TAM London Essay Competition Guidelines and Rules
Objectives
The TAM London Essay Competition aims to promote critical thinking and reward excellence in writing from members of the skeptical community who are registered as students or unemployed.
Example Themes
Entrants can choose their own topic, but if you are stuck for ideas, here are some examples of essay themes:
The role of critical thinking in the 21st Century
Does pseudoscience harm society?
What skepticism means to me
Using new technology to spread ideas
Eligibility
The competition is open to students who are enrolled at a higher or further education facility, or are persons registered as unemployed, on or before the closing date. Proof of status and picture ID will be required from winners. Failure to provide proof of status will result in entry becoming void. Eligible persons may submit one essay only. Entrants must be aged 16 or above and may be resident of any country.
Language and word count
The essay must be submitted in English and should not exceed 1,500 words.
Closing Date
The closing date for submission is Friday August 14th 2009, 5pm BST.
Prize
A scholarship to TAM London 2009 will be awarded to the best essays. A total of three scholarships are available, which consist of entry to TAM London on 3rd and 4th October 2009 and the comedy event on the evening of Saturday 3rd October 2009. Accommodation and travel is NOT included and winners must make their own arrangements. Scholarships may only be used by the winner, and cannot be sold or traded to other persons. Any attempt to do so will result in the offer becoming void.
Submission
Essays should be submitted to info@tamlondon.org with the subject ‘TAM London Essay Competition’ in the header, by the closing date Friday August 14th 2009, 5pm BST. Entries must include the name, email address and a valid telephone number for the author. Only one entry allowed per person.
Judging
The judging may be subject to a preliminary shortlisting panel, depending on quantity of entries received. The final judging will be by the James Randi Educational Foundation. The decision of the judges is final and is not subject to an appeal. JREF reserves the right to withdraw or amend any prize offer at any time.
Notification
The winners will be contacted individually either by email or telephone no later than August 31st 2009. Winners must inform the organisers if they accept the scholarship within two weeks of notification.
Other terms and conditions
All essays remain the copyright of their authors. However, by entering this competition you agree that JREF or its agents may publish your essay, in whole or in part, fully credited to the copyright holder, without charge. JREF and its agents reserve the right to publish the essays in whole or in part in any publication, book or website or those of its partners, fully credited to the copyright holder, at any time. JREF reserves the right to withdraw or alter these guidelines and rules or any part of the prize at any time. Entering the competition does not guarantee eligibility to win.