About Us & Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you doing this?
As of March, 2006 the cost of the Iraq War was 300 Billion. The cost of this war will be at least 500 billion and I think there hasn't been an adequate debate on the lost opportunity costs of the Iraq war. To this end, I'm having a contest called "500 Billion".

Why did I choose 500 Billion?
The March 2006 cost of the war is 300 Billion and prior to the war Economist magazine estimated that the cost of the war would be between 150 Billion and 1 Trillion. I chose 50 billion simple because it is a conservative round number for the cost of the war and the ideas you bring to this site will help the common person get their head around the scale of money being spent. Of course others are now estimating the cost could top 2 Trillion. This high figures are too abstract for most people to understand, this site will give people concrete examples of what 500 billion dollars really means.

How will winners be paid?
Payment sent by Paypal.com, or by check.

Can non-Americans contribute ideas?
Yes.

Will you be biased toward ideas you like?
Of course I will be, everyone is biased towards their favored worldview, however I will try to be fair and not let my bias rule my decision on which ideas are worthy of winning. The grand prize will be determined by a vote.

Do I have to be at least 18 years old?
No. Ideas are ideas.

Are there any ideas you'll reject?
X-rated, illegal, hateful, or really stupid ideas (I'll use my own discretion on what constitutes stupid). I'll also reject any submission that take too much text from another web page or does not site the web page as a source for the information. If you don't think this is fair, hey, its my money I'm giving away.

How can you give away money. Are you rich?
Yes, but not in money. My net worth right now is $2000 CDN. I can afford to pay the prize money.

Why are you including prize money?
It motivates people to participate and give their time to generate ideas.