How about a book about The Challenge?

[Sherman Bay]

Isn't it time for a new book? How about one entirely on The Challenge? Pick out a dozen of the best cases and follow them thru from start to finish; how the test was designed, how it was performed, how it failed, the reaction of the applicant afterwards, etc. Pictures would be nice. Maybe a little background on how the Challenge originated.

I seem to recall approaching Mr. Randi with this idea a long time ago, and his reply was, "It's in the works." If so, has there been any progress?

And Kramer, your log of applications is a great resource, but a log or searchable database of actual tests (essentially the online form of the book I am proposing) would be even better. If this is already available, sorry to bother you, but I sure would like a link.

And while we're brainstorming...how about a video version of the same thing? Might be too late for past tests, but think ahead, and engage the services of a documentary filmmaker to record future events for this purpose. Michael Moore? John Stossel?

[Kiless]

I REALLY LIKE THIS! This would be fantastic!

[Sherman Bay]

Mr. Randi, it looks like you have two guaranteed book sales. Surely that's enough to get this project to market? :D

Heck, I'll go one further. I'll buy an extra copy of the book and donate it to the library as I did once in the past for Beyerstein's "The Write Stuff" (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0879756128/qid=1108308991/sr=1-6/ref=sr_1_6/104-6047712-9723105?v=glance&s=books). I felt that an entire row of astrology and handwriting analysis books needed some balance, and a 100:1 ratio ain't bad.

Start tallying! 3 advance sales already! Do I hear four?

[Beleth]

Great idea, Sherman Bay! Go for it!

[Sherman Bay]

Originally posted by Beleth
Great idea, Sherman Bay! Go for it! I take it you are reserving your copy of the book. Four! Do I hear five?

[Ashles]

This is spooky. I was recently trying to get a friend of mine who works in the film industry interested in doing this as a documentary.

If I had the film making experience I would really consider going for it myself.

It's perfect for a film doc. And think of the joy of a montage of clips of interviews with famous psychics asking why they don't apply.

I would seriously be happy to help out doing some of the writing and research for the project (I have had a film shown on TV in England) if only there was a documentary maker who would film it.

Start pitching it guys. Write to your favourite film production companies.

It's got it all. Psychology, the human experience, fear of dying, paranormal claims, history, magic, amazing characters...

[Sherman Bay]

Originally posted by Ashless
It's got it all. Psychology, the human experience, fear of dying, paranormal claims, history, magic, amazing characters...
Just as long as it doesn't get the ABC treatment. (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=52465)

[Beleth]

Originally posted by Sherman Bay
I take it you are reserving your copy of the book.It was more of a subtle hint to stop expecting others to do something for you and to do it yourself. A bit too subtle, apparently.

[Sherman Bay]

Originally posted by Beleth
It was more of a subtle hint to stop expecting others to do something for you and to do it yourself. A bit too subtle, apparently. Oh.

So you're NOT going to buy the book? :( Our sales are dropping already and it's not even written yet!

Bu seriously, Beleth, if I could do this project, I would, but there are many reasons why that is not likely. A really good book would require working closely with Mr. Randi -- I certainly wouldn't do it without his enthusiastic endorsement -- and I don't live near Ft. Lauderdale, for one. The best I can do is offer some help in a subtle way. So far, the offer has been a bit too subtle, apparently.

Besides, I wasn't expecting anyone else than Mr. Randi himself to write it. He is an excellent writer as shown by his other books.