presley (03/08/83)
The following is the text of Randi's challenge, for those of you interested. The psychics among you already knew what it said. I will pay the sum of $10,000 (U.S.) to any person who can demonstrate any paranormal ability under satisfactory observational conditions. Such demonstration must be performed according to the following rules: 1. Applicant must outline in advance exactly what powers or abilities will be demonstrated, and the limits of the proposed demonstration as far as conditions, time, location, and other variables are concerned. 2. Nothing but the actual performance of the announced phenomenon will be acceptable, demonstrated within whatever time limits are agreed upon and under agreed conditions. 3. Applicant agrees that all data gathered during the demonstration may be used by Mr. Randi in any way he chooses. 4. A panel of competent persons, clearly unbiased and agreed upon by both parties, will be established to judge the demonstration, and members of this panel may be called upon to prove there competence before being accepted as members. 5. Mr. Randi does not intend to pay any expenses to any applicant. All such expenses must be borne by the applicant or sponsors. 6. Applicant surrenders all rights to legal claims against Mr. Randi or members of the panel for injury of any kind, whether physical, emotional, or financial. 7. In the event that this sum ($10,000) is won fairly by the applicant, the amount shall be paid immediately in the form of a check signed by Mr. Randi. 8. Copies of this document shall be available to any person who sends a stamped, self-addressed envelope to this address: James Randi 51 Lennox Avenue Rumson, N.J. 07760 9. Since demonstrations will be variable in design, and claims will vary in nature, terms of this agreement will be modified when necessary to accommodate the demonstration. 10. There must be sufficient evidence that the applicant does seem to be able to perform as claimed. To this end, applicants may be asked to perform a simple test by remote means, either by Mr. Randi assigning a proxy to visit and evaluate the applicant, or by undergoing tests by other methods -- by mail, for example. If these tests are passed, applicant will be invited to perform formally. 11. It is understood that this offer is made by Mr. Randi personally and not on behalf of any organization or individual with which he is associated. 12. This offer is open to all persons of any race, sex, age, or nationality, in all parts of the world. //Notarized//