Soothsay Survey

Welcome to the
20th Annual
Soothsay Survey
for the Year: February 1, 2004
to January 31, 2005

Have you ever wondered if you could predict the future? We think you can. If you are familiar with the survey, feel free to proceed to the Survey itself by clicking the appropriate circular button above. If you are new to the Soothsay Survey, you might find it useful to acquaint yourself with this introduction.

Humans have the ability to predict the future. This website is an investigation of that potential. In order to accomplish this, we need your predictions. The Soothsay Survey is a place where your predictions can be stored and evaluated. If you would like to donate a prediction or two; simply select the appropriate question(s) on the Survey, fill in the appropriate answer box(es), then, click on the ‘submit survey’ button at the bottom of the page. We love predictions, so do not hold back. Let us know what you feel is going to happen in the future. The phenomena which we are examining is very subtle. The more predictions we receive, the sooner we will be able to tell you what the future will hold.

There are two essential requirements to be considered while making your predictions. First, your prediction must be of an event which is relatively unexpected. To predict an event which will logically occur will not be considered a accurate prediction. The second requirement is: the prediction must receive widespread media attention in North America in order for it to be considered appropriate for the purposes of this Survey. The media attention must occur 'during the year', which means that the prediction must occur during the time interval listed directly below the Survey title at the top of this introduction, and, in the box at the top left hand corner of the Survey screen itself. Finally, if you directly influence a prediction to come true, it will not be considered an accurate prediction.

The Survey screen is divided into four windows. The top, left-hand window designates the Survey currently being conducted and the dates between which your predictions should become public knowledge through the media. There is also a small gallery of eye-candy to scroll through in this window. The top, right-hand window contains ‘jump’ buttons, which will provide you with more information about the questions. For example, when you select the ‘More About This Question’ button, a more detailed explanation of the Survey questions will appear in this window. The numbered bar at the top of the window can be used to move to the explanation for a specific question. The lower, left-hand window is a point and click menu which allows you to move quickly to any question. The final section of the screen contains the Survey itself, and the spaces for your predictions.

As with all new technological ventures, we have launched this Survey with several known 'bugs' still annoying our designs. You may find the screen 'jumpy' when selecting a particular answer box. Also, if you use the 'TAB' button to cycle through the questions, you might accidentally erase your predictions. We recommend using the mouse or the directional buttons on your keyboard to move about the Survey. It is also recommended that you visit the Information area of the website, prior to or after taking the Survey. Any of this information, which is relevant to making your predictions, is available on the Survey screen itself (in the upper, right window). There should be no problem returning to this Introduction page while taking the Survey. We apologize for these problems and are looking forward to addressing them in the near future.

The web-site, as you find it today, is an information gathering beach head, when compared to the intricate, multidimensional web-zone we dream about building in the future. We will be adding areas to this site periodically in the future. In order for us to develop this site, we need to know what your impressions are of the Soothsay Survey and the manner in which it is presented. By clicking on the 'Comments' symbol in the 'jump' button area (as described above), you will be able to personally express your opinion to us. Your help in this matter is greatly appreciated. The most recent addition to the website is the Information area. It contains information with regards to the Survey, its administration, and, its results. The information Area can be assessed by selecting the circular button labeled ‘More Information’ at the top or bottom of this page.

We encourage you to participate in every Survey, or, whenever you feel inclined to share a prediction with us. Repeat soothsayers will aid us in our research. The next version of the Survey will be the 21th Annual Soothsay Survey (next year). The 20th Annual Soothsay Survey will be scored during the month following the end of 'the Year', and your scores will be available at that time. If you fill in the 'NAME' area at the top of the survey (something unique or mundane), it will be easier for you to identify your score next year.

The producers of the Soothsay Survey believe that humans possess the potential to predict future events. This research project is primarily an attempt to examine this potential. We are presently exploring ways in which the internet can be used to collect and record this human attribute. Your cooperation in our endeavors is greatly appreciated. We have designed this website to be fun, so enjoy yourself. If you know anyone, who might have some predictions for us, please tell them about this page. More artwork and other pleasentries will be added regularly. Come back and see. The Soothsay Survey, artwork and other intellectual properties are copyright of the House Of Ideas 1998-2004.

In order to proceed to the Survey, please click on the appropriate circular button below. Thank you for your participation, and, keep in touch.

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