How does one go about submitting a test proposal?

[newlyfound]

If there is a section that covers that, would someone please direct me to it?

Thank you very much.

 

[GzuzKryzt]

Hi newlyfound,

this subforum is not a bad place to start with submitting a test proposal for the JREF Challenge. The forum members will have a go at it and let you know their opinions.

To receive an official answer, please contact Jeff Wagg: challenge@randi.org



Welcome to the forum.

 

[Oualawouzou]

Note that if you wish to apply for the challenge, you will need either a media profile or the backing of academics who believe there is "something" to your claim. A local skeptic organization may be able to help with these.

 

[colin]

Hi newlyfound!

You definately want to read this: http://www.randi.org/research/challenge.html

Although us Forum members don’t represent the JREF, we may be able to help you setup a protocol.

I’m curious. What is your claim?

 

[newlyfound]

Thank you sooo much for your replies. As far a back up I live in Los Angeles and do log on to the Skeptic Society's forum everyday. As far as Michael Shermer's organization backing me up once I tell them, I don't have the slightest idea. But I could contact them.

Oualawouzou,
I might sound idiotic but what exactly is "media profile"? thanks.

@GzuzKryzt,
Thank you for the contact name as well as corresponding e-mail adress.

Colin,
Thanks a mil for the link, I'll have at it in a bit. It's ok to see this as a naive remark but am I supposed to just blurt out to you guys what's up? I can pm about it, I don't mind, but as far as bringing it up on a public forum with over 12, 000 members, I don't know .

Also, one more question, do you guys know if there is a specific frame as far as the exact duration of the test, or that's open ended?

Again, thank you so much for your help.

 

[TheBoyPaj]

I might sound idiotic but what exactly is "media profile"? thanks.

From the page to which you were directed:

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.

If you have any further questions about that, Mr Wagg is the person to ask.

Thanks a mil for the link, I'll have at it in a bit. It's ok to see this as a naive remark but am I supposed to just blurt out to you guys what's up? I can pm about it, I don't mind, but as far as bringing it up on a public forum with over 12, 000 members, I don't know .

That's up to you. Certainly everyone here would be very interested to hear about it, but be prepared for people to ask some skeptical questions. These will include asking whether you have thoroughly tested your ability, and how. In general, people will try to determine whether you are serious or just yanking our chain. We get a lot of that around here.

You don't have to post here if you don't want to. You can just apply.

Also, one more question, do you guys know if there is a specific frame as far as the exact duration of the test, or that's open ended?

That depends on the claim, of course. If it can be tested in ten minutes, all well and groovy. An afternoon would also be fine. If you're expecting someone to monitor you for a week, be aware that you will be expected to pay expenses.

 

[Jackalgirl]

Also, one more question, do you guys know if there is a specific frame as far as the exact duration of the test, or that's open ended?

As Paj pointed out, it depends on the claim. However, be prepared to have problems if your protocol involves, say, vague "prophesies" that are open-ended (i.e., "WWIII will begin in the Spratley Islands"). For predictions, you'll probably need to be pretty precise, with a deadline for completion. Again, though, I'm not a JREF rep, and Jeff Wagg will be your best point of reference.

Also, note that passing one of the other skeptic groups' Paranormal Challenges (several have them) will most likely also qualify you insofar as the "notoriety" clause is concerned. Again, check with Jeff, especially if you plan to shoot for another group's Challenge.

And don't hesitate to talk about your protocol here. There are lots of folks here who will be glad to help you develop or refine one. Just be prepared: if you change the goalposts (keep shifting the claim, or jumping from claim to claim), or if you're infuriatingly vague, we'll probably get a wee bit impatient here. ; )

 

[colin]

Colin,
Thanks a mil for the link, I'll have at it in a bit. It's ok to see this as a naive remark but am I supposed to just blurt out to you guys what's up? I can pm about it, I don't mind, but as far as bringing it up on a public forum with over 12, 000 members, I don't know .

Newlyfound, I'm not sure I’d be very good helping with a protocol and, as pointed out earlier, if you post on the open Forum you’ll be inundated with replies. Most will be helpful, some not so much (I recommend just ignoring the snide ones.)

I see Jackalgirl has posted in this thread. From what I’ve read on this forum, I think she’d be a good person to PM your claim to if you want some advice from a skeptical minded person who is very patient, polite, and competent. That is if she doesn’t mind of course.

I am still curious, though.

By the way, welcome to the forum!

 

[Soapy Sam]

Newlyfound.
Be aware of a fundamental distinction.
This is not JREF. It is an internet forum hosted by JREF.
Nobody here can make authoritative statements regarding the Challenge, beyond quoting the links you have already been given. Read the rules.

If you feel like discussing your ideas on the forum, that's your right and choice, but you are under no obligation to do so.

 

[Jackalgirl]

I see Jackalgirl has posted in this thread. From what I’ve read on this forum, I think she’d be a good person to PM your claim to if you want some advice from a skeptical minded person who is very patient, polite, and competent. That is if she doesn’t mind of course.

Nope! Don't mind at all in the least -- Newlyfound, feel free to PM me. I'd be happy to help you try to narrow down your claim and design a protocol (insofar as my feeble powers to think scientifically are concerned). Just please remember I'm not a JREF rep. I'll tell you how I think JREF will react, but you'll ultimately have to go to Jeff Wagg to find out how they actually will. : )

Thank you very much for the plug-o'-confidence, colin! : )

 

[suncrafter]

So what's your claim?