Why hasn't anyone taken the One Million Dollar Paranormal Challange?

[russianrocket]

I've always found it interesting. There has to be someone willing to take up the challenge. It's one million dollars!
Challenge Info

[codenamesmiley]

Yeah, this forum has discussed this one before.

To date nobody has passed the "preliminary testing" because it is set up that way...deliberately. Nobody can pass it.

There are alot of "if"s in the list of things you must be....in order to participate...etc.

Be Blessed,
Rebecca

[Kishka]

It's kind of strange that they require applicants have a media presence...that's just ODD...

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by codenamesmiley

Yeah, this forum has discussed this one before.

To date nobody has passed the "preliminary testing" because it is set up that way...deliberately. Nobody can pass it.

There are alot of "if"s in the list of things you must be....in order to participate...etc.

Be Blessed,
Rebecca

The preliminary test is set up and agree upon by Randi AND the participant. If they don't' think they can pass the test, they shouldn't have agreed to it.

[Kishka]

Originally Posted by russianrocket

The preliminary test is set up and agree upon by Randi AND the participant. If they don't' think they can pass the test, they shouldn't have agreed to it.

So, I gather you know Randi?

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by Kishka

It's kind of strange that they require applicants have a media presence...that's just ODD...

Not really that odd. Someone that has real powers that could be tested wouldn't be some obscure never heard of person, would they? If they tested EVERYONE, they'd run out of money pretty quickly.


"Randi and his associates have stated two primary reasons for the change:

* In the opinion of the JREF, the vast majority of the applicants for the existing challenge appeared to be either mentally ill or unable to demonstrate their powers even to their own satisfaction. Many were unable to successfully fill out the application forms or coherently and consistently describe their alleged abilities. The foundation has stated that treating these applications seriously has both required an immense amount of time as well as doing a disservice to the applicants.
* The true intent of the challenge has always been to aggressively pursue the most prominent paranormalists and force them to subject their claims to scientific scrutiny in a controlled setting. Randi said that this mission had been sidetracked by the complicated and costly application process, and the foundation wished to refocus its promotional and rhetorical approach to aggressively pursue top psychics in the media, making it difficult for them to be evasive or provide an adequate reason for not accepting the challenge.
"

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by Kishka

So, I gather you know Randi?

lol his center is actually a few miles away from here, but that's only a coincidence which I just found out about a few minutes ago

Have the participants came out and said that they didn't agree to the test parameters?

[Kishka]

Originally Posted by russianrocket

lol his center is actually a few miles away from here, but that's only a coincidence which I just found out about a few minutes ago


Strange, I noticed that too, I'm in SoFla as well. There are no coincidences ....

Have the participants came out and said that they didn't agree to the test parameters?

Your guess as good as mine...

[russianrocket]

lol well by coincidence, I mean that because you asked me if I knew him, and I just so happened to live right down the street from him... I live in Fort lauderdale Florida.

[Kishka]

Originally Posted by russianrocket

lol well by coincidence, I mean that because you asked me if I knew him, and I just so happened to live right down the street from him... I live in Fort lauderdale Florida.

Oh okay. Yes, I live in the Ft. Lauderdale area too...nice to meetchya...

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by Kishka

Oh okay. Yes, I live in the Ft. Lauderdale area too...nice to meetchya...

See, now that's an interesting coincidence that two random people on an international forum just so happen to be from the same city and posting on the same thread.

nice to meetchya as well.

[SheldonCooper]

Originally Posted by Kishka

It's kind of strange that they require applicants have a media presence...that's just ODD...

That's probably because they find no point in testing someone who is not famous, the famous claimants are already too big of a problem already. Conducting the tests is a cost they must inccur.

[Kishka]

Originally Posted by russianrocket

Not really that odd. Someone that has real powers that could be tested wouldn't be some obscure never heard of person, would they? If they tested EVERYONE, they'd run out of money pretty quickly.


There are LOTS of people with psychic powers who just don't WANT to expose themselves to burden media/public scrutiny, so if you ask me Randi is missing out on some pretty interesting amazing stuff because of this particular rule, lol...

[Angela]

You don't have to be famous to apply. "Media presence" doesn't mean fame, according to the rules of the Challenge. It only means that someone in the media must have noticed or heard about you, and reported on you, even in a miniscule way. None of the people who have had applications accepted and protocols worked upon have been really famous. And as far as I know, no really famous people have ever applied -- although Randi has personally invited some famous people to apply and has even offered to bend some of the rules to accommodate at least one famous psychic.

From the Challenge official rules:

12. This offer is not open to any and all persons. Before being considered as an applicant, the person applying must satisfy two conditions: First, he/she must have a “media presence,” which means having been published, written about, or known to the media in regard to his/her claimed abilities or powers. This can be established by producing articles, videos, books, or other published material that specifically addresses the person’s abilities. Second, he/she must produce at least one signed document from an academic who has witnessed the powers or abilities of the person, and will validate that these powers or abilities have been verified.

[supertom]

Not this again

[codenamesmiley]

Originally Posted by russianrocket

Not really that odd. Someone that has real powers that could be tested wouldn't be some obscure never heard of person, would they? If they tested EVERYONE, they'd run out of money pretty quickly.

So, you "ass u me" that anyone that actually has gifts...must also come in a person who is aggressive, loves the limelight and attention and fame...and lacks need for privacy? trust me..those with gifts..also know what the fame will do to them..you will find more obscure never heard of person with gifts..than you will famous ones.

I will take "yes" Regis..final answer.

If they tested everyone...they would find someone who'd take the money..that is for sure. You see..IF they tested just anyone...the challenge would have been won a long time ago, I'll bet the farm on it!

James Randi only set up this test with one participant in mind. Sylvia Browne. If you ain't Sylvia and you don't sign with a green ballpoint pen on your application...you ain't gettin' tested! That man has personal issues with Sylvia.

Be blessed,
Rebecca

[Angela]

Originally Posted by codenamesmiley

James Randi only set up this test with one participant in mind. Sylvia Browne. If you ain't Sylvia and you don't sign with a green ballpoint pen on your application...you ain't gettin' tested! That man has personal issues with Sylvia.

Be blessed,
Rebecca

Randi set up this test in 1964, ten years before Sylvia Browne gave her first claimed psychic reading.

[danas]

Originally Posted by Kishka

It's kind of strange that they require applicants have a media presence...that's just ODD...

from the FAQ

Issue 2: I’ve never been featured in a news story.

Response: Newspapers and news stations love human interest stories. Contact one and ask that they run your story. If you can really perform what you claim, that should be no problem!

Issue 3: You didn’t used to have this rule. Why do you have it now?

Response: The JREF has spent valuable time and resources investigating claims that were submitted by people who were obviously suffering from a mental ailment. These people need medical help, not encouragement. By requiring media presence, the JREF ensures that only those people who make an impact on society will be tested, and the individuals who are mentally ill receive no encouragement to continue their delusions.

that makes sense to me

[codenamesmiley]

Originally Posted by Angela

Randi set up this test in 1964, ten years before Sylvia Browne gave her first claimed psychic reading.

Well then, I'd like to know the real reason for all the drama between those two.

[ButterflyWoman]

Originally Posted by codenamesmiley

Well then, I'd like to know the real reason for all the drama between those two.

She once agreed, in public, to do the testing. Then she backed out. I don't know the details. I'm sure you can find out more, both pro- and anti- on both sides, but doing a Google search on their names: James Randi Sylvia Browne

[Kishka]

Originally Posted by danas

from the FAQ


that makes sense to me

Thanks Danas, that makes sense to me too...

[codenamesmiley]

Yes, that makes sense to me too.

I guess this would be one sure fire way to find out for myself..if I am gifted or dilusional, eh?

Be Blessed,
Rebecca

I have read a few things..as per the Sylvia/Randi drama...and I am not really that interested. I am a Sylvia fan, even if her books are snoozers after about the third one. It is hard for me to shift my prejudice, therefore...I will remain blissfully unaware of the real truth behind the drama, and wear my rose colored sylvia fanclub glasses, instead. lol

In love and light, all.

[ButterflyWoman]

Originally Posted by codenamesmiley

I have read a few things..as per the Sylvia/Randi drama...and I am not really that interested.

Nor am I. In fact, I don't care in the least about James Randi OR Sylvia Browne (though I like one somewhat less than the other, it doesn't matter which one is which).

I was only responding to this:

Originally Posted by codenamesmiley

Well then, I'd like to know the real reason for all the drama between those two.