Flim-Flam! Psychics, ESP, Unicorns, and Other Delusions - James Randi [140]
I will pay the sum of $10,000 (U.S.) to any person who can demonstrate any paranormal ability under satisfactory observing conditions. Such a demonstration must be performed under these rules and limitations:
1. Claimant must state in advance just what powers 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 a positive or a negative result.
2. Only the actual performance of the announced nature and scope will be acceptable, done within the agreed limits.
3. Claimant agrees that all data, photographic materials, videotape or film records and/or other material obtained, may be used by Mr. Randi in any way he chooses.
4. Where a judging procedure is needed, such procedure will be decided upon in advance after the claim is stated. All such decisions will be arrived at by Mr. Randi and the claimant, to their mutual satisfaction, in advance of any further participation.
5. Mr. Randi may ask that a claimant perform before an appointed representative, rather than before him, if distance and time dictate that procedure. Such performance is only for purposes of determining whether claimant is likely to be able to perform as promised.
6. Mr. Randi will not undertake to pay for any expenses involved on the part of the claimant, such as transportation, accommodation, etc.
7. Claimant surrenders any and all rights to legal action against Mr. Randi or any other participating agency or person, so far as may be legally done under present statutes, in regard to injury, accident, or any other damage of a physical or emotional nature, or financial or professional loss of any other kind.
8. In the event that the claimant is successful under the agreed terms and conditions, Mr. Randi's check for the amount of $10,000 (U.S.) shall be immediately paid to that claimant, in full settlement.
9. Copies of this document are available to any person who sends a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Mr. Randi requesting it.
10. This offer is made by Mr. Randi personally, and not on behalf of any other agency or organization, though others may be involved in the examination of claims submitted.
11. This offer is open to any and all persons in any part of the world, regardless of sex, race, educational background, etc., and will continue until the prize is awarde
12. claimant must agree upon what will constitute a conclusion that he/she does not possess the claimed ability or powers. This will be a major consideration in accepting or rejecting claimants.
Signed
James Randi
NOTARIZED:
State of New Jersey
Jane V. N. Conger
County of Monmouth
Signed before me this 18th of June, 1981
Just who has shown up in the last fifteen years to claim this handsome sum? Only two types: those who honestly believe they have the claimed powers, and those who are outright fakes. The first group far outnumbers the second, I have found. The fakes are unwilling, if they're smart, to accept my offer.
There is one rather cute angle that the second class has adopted when accepting my offer. It is to refuse ahead of time to accept the money if the test is passed—not that anyone has ever even come close to passing it. When the contestants enter the arena proving pureness of motive by surrendering all claims to the $10,000, the mantle of sainthood seems to fall upon them. But I don't much believe in saints, so I'm not impressed at all. I'm just a bit warier.
For example, Jean-Pierre Girard, in France, and Suzie Cottrell, in the United States—both