These are some of the questions we have been asked, not only on this site, but in others.
I have included a few which I have been asked personally at venues while hosting quizzes
of all types. |
Do I need to buy anything to get your newsletter?
No, you don't. The newsletter is free to anyone who wants it, whether you buy anything
or not. To get the newsletter you must subscribe by giving the details on the left. |
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| Do I need to get the newsletter to get the free quizzes? |
Yes, the free quizzes are only available through the newsletter. Some sites give free
quizzes, or free examples of their products, direct from their sites. We do not, since we
think that as our free stuff is intended to be partially educational, and given for a purpose,
you need the newsletter to fully understand that purpose. |
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| Why is your range not as big as other quiz sites? |
Our range is increasing weekly, often even daily. We are newer that other sites and
hence have a smaller range. I only use questions and quizzes I have personally used
in actual quizzes, and the answers have been well researched. There is no ambiguity
and there are no partial answers claiming to be correct. For example, in a quiz I competed
in, one of the questions was "What is an odalisque?". The word is derived from Turkish and
was originally a concubine in a Turkish harem, but can also no mean a paramour or mistress.
I answered "A concubine in a Turkish harem". The answer given was "female slave" which
is only vaguely partially correct. I was not marked correct, but didn't argue because the
question master was simply reading from what he copied from a quiz book.
This is one reason why we do not generate lots of quiz questions rapidly. We make sure that
as far as possible, our answers are correct and unambiguous by checking every one which
may be less than totally accurate. If you see a wrong answer let me know and I will reward
you for the information.
I estimate that by the end of 2005, we will have the biggest range of quizzes on sale. Our plans
include a literature site, with 20 questiopn rounds on specific books or authors, such as Harry
Potter, Charles Dickens and Alice in Wonderland. These will have their own webpage. Also
music sites for specific artists and music types (e.g. Beatles for the oldies & hip-hop and
garage, house, etc. for the younger element. This is the advantage of having a variety of age
groups and interests on our team. |
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I have come across many of your questions before. Why is this if you don't use
quiz books? |
I use any source I can, but never deliberately copy anyone else's quizzes Nor do I accept
answers as correct unless I know they are. Quiz machines are prime examples - they are
legendary for wrong answers, so the quiz setters responsible would probably repeat their
errors on internet sites or in books. Many of my questions are my own. I can stand in front
of an audience and present a quiz of 10 question rounds without any preparation whatsoever.
So can you. |
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| How do you manage that? |
The secret is not to try to think of questions. Most people would get stuck after ten
or so. Try it yourself - remember, you have 10 -1 5 seconds between questions and you
must be sure of your answers. Think of subjects you know a bit about. Then think of
one or two questions on that subject. Then change to another subject for another one or two.
You will soon have finished round 1, and be all set for the next round. |
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| Where do most of your customers come from? |
It's difficult to say since I usually only know my customers' email addresses. I would think
about half from the UK and half from the rest of the world. The reason for this is that pub
quizzes (or bar quizzes) are not so popular yet in North America as they are here. Thy are
getting there, however, as are the Australians and New Zealanders and I have a few South
African customers. Also some from the Far East and many from Europe. |
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| What is the biggest mistake made by quiz masters? |
Everyone you ask may have different answer. In my opinion, and I have seen this time
and time again - far too frequently in fact - it is lack of preparation and not knowing a
thing about the subject they are asking questions about. Lack of preparation sometimes
results in there being no answer papers - the host and the venue assumed the other
would provide them. Not enough pens - don't assume that everyone who enters a quiz
has a pen! You can get a pack of 100 on the net for a couple of quid so get them. I
usually have my own supply. Not being prepared properly means also that you get the
timing wrong. If a proprietor wants a two hour quiz it's no good being finished in an hour.
Likewise, don't be only half way through when your time is up. Anyone can copy
questions from books or newspaper quizzes.
What if the answer is wrong and you are challenged? Do you know enough about the subject
to appreciate that your answer may be wrong? If so why did you ask it in the first place?
Do you insist on your wrong answer and give no one a point except the one guy lucky enough
to have yours? Or do you agree you are wrong, and lose all credibility. Be like the Boy
Scouts!! Be prepared and check your answers beforehand, or buy the questions from a
reputable source like pro-quiz.com - or one of our competitors if you have used them
before. Most are OK - I will never denigrate fellow professionals. However, our questions are
about the leat expensive on the net.
You can use free quizzes, but don't expect anyone giving quizzes only for free to have spent
too much time checking the accuracy. Several sites use free quizzes to attract surfers to
games and shopping sites which have no connection with quizzes. Find one of our questions
wrong and you get your money back as well as a free quiz. That is our guarantee. I've not
seen that on many sites. |
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| What is the best subject for a quiz round |
There is no such thing. It depends on the audience, though most people I find like
questions on entertainment, TV, films, music, etc. Also music lyrics go down well.
Some, however, prefer the more traditional literature, history, science and so on. You have
to know your audience to satisfy them all. If not, then mix them up in a "GK" round first,
give them a table round next on, say, who starred in what film, or TV series (choosing
the answers from a list of names provided), and during that you can analyse the answers
to the first round. From these you can decide what to use for the succeeding rounds. I
do this frequently when hosting quizzes in unfamiliar areas where I don't know the teams
and their abilities. I virtually take at least two quizzes with me and change part way
if necessary to keep everyone scoring reasonably. That's one reason why I am so popular.
I prepare well for as many eventualities as I can think of - but I do screw up now and again so
I also have a lot to learn still. |
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