The Prize #2

[tom <tdroege2@earthlink.net>]

The response to the first prize offer was pretty underwhelming considering the 
size of the prize offered.  My first assumption is that Americans have lots 
of money and little time.  Not so true in Canada where people seem to have 
more time and less money.  The statistics are not very good.  ;^)  I had said 
(all mail lost) that I wanted at least a half dozen respondents to go through 
the work of investigating the tax and other consequences.  I got 2 or three.   
Only two really responded in a positive way.

Still, the quality of those that did apply is exceptional.  So I am quite 
tempted.  I just hope a few more will show interest.

For those that missed he first mailing, I have proposed a prize of $20,000 for 
work leading to the improvement of the tass data.  I think it would be 
appropriate to have a debate here as to what the rules should be, and then we 
would set a fairly long period to demonstrate a positive result.  Say the 
year 2005.  I think pushing the noise floor below 0.02 or 0.01 would be a 
suitable goal for such a prize.  No result, no prize.  The method would also 
have to be practical.  I have to be able to process all the data in a year 
using a half dozen or so GHz computers. 

Jennifer exploded when she saw the first offer but I think I have convinced 
her that this is a good way to advance a project that I have already spent 
much more in pursuing.  

If any of you are interested in participating, send again a short mail 
message.  For those of you new to me it should include some indication of 
your qualifications.