Could You Win The Bathroom Bet?
Poll
 | 8 votes (50%) | ||
| | 8 votes (50%) |
16 members have voted
I am thinking about only using the internet for direct work related activities and that's all in the upcoming new year myself. Time to get back to the basics and start spending time more naturally.
Quote: MaxPenAll the people on this site saying as long as they had a computer hooked to the internet.they could do it easy. This is very telling about the state of society today. Kids no longer socialize. They watch other kids play with toys on YouTube. Imagination skills are not developing. There is a lack of empathy developing as well.
I am thinking about only using the internet for direct work related activities and that's all in the upcoming new year myself. Time to get back to the basics and start spending time more naturally.
I’ll give you $5 if you can do it.
Quote: MaxPenAll the people on this site saying as long as they had a computer hooked to the internet.they could do it easy. This is very telling about the state of society today. Kids no longer socialize. They watch other kids play with toys on YouTube. Imagination skills are not developing. There is a lack of empathy developing as well.
I am thinking about only using the internet for direct work related activities and that's all in the upcoming new year myself. Time to get back to the basics and start spending time more naturally.
I'm not nobody. I said I would take my guitar. Don't need the computer/phone/etc. In fact, it would be a relief to be free of them for a month.
Quote: beachbumbabsI'm not nobody. I said I would take my guitar. Don't need the computer/phone/etc. In fact, it would be a relief to be free of them for a month.
There was a period when I was moving and I lost my phone, so I had no phone or internet for about 2 weeks. It was awesome. Ted Kaczynski was right!
Quote: MaxPen
I am thinking about only using the internet for direct work related activities and that's all in the upcoming new year myself. Time to get back to the basics and start spending time more naturally.
I think that is admirable as long as you don't replace your internet time with another inane form of entertainment (eg. movies, tv, etc).
Quote: DRichI think that is admirable as long as you don't replace your internet time with another inane form of entertainment (eg. movies, tv, etc).
Let the record be clear, I am thinking about it. I am just as hooked on the internet as anyone else. Not so much TV. I didn't really start watching much TV up until about 6 months ago. I do think that I could do the bathroom challenge although I wouldn't really want to even for a 100k.
Vitaminwater Will Give $100,000 To Someone Who Can Go Without Their Smartphone For A Year.Quote: MaxPenAll the people on this site saying as long as they had a computer hooked to the internet.they could do it easy. This is very telling about the state of society today. Kids no longer socialize. They watch other kids play with toys on YouTube. Imagination skills are not developing. There is a lack of empathy developing as well.
I am thinking about only using the internet for direct work related activities and that's all in the upcoming new year myself. Time to get back to the basics and start spending time more naturally.
https://www.bustle.com/p/vitaminwater-will-give-100000-to-someone-who-can-go-without-their-smartphone-for-a-year-13248990
that said, they will be given a cell phone (a Nokia 3310, to be specific), so that they'll have something to use in case of emergencies and to do non-smartphone things.
Quote: RigondeauxQuote: GialmereYeah, the TZ episode was inspired by a short story called "The Bet" which had a more profound ending. In that version the bet was several years long. The young man who wanted money was placed in a small, unlocked room (if he left he lost) and was allowed no human contact. It was a monastic prisoner's set up. Food was delivered via a slot at the base of the door. He had heat and light, a bed, a chair and a table. The only pleasure he was allowed was reading so he was provided pen and paper to ask for the books he wanted via the door slot.
At first he asked for frivolous titles. Then he asked for greater literature. As the months turned to years he moved on to history, the sciences et cetra and finally religion and the works of the great philosophers.
Meanwhile, the finances of the rich man who bet against him had taken a turn for the worse. Paying off the bet would ruin him. So it was with heavy heart and despair that he went to open cell door on the morning that the bet was concluded...The rich man found the door open and the cell empty. The poor man had left during the night, mere hours before he was to collect his winnings! On the table was a note thanking the rich man for a fulfilling education but as he now found the pursuit of money to be a petty and unworthy goal he was forfeiting the wager.
This is an extreme case. It's interesting to think about though.
What if you were locked in a comfortable room with nothing but exercise equipment, a library of high quality books and whole foods for a year?
Setting aside complications like having kids you don't see, I think a lot of us would emerge much happier. Maybe you could even get people to pay for something like this.
Club Fed.
Quote: RigondeauxThere was a period when I was moving and I lost my phone, so I had no phone or internet for about 2 weeks. It was awesome. Ted Kaczynski was right!
I started reading Ted Kaczynski's manifesto some time back (it is available free as a Kindle book on Amazon). I didn't finish it, but found the ideas more intriguing than I would have thought.
Quote: AxelWolfVitaminwater Will Give $100,000 To Someone Who Can Go Without Their Smartphone For A Year.
I would gladly do it for much less.
Quote: AcesAndEightsI started reading Ted Kaczynski's manifesto some time back (it is available free as a Kindle book on Amazon). I didn't finish it, but found the ideas more intriguing than I would have thought.
The reason I had Ted on the brain is I just read this excellent article.
http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2018/12/the-unabomber-ted-kaczynski-new-generation-of-acolytes.html
It's about how a decent number of people now see him as a visionary. Partly because much of what he predicted is coming true.
Best article I've read in a while.
The name of that episode is "The Silence" and it's one of my favorite episodes. You can Google it if you aren't familiar with it, don't plan on watching it, and thus don't mind being spoiled by the twist ending. For the record, the bet in that episode was the man wasn't allowed to talk for a full year.Quote: FinsRuleThere was a twilight zone episode about this. Guy bet he couldn’t talk for like 6 months.
I won’t spoil the ending.
Quote: WizardI would gladly do it for much less.
The bad part is the lie detector. I have a friend that did 5 years for a probation violation because he failed a lie detector. He got caught selling bootlegged DVDs. He got 3 years probation and had an order to not touch the internet. He claims to me that he never used the internet but he did use the self check outs at grocery stores which uses internet to complete the transaction. He would also call me to Google things when he had a question. I guess his brain considered those using the internet and he failed the lie detector.
Quote: rxwineIf someone from here were to do the challenge I'd let them use a limited internet. They can only read articles on how to make money from baccarat and craps. They can only watch the same slot channel where the person claims to make money. They can only read posts from the real wood kitchen guy, to buy cheap kitchen furniture. And they can watch endless runs of dice influencing videos. Also, you will be a allowed a pistol and one bullet.
It would get used. Arggh.
you could load it with long ass history podcasts and learn stuff, as well as audiobooks.
Quote: rxwineIf someone from here were to do the challenge I'd let them use a limited internet. They can only read articles on how to make money from baccarat and craps. They can only watch the same slot channel where the person claims to make money. They can only read posts from the real wood kitchen guy, to buy cheap kitchen furniture. And they can watch endless runs of dice influencing videos. Also, you will be a allowed a pistol and one bullet.
What about lottery picks? Because without those it's all worthless.
Quote: EdCollinsThe name of that episode is "The Silence" and it's one of my favorite episodes. You can Google it if you aren't familiar with it, don't plan on watching it, and thus don't mind being spoiled by the twist ending. For the record, the bet in that episode was the man wasn't allowed to talk for a full year.
When I was a kid I watched part of a movie that I thought was titled The Silence about, as I recall, somebody in a military school, probably college, and he didn't put down his pencil in time when time ran out on a written test. So, he was punished in that everybody else had to give him the silent treatment. I've always wanted to finish watching it, but I don't think I have the title correct. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?
Quote: WizardWhen I was a kid I watched part of a movie that I thought was titled The Silence about, as I recall, somebody in a military school, probably college, and he didn't put down his pencil in time when time ran out on a written test. So, he was punished in that everybody else had to give him the silent treatment. I've always wanted to finish watching it, but I don't think I have the title correct. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?
The Silence (1975)
I didn't read it explicitly, but I assume the door opens or the light turns on after the 30 days are up, without the person needing to ask for such.
As far as not using a smartphone for a year, my number would be somewhat less than $100k. Probably do it for $25k. I survived without one for 40 years or so.
Quote: miplet
Thanks!
Not making an offer, but you would put $100,000 on this? What if someone you loved a lot wound up on their death beds while you're in there? They won't tell you it's happening, because you're not allowed outside contact right. You get out and find out your mom died while you were in there. To me something like that that could happen would definitely make the risk too high. There are so many scenarios where your input could be very important, some other things could go wrong while in there only you know how to fix, and it could bite hard. It is something definitely not for me, maybe that's all this is.Quote: rainmanAll I need to do this is a tennis or raquet ball, and if you want to throw in a radio I'll bump it to 45 days
Quote: onenickelmiracleBTW, you absolutely could have the internet while being in the dark. Blind people can get on the internet, you would have to use whatever means they have, then get rid of the light the devices emit. Eventually something would probably fail and you would screw it up, because you don't have the learning curve straightened out I'd think. You would probably practice using the phone, computer, etc., but not enough to handle curve balls that happen after a lot of use.
Mostly, it's software that "reads" aloud all the text on the page, including descriptions of pictures and graphics if they are included (which the Americans with Disabilities Act requires of many sites).
I think including internet, or even a tennis ball makes it way easier. Knowing that the challenge will only last 30 days, and the fact that there are not "captors" torturing you with ice water, loud music, and nutrition deprivation, is a big encouragement. It's just you and whatever critters live in the bathroom, in the pitch black. I just hope there isn't a faucet with a drip. That would make me nuts.
Before you decide that you can handle it, I suggest you take a 17 hr flight to Singapore ( Coach). Nothing to read, no electronics, no music, no in-flight video. Then decide how much you need brain stimulation.
There was a loudspeaker wired in to the room so the guy on the outside could communicate with the guy in the bathroom. This is how they negotiated the buyout.
I still want to know how they handled food delivery without any social interaction. Obviously it could be done any number of ways (some have been proposed here).
To me, the first thing I'd want to confirm is if 30 days of no light would do permanent damage to my eyes. I'd have to be completely positive about that to even think about this. I suspect it would, but assuming it wouldn't do permanent damage to my eyes, I'm pretty sure it would be mentally terrible to not be able to see anything. I've been in situations (in a cave) where I had my eye open and saw absolutely nothing. You assume it's like closing your eyes, but mentally there's something really disturbing about knowing your eyes are open but you're seeing nothing. "Dark" is VERY different from "no light at all." No light at all will mess with you quickly. To be fair, knowing that you're not actually in danger (i.e., no one is going to attack you in the dark) makes it easier, but it's still a pretty significant mental challenge.
Welcome to the forum.Quote: TinManI think people are overthinking food delivery. Wouldn't a slot/doggy door work? At random intervals, you slide a tray through the doggy door.
To me, the first thing I'd want to confirm is if 30 days of no light would do permanent damage to my eyes. I'd have to be completely positive about that to even think about this. I suspect it would, but assuming it wouldn't do permanent damage to my eyes, I'm pretty sure it would be mentally terrible to not be able to see anything. I've been in situations (in a cave) where I had my eye open and saw absolutely nothing. You assume it's like closing your eyes, but mentally there's something really disturbing about knowing your eyes are open but you're seeing nothing. "Dark" is VERY different from "no light at all." No light at all will mess with you quickly. To be fair, knowing that you're not actually in danger (i.e., no one is going to attack you in the dark) makes it easier, but it's still a pretty significant mental challenge.
If I was allowed at least natural light, and some books and at least a radio, I think I could easily do 30 days for $100k.
Quote: MintyIf only there was a way to read with no light.
There is, it is called braille.
Quote: SOOPOOTotal darkness
I wouldn't do it then, not for only $100k.
30 days of total darkness can really have an effect on your psyche and physical well-being.
I read about an experiment where a girl was blindfolded for a week to see what would happen. Even after that short amount of time her brain had already started "rewiring" itself to deal with being completely blind.
It’s 720 hours. I think 3 million tax free is my number. Assuming no permanent eye damage.
Quote: SOOPOOI think that any visual effects would be non permanent. But I would certainly do more research and consult with an ophthalmologist before agreeing.
It’s 720 hours. I think 3 million tax free is my number. Assuming no permanent eye damage.
So you would do this on a three million dollar bet? If you are serious, I'm pretty sure I get financing to cover the bet. I just need another nine people wanting to make $300,000.
Quote: SOOPOOI think that any visual effects would be non permanent. But I would certainly do more research and consult with an ophthalmologist before agreeing.
It’s 720 hours. I think 3 million tax free is my number. Assuming no permanent eye damage.
My guess is you’d have to be very careful when you are first let out , in how you re-expose your eyes to light. I’m not an ophthalmologist but it would probably be best to have them covered in a way that you can then gradually expose them. Your sleep /wake cycle is also probably wrecked.
And I also believe there’s a point during the 30 days where it goes from getting more and more difficult mentally to easier and easier. Once I’m at say , 23 days, then I know I’m not leaving because the worst is over. This is assuming you’re able to somehow track time and days in there
Quote: MaxPenI would do it for $150K.
I think Billy is up for that bet.
Billy, you really think you could find 9 others willing to risk 300k?
Maybe I wasn't clear though..... I didn't say I'd risk 3million for the chance to make 3 million. What I said is for 3 million I would do it.
I wonder if MaxPen is saying the same thing as me, or if he is proposing an even money bet?
Quote: SOOPOOI think Billy is up for that bet.
Billy, you really think you could find 9 others willing to risk 300k?
Maybe I wasn't clear though..... I didn't say I'd risk 3million for the chance to make 3 million. What I said is for 3 million I would do it.
I wonder if MaxPen is saying the same thing as me, or if he is proposing an even money bet?
While I'm sure I could find nine others, I'm pretty sure Lloyds would insure me for my original investment.
Quote: billryanWhile I'm sure I could find nine others, I'm pretty sure Lloyds would insure me for my original investment.
I'm not sure what that means.... Lloyds would insure me for my original investment?
We must live in far different worlds..... The thought of me knowing 9 different people willing to risk $300k on an anonymous guy from the Internet sitting in a room for a month.....
It seems like MaxPen will take you up for $150k. You won't even need any investors.
By the way, not that it truly matters, the transfer of 3million to me would either result in taxes paid by you ( gift tax?) or by my (income?).
I realize there is a non zero chance I could fail (appendicitis as an example) so I would not risk 3million of my own money.
If Max or anyone wants in, show me the money and we will make the ground rules.
Quote: billryanIf I were holding a charity golf tournament and offered a million dollars for a hole in one on a certain hole, I'm not risking the million. I buy an insurance policy that pays off if someone does it. 99.999 times, they pocket the premium and don't pay off. Same thing here. I tried to get them to cover a Golden Tee tournament but it was one of the rare times they passed. You'd be winning a prize so taxes would be on you but you could easily spread the payments out to reduce taxes a bit.
If Max or anyone wants in, show me the money and we will make the ground rules.
Funny story. I was playing in a charity golf tournament that had the hole in one challenge for a car, not an expensive one. It was 200 yards all over water. My foursome..... First guy hits it barely 100 yards way right so dry. I am right of him! Third guy in water. Fourth guy, a good golfer, hits it in the water..... Scramble rules..... We go to first guys ball... I jar it from from over 100 yards! There is an old lady sitting by the green who comes yelling at me "that doesn't count! That doesn't count!!" I told her it does count! It's a birdie!
I disagree that Lloyds would touch this type of bet.
I really hope you and MaxPen can actually make this bet happen!
