It was invented by Herb Sternberg, the founder of Herbko Inc., a Florida-based Product Development, Marketing and Sales company that also markets "Terrace," the chess-like strategy game shown on the "Star Trek Next Generation" series on television, Game-Tek Nintendo, and various other Big-Brand clients, The New York Times Information Services Group entered into an agreement with Herbko Inc. to market Crossword Companion, little knowing that this would become one of the first major hits in the retail world in 1995, and selling over 1 million copies. In fact, its success has been truly phenomenal. Just before the 1994 December holidays, without any advertising or promotion, The Crossword Companion found its way into all the major retailers and catalogues: Neiman-Marcus, Macy's, Bloomingdales - and other fine retailers. A few thousand holiday orders were expected, but the sales exceeded 150,000 units with wholesale orders extending through Mother's Day and well into spring.