but above all, have a bit of fun!

The next clue, courtesy of a recent paper:

Large, exotic maidens venturing into unknown? On the contrary (3-5) - there is an e in view (and in this answer)

Early hint: direct on the left

man-sized

anag. of maidens + z (unknown)
on the contrary = inside out

Correct - here is your sizeable reward:
===[**WCF**]===

Sorry, I've been AWOC (away without computer) Thanks for the reminder, Denis!

Strange tide is swamping people with a madness (8) 2 e's

Yer welcome!

DE men TI a

(assuming men are people!)

Well, that's a big assumption to make, but it works! Here's your belt. ===[**WCF**]===

Merci beaucoup Madame.

Italian dude Bill caught in porn (6) no e

1st clue: direct on left, total 2 vowels

2nd clue: caught in = indicator

Geeshhh....I'ma gettin' anervous...

-i--o-

Signor

bill = sign
caught in = indicator to take the two letters in the middle of porn?

Right on! For you, Signorita: ===[***WCorF***]===

Italian dude Bill caught in porn (6) no e

Answer: signore

I don't think there are enough indicators in this one.

Why signore?

signor
1.
an Italian man: usually used before a name as a title equivalent to Mr

A good bit of Denis deviousness, but I'm not sure about that use of "caught in."

Thank you, Signor Denis!

Holy one eats very little candy (5) no i's

Sweet = candy - st (saint, holy one) contains (eats) wee (very little)

Yes! Here's your sweet reward, Lex. ===[***WCF***]=== I took the porn out of it for you.

I am purely grateful!

He exchanged letters to correspond aimlessly about nothing (6,7) - 0<e<o

Doctor Spooner (anagram of "to correspond" about "o")

Naturally the Belt will arrive on the town drain!
===[**WCF**]===

Lanks Tex

Time in Chicago contributes to simple happiness (7)

e(CST)asy

with joy BobH ===[**WCF**]===