AlanD's dashboard

Hi Nigel, I'm not sure if I feel as strongly as some of the other respondents on this issue but have to agree that the best way to stem the rising tide of concern would definitely be to go with:

(3) No predictions on any questions

I can understand the enthusiasm of the hubdub team, as this site is a great concept and they must feel intimately involved in the process. However, the site can only work if there is a guarantee of objectivity in judging, much the same as in any sporting competition, debate or awards process.

Here's a possible idea: Have you thought of recruiting a group of independent judges whose ONLY job is to become expert on hubdub rules and procedures in order to resolve sticky issues of wording, scope or propriety? This would be as opposed to relying on your content experts whose primary role could then be confined generating the news links, providing guidance to users and, if they wished, participating in the game-play also. Frankly, I'd welcome the opportunity to go head-to-head with "thedoctor", "tisha" and the rest of your team of experts and see how our predictive skills match up... But NOT if they're also going to be the final arbiters of any disputes or anomalous outcomes.

Finally, I just want to say that I'm impressed with how quickly you're handling this matter. In launching a beta version like this, I'm sure that there will be glitches in process, just as much as technology. I have no lack of confidence in your ability to work out these wrinkles. Keep up the good work ...