Thread: www.winchestertreasure.com

Thanks for your help everyone. Looks like I'm gonna join the Winchester Hunt too.

Gosh, Lizzy, you have given this some thought. I'll try and answer your questions as we go....

Originally Posted by lizardlips

With the intent of constructive feedback, I'll say that I haven't ordered the hunt, not because of doubts that it is "legit," but because I'm not sure that I like the terms or odds. Too many questions. So here's what has kept me from ordering.


1. First, the costs aren't in the rules. Why does that matter? Well, I don't know how much the book will be so I have no way of knowing if I prefer that or the pdf. And there seems to be no hurry, as it's not a first-to-solve hunt. It's not clear if the pdf option will go away once the book is available, or if I'll still have that choice.

Also, as the costs are not in the rules, they could change at any time. Prices could go up or down, and fees for bronze/silver certificates could also go up. Although the last point is fairly trivial, now that I've found the costs by actually clicking on the entries button.

The book will cost the same as the PDF. We only put the PDF out as a pre-publication thing because we had intended to launch the book before Easter and were then held up because one of the team has been quite ill. (If you are that interested you can work out more by looking at where our charity donations are going via the links on the website). When we get the book and have the distribution channels in place then the PDF will be withdrawn and we will only sell the book.

The certificate costs could vary if there were, for example, increase in postage fees, costs of certificates etc. However, we think this is very unlikely and there is a bit of a buffer in the price - everything other than costs for the certificates/packing/post goes to charity.

2. Second, the difficulty of the puzzle is unknown. This might be of less concern to me if this was a first-to-solve puzzle. But since there may be a "tie-break" among 2 or 20,000 correct entries, I can't tell if this a test of skill or, in effect, an expensive lottery ticket.

I don't know how many people will solve it either. I guess you could ask other people here who have bought it what they think the likelihood is. I think it's much more likely to be nearer the 2 than the 20,000

3. Rules number 26 and 27 seem to be in conflict with each the idea that the hunt will stay open until December 2007, with the possibility of a tie break. I interpret Rule 26 to say that DF will verify that the winner has abided by the rules within 28 days of receipt of the correct entry. Rule 27 seems to indicate that the contest will then be over. (Perhaps Rule 26 should say "whichever shall be later" rather than "whichever shall be earlier." ??)

You are right and I'm confused too. I'll check it out - but I think what was meant was that all entries are checked on arrival. Some checks can be performed to make sure, for instance, that the claimant isn't the brother of the person who made the treasure without holding up the overall competition. On the other hand you may be right and there may be a solicitor who is going to get roasted on Monday.

4. The value of the treasure is unknown. I have no way of knowing if the value of the prize is even enough to justify the terms of Rule 31. And there is no provision for selecting another winner, if there is one, if the first winner selected doesn't show up. If the prize is really substantial, surely the extra cost to provide travel/accomodations wouldn't be overwhelming.

This was really aimed at people in the UK. Obviously, from a publicity point of view a presentation with photographers present is better than none but if it can't be arranged then the prize will be delivered to the winner.

5. Finally, given the above reservations, Rule 39 is an enthusiasm killer for me.

Code:

39.  These rules are subject to change. The latest version of the rules may be found on the website and the competition will always be deemed to be held in accordance with the latest rules displayed there. Ignorance of the latest rules will not nullify them.

As you have pointed out the rule 26 is unclear and needs to be looked at. If it needs changing then the new version will go on the website. The problem is that rule changes may be forced - by legislation for example - and there has to be a way of saying that the rules have changed. This isn't any different to any of the other competitions I've seen except many of them just put E & O E on the end (Errors and Omissions Excepted)

I find some of my concerns to be similar to those expressed about the Win My West Palm Beach Home puzzle, which I eventually purchased. But Ken's willingness to reveal his identity, risk his professional credibility, and award a substantial early prize mitigated those concerns for me personally (but obviously not for all).

Hope this helps you understand, and maybe improve your sales,

Lizzy

We have a difficulty in that some people, no matter what we say, will be suspicious. We could go on (and on and on) trying to convince people that everything is OK but I'm not sure that we would ever succeed. Short of giving people the puzzle and the answers (and the prize!?) we can't convince everyone.

I'm hoping that some stuff that has been sent to cthree will allow him to provide some sort of comfort.

Winnie

Originally Posted by emerald

Thanks for your help everyone. Looks like I'm gonna join the Winchester Hunt too.

We look forward to getting you on board.

I am heartened by the number of people (apparently) from 'over there' who are taking part.

Anything I can do to hinder you in your quest....

Winnie

Hey Guys,

Come on in, this is a great hunt, in fact it's the hunt attracting the most attention over this side of the pond !!!

I'm the guy over here who asked if it's legit. Trust me I'm a doctor, and there's no problem, I'm happy it's A-OK !!! Although it's published privately, the organisers have excellent links with the Winchester Tourist Board, and the printed book is going to be sold in the official Tourist Information Centres.

Those of us who have the hunt are immersed in research about Winchester. As far as I can see, it's all going to found over the internet, and I don't reckon that there's going to be a need for a tie-break ... it's that good.

So come on in .... the water's fine, and there's a golden prize that's worth winning !!! Lets get chatting about the hunt, I for one need to bounce ideas off people.

I trust doctors a hair more than lawyers, and slightly less than people who aren't doctors, but play them on TV. :P

Did you see the article the other day that in the U.S. people (regardless of income) who do receive medical care only receive the recommended treatment according to medical standards 55% of the time.

Maybe the U.K. doctors are better??