What about a Sceptics Award?

[dustbunny]

Here in England we're having a Spiritual Connexions Awards 2008.

I know that mostly it will be about boosting egos and grabbing extra limelight. Of course the money side creeps into it, obviously the mediums, etc, want you to think it's nothing more than a second thought to everything else. I'm not saying it would take off straight away but it could have potential.

There could be several different catagories, for eg, best researcher or most informative websites, that kind of thing. I know that sceptics aren't in it for the fame and glory but it could be a good way of sending out the message to even more unsuspecting victims. When enough interest is stirred up people take more notice. Maybe someone's tried this before, I don't know. It's just a thought! :) :idea:

[AndyD]

I'm new to the movement side of skepticism but one thing that strikes me is that skepticism does not lend itself to merchandising or more obvious forms of making money in the way religion and most other "spiritual" activities do.

TAM may prove me wrong (I doubt I'll ever know unless it comes to a small town near me) but, in general, it seems it would be difficult to fund something that would be public enough to prove worthwhile (to skepticism).

[Cuddles]

The JREF funds some scholarships.

Other than that, in general most scepticism is already covered by something else. There are plenty of science, maths and engineering awards around for anything technical, there are plenty of literary awards around, there are awards for websites, and so on. Skepticism is just a way of thinking and analysing things, it's not really the sort of thing that you can compare people's ability and give out awards for.

[dustbunny]

It's just another possible idea for getting the sceptical side of things out there. It's not about money, etc, it's more about recognition for the hard work people do. Without forums like this and good factual websites many of us would be in the dark. I know when I've told someone about the things I've discovered they take note but being able to show them forums and websites has peaked their interest even more.

[krelnik]

There have been a number of awards over the years. Several of them seem to have become defunct.

CSI (formerly CSICOP), back when they had regular conventions, used to give out awards like the "Distinguished Skeptic Award" and such. You can read about the 1996 event here: http://www.csicop.org/sb/9609/congress.html

The Australian Skeptics have given out a "Skeptic of the Year" award and a "Prize for Critical Thinking" (or maybe those are the same award? Someone from Oz chime in). http://www.skeptics.com.au/journal/2006/1_newprize.htm

We also like to give out awards to the bad guys:

Randi used to give out annual awards called the Pigasus Awards, here's the set from 2007: http://www.randi.org/pigasus/index.html

The Australian skeptics have given an award called "The Bent Spoon" to the most outrageous claim made in the previous year: http://www.skeptics.com.au/spoon/aboutthespoon.htm.

The New Zealand skeptics give a similar award with the same name: http://skeptics.org.nz/SK:ACTIVBENTSPOON

[dustbunny]

Cheers Krelnik, so there has been some awards and good ones too. It's like I said earlier it's not about the money or limelight. A little recognition goes a long way.

[krelnik]

I agree, I think it would be cool to have some annual awards for folks that do alot for the skeptic movement. Maybe the annual "Dinner with Randi" fundraiser event at TAM could be expanded into an Awards Banquet. It would give people additional reason to attend. (I assume we'd at least let the nominees in for free, however...<grin>)

[Phlebas]

CSI (formerly CSICOP), back when they had regular conventions, used to give out awards like the "Distinguished Skeptic Award" and such. You can read about the 1996 event here: http://www.csicop.org/sb/9609/congress.html


{threadjack}

Awww. This is what I was in Buffalo doing when Ottle and I met in person the first time. Also the first time I met Randi, Eugenie Scott, and the late Stephen J Gould.

*sniff* Ah, memories.

{/threadjack}

[steve s]

Here in England we're having a Spiritual Connexions Awards 2008.


So do the winners act surprised when their names are read? Shouldn't they know in advance if they've won or not?

Steve S.

[dustbunny]

So do the winners act surprised when their names are read? Shouldn't they know in advance if they've won or not?

Steve S.

Of course :D let's be right psychics are some of the best actors around that's how they lure their victims in. Well I say best actors..........aahhh.....you know what I mean! :oldroll: