Register to participate in the quest to solve the puzzle

First posted 2 November 2002 at 0124 GMT
Last updated 9 December 2002 at 2130 GMT

REDMOND, Washington — For nearly two years, participants have searched for the correct solution to the States List Puzzle.  So far, no one has solved it.  Every month, more information become available:  including the next state name on the list, as well as additional clues and the elimination of theories (guesses) proven to be incorrect. 

All researchers, students, and those who love a challenge are invited to register and join the worldwide community of those who are searching for the solution to the States List Puzzle.  This quest not only satisfies our need to solve such a seemingly-simple problem but also to raise funds for charity.

Request for contributions

Those who register as participants in the quest to solve the States List Puzzle are asked to make an initial contribution of four dollars ($4.00).  This is a completely voluntary contribution -- donations are requested but are not mandatory.

Rule for all registrants

There is one and only one rule for those who register as participants to solve the States List Puzzle. 

There is no requirement that a registrant make a four dollar donation to the charity in order to participate in the States List Puzzle Contest.  Of course, a donation is requested and is the purpose of the puzzle. 

However, there is an absolute requirement with which all registrants -- those who make a donation and those who do not -- must agree to abide.  Because the contest organizers will email registered participants lists of clues and previous (incorrect) guesses, each registrant must agree:

Each registered participant will not share with anyone else the clues, guesses and other information about the States List Puzzle which he/she receives from the contest organizers.

Donations

New registrants are asked to make a donation of four dollars.  As stated above, this is a voluntary, non-mandatory donation, but it is requested to fulfill the purpose of the contest, which is to support charitable purposes.

In case anyone asks, "Yes, the contest organizers will provide a receipt for the donation, which may be deductible for federal income tax purposes as an IRC Section 501(c)(3) charitable contribution.

The four dollar donation will cover the following:

  • Registration as a participant, so that the participant receives email updates about the puzzle;
  • List of clues issued by the puzzle creator;
  • List of previous (incorrect) guesses;  and
  • The right to submit one guess (which should be submitted within 30 days after registration),

After registration, a participant may submit a proposed solution to the States List Puzzle ("a guess") at any time.  A donation at least of one dollar is requested for each guess.

Updates

Registered participants will receive a list of clues and previous, incorrect addresses.  As participants submit incorrect guesses, registered participants will receive a periodic update of these incorrect guesses.   All such communications will be sent via email to the email address of each registered participant.

Privacy

The contest organizers will not distribute any Participant's name, address, telephone number, email address or other personal information to any company or person in any manner.  Period.  Email the puzzle administrator if additional information is required.

The Puzzle administrators require a Participant's address and telephone number only for a Participant who wishes to be eligible to receive a cash prize for solving the puzzle. 

Any Participant who does not submit an address and telephone number may participate in the quest for a solution but is ineligible to receive any cash prize:

If such a Participant is the first to solve the puzzle, the cash prize will be donated to the charity in the name of the Participant.

Responsibility of winner

The Participant who wins the cash prize for solving the puzzle is responsible for all taxes.

To register

Anyone may register in two ways:


Related information

 

 

 

Related

Online Registration


States List Puzzle


Privacy Notice

The Puzzle administrators commit that they will not disclose to any other person or business any of the Participants' private information, including their names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and any other similar information, without their prior consent.


Reason for Contact Info

The Puzzle administrators require a Participant's address and telephone number only for a Participant who wishes to be eligible to receive a cash prize for solving the puzzle. 

Any Participant who does not submit an address and telephone number may participate in the quest for a solution but is ineligible to receive any cash prize:

If such a Participant is the first to solve the puzzle, the cash prize will be donated to the charity in the name of the Participant.


Taxes

The Participant who wins the prize for solving the puzzle is responsible for all taxes. 


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