Archive for August, 2008
Predictify.com
You can say what you want: Web 2.0 stimulates the brains of Stanford MBAs. The latest example is Predictify: a “prediction platform” — a forward-looking news site where we can have our pressing queries about the state of the world. We can submit a question to Predictify, whose community, in turn then posts responses. Predictions are subsequently rated on their level of expertise, brilliance, foresight, etc. The idea of the site is to tap into the collective wisdom of the crowds. For what it is worth, just have a look at a couple of the “top-rated” predictions.
Query: On August 16, a couple from Wisconsin -Verlyn and Judith Adamson- won $1.4 million (before taxes) in a random numbers lottery for having selected the same winning numbers using four separately purchased tickets. Verlyn Adams claims to have developed a formula for selecting winning lottery numbers and may be “exploring patent protection” for this equation. Will the Adamson family receive a U.S. patent on their winning numbers equation by the end of 2009?
Top Rated Prediction: If they are from Wisconsin, there had to be drinking involved. I’ve come up with great ideas while drinking too. – Guru Sorenstam
Query: In 2015, will the world population be over or under seven billion people?
Top Rated Prediction: The mother ship is in a low orbit. You can return home now (also predicts more than seven billion people in 2015) – Expert Hoodlumman.
Query: The US won 36 Gold Medals at the Beijing Olympics. Will America improve its tally at the London games in 2012?
Top Rated Prediction: 37 gold medals or more: These Olympics seem to draw more attention than what I anticipated. I think more good athletes will be interested in participating in 2012. – lighteningrod
But there is more. If you want to find out how many electoral votes Obama will have over McCain or what the gas prices will be by the end of the year, then go to www.predictify.com. The site is funded by Sierra Ventures and Sherpalo Ventures. Finally, there are some VC’s out there not minding to spend a few bucks ($4.3M to be exact) to increase the entertainment value of the internet.
