What was the first message sent through space? What is the most prominent physical feature on the head of a Ferengi? What's the largest inland body of water in the world?
The MIT Museum invites members of the MIT community to submit trivia questions for the museum's new monthly student event, Who Wants To Win Just About Anything But a Million Dollars (WWW). Questions should have four multiple-choice answers and may cover virtually any subject including history, science, MIT lore and pop culture. Because questions will be read and will not be visible to the contestant or the audience, they should not rely on visual comparison.
As each question is read during the contest, its author will be announced unless the questioner prefers to remain anonymous.
The museum will host this spoof of the popular prime-time show Who Wants to be a Millionaire from 7-9pm on the first Friday of every month that school is in session. Night #1 of WWW is March 3 at the MIT Museum. Professor Emeritus Samuel Jay Keyser will reprise his Charm School role and serve as contest host, and Chancellor Lawrence Bacow will serve as "genius in residence," one of three "lifelines" for stumped contestants who need a hint. Players in this situation may poll the audience, ask the MC to eliminate two of the answer choices, or ask the genius in residence.
WWW contestants will have the opportunity to vie for a $100 shopping spree at Tower Records or for shopping sprees at other local establishments. The contest is open only to MIT students, and a valid MIT student ID must be presented at the door for admission.
Submit questions (including the correct answer!) to ktl@mit.edu or via campus mail to WWW, MIT Museum, Building N52-2nd floor. Please include name, campus address, phone and e-mail address.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on March 1, 2000.