Final prediction contest request

[The Statman]

It is your prerogative as long as you appreciate that I will put them up before the deadline if it is my last chance.

I have not had anyone question my integrity (that is not an invitation) but I do feel that, where possible, predictions should appear accompanied by the Predictor's name, before the deadline rather than you having to take me on my word that the 'alternative' predictions did actually take place. It could conceivably happen that someone could bribe me to say after the event that certain predictions were made – sad, you might say, but conceivable – and I would prefer that that kind of suspicion were not possible. Particularly at the latter end of the contest.

That is why the Rule is worded that 'for those without access at the required time' they can use an alternative means, rather than 'those who simply choose to'.

I appreciate what you are saying, but I think these things should not only be done with propriety, but seen to be so.

Sorry if it sounds like I'm talking about the first-round draw!

[cueman]

OK, change of mind AGAIN! I think for the sake of my own peace of mind then I shall endeavour to post my predictions as near to the deadline as is possible. I understand what you are saying Statman and I can see why people may be suspicious if say I were to win this overall having not had my predictions open to anyone to read.

[JoanneT63]

As one of the leading contenders in the predictions this season (to my amazement lol) I find it rather upsetting that you think I might cheat cueman....why would I want to copy someone else's predictions just to get the same score as them, surely I want to get more points than them......sorry but just felt I had to put in my 2p's worth lol

[The Statman]

Thanks cueman,

Of course this is a possible strategic point, and it is your decision how to predict and also when to predict.

[Cyril]

The system has worked very well all season, so why change?

I dont believe any of the leaders would predict "tactically" but, even if they did, they have got themselves in such a position to do so, on merit.

I say we carry on as we are.

[PaulTheSoave]

Case of wine! lol

As one of the leading contenders in the predictions this season (to my amazement lol) I find it rather upsetting that you think I might cheat cueman....why would I want to copy someone else's predictions just to get the same score as them, surely I want to get more points than them......sorry but just felt I had to put in my 2p's worth lol

"They would not be able to do that, no"

Sounds a bit like my old headmaster!

[RaNeN]

LOL! I find this really silly! You mean the top 3 predictors for sure will predict the matches correctly? Cant the guy last ranked guy predict better than the top 3? I surely wouldnt copy anybodys predictions, I am confident about my predictions(Only the players dont perform upto my expectataions ) being correct!

Now, You got me thinking, The top 3 could be copying some other members predictions!!!!! Cant that be possible? lol, Kidding guys.

If you guys think somebody could copy your predictions, Beware its not only your predictions that could be copied, it could be everybodys predictions.
Perhaps after reading this maybe everybody will want to PM their predictions to Statman.

Cheers!!!

[cueman]

As I said Jo, I wouldn't call anyone a cheat and certainly I'm not saying anyone will, but as there is a good prize at stake and with the world we live in today, its not beyond the realms of possibility that whoever is leading going into the final few rounds could decide to copy their nearest rival to ensure they win.

I just thought it was a good idea and that it made sense to take away any possibility that someone may cheat. Again, not that I'm calling anyone a cheat, but all we are are names on a computer screen at the end of the day, I don't know you, you don't know me etc. People cheat when there is a prize on offer, especially when there is the possibility to do so. There is no way of proving it either but I'd guarantee that if we went into the final round of the competition and the leader was 1 point ahead of their only rival who could catch them, they probably would wait to see his/her rivals prediction and then copy it to ensure victory. They'd be silly not to IMO. If they couldn't see their rivals prediction then there is no chance of cheating. Easy solution, maybe something to think about should the situation arise?

[missneworleans]

I think all this is stupid. Snooker is so unpredictable, so I don't think top 3 gyus will get it right. Actually look who's copying, because it will be quite strange if all 16 matches in 2 posts will be the same

[PaulTheSoave]

Okay then. All the top 3 get a case of wine or beers! end of discussion!

[Nugget]

I think we should just predict as always.
As snooker fans and players at various levels, we all appreciate the sporting nature of the game, and I think the same applies to these predictions!
I'm going to do mine now, while I remember.

[Robert602]

I think all this is stupid. Snooker is so unpredictable, so I don't think top 3 gyus will get it right. Actually look who's copying, because it will be quite strange if all 16 matches in 2 posts will be the same

The point isn't that the top 3 will get it right. It's that if, say, the number 1 predictor copies all of the number 2's entries, then he is guaranteed to preserve his lead since he will always get the same score.

Bearing in mind the prize this year is nothing to be sniffed at I think it's important to be sure of fair play, and that in mind I think cueman's is a reasonable suggestion.

Statman, if you're reluctant to keep entries you receive entirely to yourself then may I suggest posting them in the hidden moderators section. We could then move them to a public area of the forum on completion of the round, timestamps etc. intact, and the results would be both verifiable and impossible to copy.

[PaulTheSoave]

After a glass of wine I have set my thoughts again! Just leave it to the individual if he or she wants to PM Statman the predictions. I only dont post them on the board if am not having access to a pc. i text them to the guv. Its then to the Statmans' decision to post them on this board.

It is only supposed to be a bit of fun.

Let the best man or woman win!

[cueman]

That's what I have probably failed to get across Rob, its not the fact any of the leaders may win this individual event, its the overall prize contest that is at stake. Currently AlexoPaul has a 4 point lead, to preserve that all he has to do is copy mine or Jo's predictions as we are on equal points in second, third place. Either way to take away that opportunity surely has to be a good thing and I don't think I'm asking for much. If anything I'm doing everyone a favour by taking this opportunity to cheat away from any of us!

Just to add, I know that alexopaul has already entered his predictions and usually does so early on but that doesn't stop me or any of the other leaders from over taking him and then predicting tactically.

Its down to Statman at the end of the day and I'm happy to go along with his final decision but as time is running out we need a definitive answer soon.

[Alex0paul]

Well all I can say is this time last year I was one point ahead of IRONFIST and it never once entered my head to copy him. If my predictions are the same as anyone elses it is pure coincidence.