While we’re finishing up Friday afternoon I thought I’d pass along this clever little site. It’s called LongBets.org and the concept is really simple.

Anyone who would like can create a prediction which becomes a bet when someone accepts it. Each side then chooses a charity that the other will donate to if they win. Each bet is carefully documented and detailed so there’s no arguments. The bet must go at least two years from the time of agreement and much be societally or scientifically important. There are other rules as well, but you get the idea.

Although I haven’t placed a prediction or taken a bet yet myself, I’ve been amused reading some of the current and completed predictions. I was reading a few that made me a little concerned, though. For instance how badly does Mr. Rees want to win this bet?

Most of the bets on LongBets.org will spark some thought if nothing else and make you ask the question “How will Mr. Keane collect if he wins?”