JREF Challenge FAQ

[RemieV]

If you are considering applying for the JREF Challenge, or have general queries regarding it, check out the new JREF Challenge FAQ (http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/1m-challenge/challenge-faq.html). If you have additional questions or would like more information, feel free to write in to: challenge@randi.org.

[Michael C]

Is this linked from the JREF home page? I can't find it for the moment: from the link on the Million Dollar Challenge page I get directed to this page (http://www.randi.org/joom/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=37), which just tells me that questions for the FAQ are welcomed.

[RemieV]

You're in the new site...

You can find the FAQ linked from here:

http://www.randi.org/joom/content/view/38/31/

[rjh01]

No RemieV, that answer is no good. On the top right hand side of most pages in the forum is JREF Homepage (http://www.randi.org/). Click on that link and you go to here http://www.randi.org/. So far, so good. One of the links on that page is Million Dollar Challenge (http://www.randi.org/joom/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=31). On link on that page is Randi's Personal FAQ. (http://www.randi.org/joom/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=37) That takes us to an empty FAQ. My last link needs to be re-directed to the link on the OP.

[RemieV]

Jeff has been informed, and has said he will update the site. Until then, the FAQ is available at the link I supplied.

[Jyera]

I came in here to look for the FAQ. But as of this posting (14 Jan 2009), many of the links provided in this thread above leads to a page saying.

"Joomla. James Randi Educational Foundation
This is the old site. Please update your bookmark to http://www.randi.org. Thanks!"

This includes "http://www.randi.org/joom/content/view/38/31/ "
Also the "JREF Challenge FAQ" as provided by RemieV is also linked as " http://www.randi.org/joom/content/view/47/37/" as of this posting.

The direct link to the FAQ as of this post seems to be...
http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/1m-challenge/challenge-faq.html

[jimtron]

I just read the new FAQ, and then I took a look at the rules on the application page (http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/1m-challenge/challenge-application.html). After participating in a couple recent seemingly endless discussions here regarding applications and protocols, I sure wish applicants would read the first rule:

1. This is the primary and most important of these rules: Applicant must state clearly in advance, and applicant and JREF will agree upon, what powers and/or abilities will be demonstrated, the limits of the proposed demonstration (so far as time, location and other variables are concerned) and what will constitute both a positive and a negative result.

If every applicant read and abided by that rule, it would save so much needless discussion...

[Roma]

I have been following Dr. Colin Ross' Million Dollar Challenge thread
and it appears he has been discredited by the posters
but it is not clear whether or not he is still in the game or if he has dropped out.

Could you please tell me if Dr. Colin Ross is still applying for the MDC,
or re-applying,
or re-submitting his test protocol,
or something else,
or has he dropped out ?

thank-you
Roma

[Miernik Wieslaw]

I wrote to challenge@randi.org, but nobody answered me not. I've been writing about important issues and important discovery.

[Pixel42]

I wrote to challenge@randi.org, but nobody answered me not. I've been writing about important issues and important discovery.
Have you applied for the challenge, stating what paranormal ability you have and how you propose to demonstrate it? Because you're unlikely to get a reply otherwise.

If you have something to discuss prior to applying for the challenge you'd be better off starting a thread. There are plenty of people here who can help you design a test protocol, for example.

[snuffkin]

what would you say to psychics and believers who say that the test is set up so that its impossible to pass, or that they won't be able to 'perform' in a cold, stark testing room. etc. ? Why do they repeatedly make such lame excuses? I know nothing about the tests or how they would measure the abilities? But I'm sure it would be fair. As I have pointed out to many so called 'mediums' during discussions and debates, the Randi Prize is genuine and I have directed them to the site. They choose to ignore the challenge though.

[GrandMasterFox]

what would you say to psychics and believers who say that the test is set up so that its impossible to pass, or that they won't be able to 'perform' in a cold, stark testing room. etc. ?
Simple, if they have agreed to the protocol, then they are saying they can pass it.

There were all sorts of people who took the test and failed it claiming the test itself wasn't fair, like Ms.Putt saying that "all she could see was blobs", but one might ask then why did she agree to the protocol?
Or better yet, why did she not do a rehersal of the test in her own environment with friends\random people of the street?

Even athelits who go to competions to do the same things they do constantly still practice before the major event.

If she had the ability she claims and was acting rationally more likely she would have made a previous test and simply told the JREF she can't perform under those conditions.

Of course for those who claim the test is dishonest and the JREF is cheating, why not simply take the test and expose the cheating? If a psychic takes the test and fails and then repeats the test with a sanction of his own choosing that would raise a lot of concerns.

To this day, not a single one has done so.

[SkepticScott]

Simple, if they have agreed to the protocol, then they are saying they can pass itI'd go further and point out that they helped design the protocol and didn't have to be tested. They could have said "No, I can't do this under those conditions." and walked away. Instead, they agreed with the conditions and showed up expecting to pass the test. The excuses come out only after they learn that they failed.

snuffkin wrote "I know nothing about the tests or how they would measure the abilities?" Each protocol has to be custom-designed for the claimant. Claims of dowsing, mind-reading, and telekinesis have to be tested differently. In each case, however, there would be an objective pass/fail criteria.