# For $1,000,000, would you forgo all human contact for one year? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 14, 2009, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068 "2009-09-14T19:20:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![ZenBeam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3ab097/32.png) [@ZenBeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZenBeam)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/61 "2009-09-14T22:28:00Z")
> [@Lobsang](#): > > By the way guys… > > First come first served 😃 What, so now we have to kill or severely incapacitate **Lobsang** too? Yeah, still would do it… (sorry guy…) ---
**Author:** ![Icerigger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/icerigger/32/432_2.png) [@Icerigger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icerigger)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/62 "2009-09-14T22:29:28Z")
I am almost at the point of no human contact anyway (very shy and a social outcast) so it would be no problem at all. ---
**Author:** ![Carmady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f04885/32.png) [@Carmady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carmady)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/63 "2009-09-14T22:32:26Z")
Ridiculous question. Obviously yes. Now, take away the internet, dvds, cds, books, radio, video games, television, etc, and you have a question that requires some thought. Even then, I would still do it. I could spend time drawing, writing, practicing guitar, working out, etc. So take away art supplies, paper, instruments, and workout equipment too. Now we’re getting somewhere. But I think I would still do it. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/64 "2009-09-14T22:35:26Z")
Can the OP give us a link to the application? Is this competitive or can you just sign up? It sounds like we have a bunch of enthusiastic people ready to go. ---
**Author:** ![nivlac](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/3bc359/32.png) [@nivlac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nivlac)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/65 "2009-09-14T22:53:27Z")
One year? Is that all? I see no down side, so what’s the catch? None? OK, when can I start? The sooner we start the sooner I get the moolah. I can spend the year planning on how I’m going to spend it. My bags are packed! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Chopper9760](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/cdc98d/32.png) [@Chopper9760](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chopper9760)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/66 "2009-09-14T22:53:47Z")
It would be hard missing hunting season, kayaking, four-wheeling, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and I’d really, desperately miss 3 people. However, I think I would do it and as others have said, I would probably volunteer even if the total payment was much smaller. It would be hard though. I like the hypothetical because you would have the means to contact others but you would have to resist temptation. l have a feeling I’d gain a lot of weight but I would fully intend to exercise every day, really, I would. ---
**Author:** ![Brainiac](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8797f3/32.png) [@Brainiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brainiac)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/67 "2009-09-14T22:56:35Z")
I’m ready. Where do I sign up? ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/68 "2009-09-14T23:04:45Z")
I’m somewhat surprised at the number of persons willing to do it. I thought reactions like **Anaamika** ’s would be in the majority. Does it bother none of you that you won’t be getting any incoming communication, either? That’s why I wouldn’t do it. I mean, what if my dad died? It still bothers me that I wasn’t there when my mother died. To DELIBERATELY run such a big chance of being there if something happened to my father or one of my sisters… No. Sorry. Couldn’t do it. Plus the eccentric billionaire is clearly doing it to see how many people go nuts. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/69 "2009-09-14T23:05:16Z")
I’d sign up. I’m not sure how long I’d last: my aunt could die at any time and being let out for family funerals without losing the money isn’t allowed. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/70 "2009-09-14T23:18:04Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > I’m somewhat surprised at the number of persons willing to do it. I thought reactions like **Anaamika** ’s would be in the majority. Does it bother none of you that you won’t be getting any incoming communication, either? > > That’s why I wouldn’t do it. I mean, what if my dad died? It still bothers me that I wasn’t there when my mother died. To DELIBERATELY run such a big chance of being there if something happened to my father or one of my sisters… > > No. Sorry. Couldn’t do it. > > Plus the eccentric billionaire is clearly doing it to see how many people go nuts. That’s a risk, but one I’m willing to take. Either parent would understand, and encourage me to take the money anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Carmady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f04885/32.png) [@Carmady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carmady)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/71 "2009-09-14T23:25:26Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > I’m somewhat surprised at the number of persons willing to do it. I thought reactions like **Anaamika** ’s would be in the majority. Does it bother none of you that you won’t be getting any incoming communication, either? How will you not be getting incoming communication? The OP says you have the internet. You can’t send messages, but you are getting plenty of incoming information (including any important info about deaths in your family). It does become an interesting question if you take away even one-way human contact, which requires taking away internet. But I would still do it without any doubts. ---
**Author:** ![Xan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ac8455/32.png) [@Xan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xan)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/72 "2009-09-14T23:30:35Z")
I’d do it. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2009, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/73 "2009-09-14T23:36:57Z")
Change the voicemail to sending an email for the supplies or to request medical care/house maintenance/repairs [i don’t like leaving lists on voicemail, email is better.] I need to make sure I get my meds, and have specific nutritional requirements, though I do prefer to prep my menu for the week ahead of time, hence emailing a list would make it easier to order the ingredients. I would like my cat [I will need a [cat genie]([CatGenie: Self-Washing, Self-Flushing Cat Box.](http://www.catgenie.com/?gclid=CNqGtvLzl5wCFRBM5QodsiR7fQ))] and several rhumbas to suck up the fur [unless I can request weekly maid service, where I will hide in the spare room with my cat while the house is cleaned. Im handicapped and it is pretty much impossible for me to do most housekeeping tasks on crutches.] Can I make up a wish list of books and media from amazon and put it on my supply emails? Or would the shopping cart function and auto pay be considered non contact? ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/74 "2009-09-15T00:05:28Z")
> [@Carmady](#): > > How will you not be getting incoming communication? The OP says you have the internet. You can’t send messages, but you are getting plenty of incoming information (including any important info about deaths in your family). > > It does become an interesting question if you take away even one-way human contact, which requires taking away internet. But I would still do it without any doubts. I should have been clearer in the OP, but I thought it was clear that email would be verboten; the very point of the [del]sadistic game[/del] experiment is to see how you react if cut off such, obviously. So there’d be no email, and getting caught setting up a gmail account or whatever would be grounds for expulsion. ---
**Author:** ![Waffle\_Decider](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/77aa72/32.png) [@Waffle\_Decider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waffle_Decider)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/75 "2009-09-15T00:27:17Z")
For 1 million? Hell yes. I don’t think it’s gonna be all that difficult. ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/76 "2009-09-15T00:29:15Z")
> [@Yeticus\_Rex](#): > > Too easy…especially since that acre is gonna have a lot of weeds that need to be pulled. > > I could do it for even half a Mil. Bidding war? I’d do that time for $400,000. ---
**Author:** ![RandMcnally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b782af/32.png) [@RandMcnally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RandMcnally)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/77 "2009-09-15T00:33:00Z")
I wouldn’t even need the bonus, 20 grand a month is more than enough. ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/78 "2009-09-15T00:42:43Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > I’m somewhat surprised at the number of persons willing to do it. I thought reactions like **Anaamika** ’s would be in the majority. Does it bother none of you that you won’t be getting any incoming communication, either? When I was an oceanographer, I would go to sea for months with no communication with the people I liked, and way too much with the schlubs on the ship. I know guys who’ve overwintered in the Antarctic, and your deal sounds way better - sunlight, for example, is a significant bonus feature. Right now I’m working in a rural area, in a dark room with a computer. I get some outside interaction, but not much, and at night I’m working my way through _The Sopranos_. I get a phone call home most days. Add the money and cut out the phone call, and I’m almost there. My father was in the USMC, so he spent _years_ overseas shooting at people, with very minimal communication home, and all the fun of sharing a quonset hut with a bunch of guys while getting shelled. I suspect he’d have done this deal in a microsecond. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/79 "2009-09-15T01:03:32Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > I should have been clearer in the OP, but I thought it was clear that email would be verboten; the very point of the [del]sadistic game[/del] experiment is to see how you react if cut off such, obviously. So there’d be no email, and getting caught setting up a gmail account or whatever would be grounds for expulsion. This must be some type personality type divide because none of this is that difficult for some of us especially when you consider the money. I am living a close version of it right now except that I am obviously posting here. I could easily refrain from that for $20K a month and I would love it. The only issue would be my kids at least until they are grown. What you describe sounds like the best vacation I have ever heard of in my life plus you get paid a lot of money for it. I fail to see any type of problem whatsoever. I don’t know if you have a five year plan but, if you do, send me the promotional materials and application. It is not a sadistic experiment. It is more of a dream come true. ---
**Author:** ![Stringer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Stringer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stringer)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2009, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068/80 "2009-09-15T01:07:01Z")
A million? Hell I’d do it for half a million. I’d miss fantasy football/baseball though. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-1-000-000-would-you-forgo-all-human-contact-for-one-year/510068.md?page=5)