Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
- doitneatly
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Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
Watching last week and this week, the loss of the PAF is just as painful as we all expected.
It made me ponder my appearance last year, and wonder how it would have turned out for me if I'd had my same stack of questions with the current rules. (no PAF, I would've gotten my expert immediately, $5k plateau)
In my case: the $25k question (which I played as an easy PAF google) could have definitely derailed me completely. I won't blather on parsing the what-if's, but I'm imagining a 50-50 chance that I would've flamed out and gone home with $5,000 instead of the $25k I ended up with.
Others?
It made me ponder my appearance last year, and wonder how it would have turned out for me if I'd had my same stack of questions with the current rules. (no PAF, I would've gotten my expert immediately, $5k plateau)
In my case: the $25k question (which I played as an easy PAF google) could have definitely derailed me completely. I won't blather on parsing the what-if's, but I'm imagining a 50-50 chance that I would've flamed out and gone home with $5,000 instead of the $25k I ended up with.
Others?
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- Ritterskoop
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
It would not have affected my result, but I would have enjoyed the experience far less.
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- wintergreen48
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
I was in the HS twice, the second time one of those 'special event' thingies where I didn't actually want to be there (my sweet Margaret was diagnosed the day before, but we had already accepted the invitation, and we went up anyway because Margaret wanted to, figuring we might not get to NYC again). The first time (when I DID want to be there), I knew the answer to the question but I used the PAF to call my mom so she could be on the show (she was taking care of the Young Ones, which she always did when Margaret and I did game show things, and this was the only way she could get to be part of it). The second time I didn't know the answer and used the PAF because I needed it, and the PAF semi-dursted me ('semi' because he didn't state that he was 100% certain, which is necessary for a true dursting). So, for me, the loss of the PAF would have been irrelevant in terms of how well or how poorly I did on the show. But it was fun to have that option, and not so much the waste of time that the ATE is (maybe if they WERE experts, or at least, knew SOMETHING, the ATE would not be so bad, but they seem to pretty much get people who do not know diddly about squat).
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- TheCalvinator24
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
The absence of the PaF would not have changed my outcome. I used the PaF on the $250K Q, but I followed it up with the 50-50. Without a PaF, I would have gone straight to the 50-50 and had the same result.
If I don't have PaF or 50-50, but instead have Double Dip, I'm not sure if I would have taken the chance.
If I don't have PaF or 50-50, but instead have Double Dip, I'm not sure if I would have taken the chance.
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
It's not so much that the experts don't know diddly about squat as it is that last season, many of the the experts... actually were experts!wintergreen48 wrote:But it was fun to have that option, and not so much the waste of time that the ATE is (maybe if they WERE experts, or at least, knew SOMETHING, the ATE would not be so bad, but they seem to pretty much get people who do not know diddly about squat).
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
It wouldn't have changed my results, but hving the "expert" might have resulted in my leaving earlier.
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.
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Si fractum non sit, noli id reficere.
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Si fractum non sit, noli id reficere.
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- bazodee
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
I used my PAF on the $100K question. Without a PAF (and even with an Expert or Wisemen), I would have not have taken the chance and would have walked away with $50K. So, yes, the PAF earned me an additional $50K.
- Appa23
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
Clearly, I had very low regard for the PAF lifeline, so my result would not have been different.
As my PAF was no help, as I did not have a "Google/Phone a Friend's Computer" guy. I probably would have been left with ATE at this point.
With so many experts being in the entertainment business, I may have had a better shot at getting my Bob Hope question right.
I had thought about finding my tape of the show and watching it, to see if my outcome would have been different under the current rules/lifelines (although still facing the tougher questions from that first season of SyndiBAM). I do not think that it would have been, as I subconsciously played with a clock in my head (I really hated watching people dithering over questions, so I didn't want someone yelling "c'mon,you idiot" to me when my show aired.) If anything, I may have slowed down my thinking,knowing that I still had time on the clock.
I probably use the DD rather than 50-50 on the 11th question. Unless I take my time with the answer,and then I have that DD to get the last question right.
I am certain that my appearance would have been a bit duller, without the banter on some of the questions.
Still, if ifs and buts were candy and nuts, . . . .

As my PAF was no help, as I did not have a "Google/Phone a Friend's Computer" guy. I probably would have been left with ATE at this point.
With so many experts being in the entertainment business, I may have had a better shot at getting my Bob Hope question right.
I had thought about finding my tape of the show and watching it, to see if my outcome would have been different under the current rules/lifelines (although still facing the tougher questions from that first season of SyndiBAM). I do not think that it would have been, as I subconsciously played with a clock in my head (I really hated watching people dithering over questions, so I didn't want someone yelling "c'mon,you idiot" to me when my show aired.) If anything, I may have slowed down my thinking,knowing that I still had time on the clock.
I probably use the DD rather than 50-50 on the 11th question. Unless I take my time with the answer,and then I have that DD to get the last question right.
I am certain that my appearance would have been a bit duller, without the banter on some of the questions.
Still, if ifs and buts were candy and nuts, . . . .
- silverscreenselect
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
I would have spent a lot less time kicking myself the last eight years if I had the expert instead of the PAF.
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- drew scheeler
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
If I had the PAF, a certain question would have gone much differently....
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- moonie
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
I possibly may have won more, and therefore had a little more to 'brag' about, but to share the experience with a PAFs who put themselves on the line for me beats any amount of money I could have won.
In the end, it ain't about the money, it's about the experience.
In the end, it ain't about the money, it's about the experience.
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
I used ATA, then PAF on the same question. PAF confirmed the slim plurality from ATA. (You can see my question stack here.) I suppose I would have finally agreed with the audience myself, but if TDC was running out on me I'm not absolutely certain what I would have done.
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
I had to PAF at the old 1K level...in the Llamarama ("The Miracle Worker" was about Helen Keller). Then again it was likely that even the lousiest ATE would have at least stumbled their way to the right answer, although I'm sure some of them would have given maybes instead of a 100% response.
Had I gotten a maybe-correct I would have used 50/50, and been out of lifelines going for 2K, and would still make 25/32K as I wound up spilling 50/50 in the middle tier on a correct answer.
Had I gotten a maybe-correct I would have used 50/50, and been out of lifelines going for 2K, and would still make 25/32K as I wound up spilling 50/50 in the middle tier on a correct answer.
- andrewjackson
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
I used the PAF on the $64,000 question after I used the 50/50 on the question. I was leaning toward what turned out to be a wrong answer and the 50/50 left that along with the correct answer.
It was an entertainment question and an "expert" might have known it.
I would not have hesitated to use the 50/50 and Double Dip on it.
That said, my $125,000 question I was not going to get without a lifeline and probably not with an "expert" so I would have either won $32,000 or $64,000 without the PAF.
It was an entertainment question and an "expert" might have known it.
I would not have hesitated to use the 50/50 and Double Dip on it.
That said, my $125,000 question I was not going to get without a lifeline and probably not with an "expert" so I would have either won $32,000 or $64,000 without the PAF.
No matter where you go, there you are.
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
Hard to say but it makes for interesting thought. For reference my questions:
$16K "Hoosegow" is and old-fashioned slang word for what?
A Restaurant
B. Jail
C. Hospital
D. Fire station
$25K Before he launched his solo career, Barry Manilow was the accompanist for which of these singers?
A. Patti LaBelle
B. Liza Minnelli
C. Barbra Streisand
D. Bette Midler
I used my ATA on my $16K and my PAF on the $25K. Depending on the expert, I may have deemed the ATE as less valuable and used it first just to get it out of the way. If my expert answers my $16K question confidently and correctly, then I don't think it would impact me as I would have ATA'd my $25K and I think the audience would know. If expert doesn't know my $16K then I would ATA and be left with my Double Dip for $25k. One will never know if I would have gone for it or walked with $16K. And then if I go for it, do I have Bette Midler as one of my answers or do I talk myself out of it, thus leaving with $5K.
If I used the ATA first and my expert knows the $25K question, then no impact. Once again, if the expert doesn't know, then I am left with my Double and the same scenario as above of do I walk or go for it.
Thank god I did not have to deal with this and I had the opportunity to PAF and got 100% certainty when I needed it the most. Thanks PSM
Another interesting question would have been if I had the double dip instead of the 50/50 and STQ.
$100K What Catholic saint is the patron saint of police officers, paramedics and emergency workers?
A. St. Christopher
B. St. Agnes
C. St. Michael
D. St. Bridget
I was leaning toward D. (which the 50/50 eliminated). Would I have walked or would I have taken the chance? I'll never know.
Even more interesting
$100 According to a common expression, a pregnant woman "has" what?
A. Soup in the pot
B. Spice in the jar
C. A bun in the oven
D. Junk in the trunk
With a clock I may have had to use my ATA right here and now. I was caught up in the moment of finally being there that I zoned out Meredith and I did not hear anything except "woman" and "pregnant". I briefly mentally flipped out as I thought I was going to be one of those "stupid people on TV" who have to use a lifeline on the first question. But I told myself to calm down and I did and I slowly reread the question and it was as easy as it seems. I would not have had that luxury with 15 seconds ticking down.
$16K "Hoosegow" is and old-fashioned slang word for what?
A Restaurant
B. Jail
C. Hospital
D. Fire station
$25K Before he launched his solo career, Barry Manilow was the accompanist for which of these singers?
A. Patti LaBelle
B. Liza Minnelli
C. Barbra Streisand
D. Bette Midler
I used my ATA on my $16K and my PAF on the $25K. Depending on the expert, I may have deemed the ATE as less valuable and used it first just to get it out of the way. If my expert answers my $16K question confidently and correctly, then I don't think it would impact me as I would have ATA'd my $25K and I think the audience would know. If expert doesn't know my $16K then I would ATA and be left with my Double Dip for $25k. One will never know if I would have gone for it or walked with $16K. And then if I go for it, do I have Bette Midler as one of my answers or do I talk myself out of it, thus leaving with $5K.
If I used the ATA first and my expert knows the $25K question, then no impact. Once again, if the expert doesn't know, then I am left with my Double and the same scenario as above of do I walk or go for it.
Thank god I did not have to deal with this and I had the opportunity to PAF and got 100% certainty when I needed it the most. Thanks PSM

Another interesting question would have been if I had the double dip instead of the 50/50 and STQ.
$100K What Catholic saint is the patron saint of police officers, paramedics and emergency workers?
A. St. Christopher
B. St. Agnes
C. St. Michael
D. St. Bridget
I was leaning toward D. (which the 50/50 eliminated). Would I have walked or would I have taken the chance? I'll never know.
Even more interesting
$100 According to a common expression, a pregnant woman "has" what?
A. Soup in the pot
B. Spice in the jar
C. A bun in the oven
D. Junk in the trunk
With a clock I may have had to use my ATA right here and now. I was caught up in the moment of finally being there that I zoned out Meredith and I did not hear anything except "woman" and "pregnant". I briefly mentally flipped out as I thought I was going to be one of those "stupid people on TV" who have to use a lifeline on the first question. But I told myself to calm down and I did and I slowly reread the question and it was as easy as it seems. I would not have had that luxury with 15 seconds ticking down.
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
Sure....thinking back eight and a half years....
My $4,000 question:
Acetylene is a substance commonly used in which of the following processes?
A. Refrigeration
B. Cooking
C. Cleaning
D. Welding
I would have asked the expert on the same question. Considering my PaF was Weyoun (Steve Perry), I doubt the expert would have helped me like he did. Of Course, in retrospect my question was easy. Ironically, now I teach my students about Acetylene (HC2H) and Datum every semester in Science class. My post-Millionaire college education would have helped me pre-Millionaire.
Don't you love irony?
My $4,000 question:
Acetylene is a substance commonly used in which of the following processes?
A. Refrigeration
B. Cooking
C. Cleaning
D. Welding
I would have asked the expert on the same question. Considering my PaF was Weyoun (Steve Perry), I doubt the expert would have helped me like he did. Of Course, in retrospect my question was easy. Ironically, now I teach my students about Acetylene (HC2H) and Datum every semester in Science class. My post-Millionaire college education would have helped me pre-Millionaire.

Don't you love irony?
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- frogman042
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
I really can't say if it would have changed my outcome. I used my PAF on my 25K question, and I didn't know it but I suspected the correct answer. I might have used the expert at that point and/or DD. In short, I don't know but my instinct from what I remeber at that point tells me I would have ended up the same.
I do have a question, of the 12 millionaires (not counting the ToT), did anyone of them get their because their PAF googled the answer? Does anyone either know for certain, or can guess based on how the PAF went?
Thanks,
---Jay
I do have a question, of the 12 millionaires (not counting the ToT), did anyone of them get their because their PAF googled the answer? Does anyone either know for certain, or can guess based on how the PAF went?
Thanks,
---Jay
- gsabc
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
Yep. The week after my taping, what appears in my e-mail but an ad from Barnes & Noble touting JD Robb's latest "In Death" novel. God having one last laugh at my expense.Timsterino wrote:Sure....thinking back eight and a half years....
My $4,000 question:
Acetylene is a substance commonly used in which of the following processes?
A. Refrigeration
B. Cooking
C. Cleaning
D. Welding
I would have asked the expert on the same question. Considering my PaF was Weyoun (Steve Perry), I doubt the expert would have helped me like he did. Of Course, in retrospect my question was easy. Ironically, now I teach my students about Acetylene (HC2H) and Datum every semester in Science class. My post-Millionaire college education would have helped me pre-Millionaire.
Don't you love irony?
I just ordered chicken and an egg from Amazon. I'll let you know.
- snomaim
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
I might have quit at $16,000. I used PAF at $25,000 and he was 65% sure. I then used 50/50 and my PAF's answer was still there so I went for it and was right. I'm not sure if I would have gone for it with just the 50/50 result.
- bazodee
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
Of those twelve, only three had a PAF available on the final question. (I realize your question may be broader in asking about their use of PAF, regardless of when in the stack they used it.)frogman042 wrote:I do have a question, of the 12 millionaires (not counting the ToT), did anyone of them get their because their PAF googled the answer? Does anyone either know for certain, or can guess based on how the PAF went?
John Carpenter famously called his father and then didn't really ask him the question.
Bob House called a fellow teacher about which scientist didn't have an element on the Periodic Table named after him. It seemed there were having a genuine discussion and there's no real suggestion of Googling.
David Goodman called a group of people in response to the question about the country of origin of Paddington Bear. There was group think going on there but I don't know whether anyone Googled.
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
So, you got a problem with that?gsabc wrote:Yep. The week after my taping, what appears in my e-mail but an ad from Barnes & Noble touting JD Robb's latest "In Death" novel. God having one last laugh at my expense.Timsterino wrote:Sure....thinking back eight and a half years....
My $4,000 question:
Acetylene is a substance commonly used in which of the following processes?
A. Refrigeration
B. Cooking
C. Cleaning
D. Welding
I would have asked the expert on the same question. Considering my PaF was Weyoun (Steve Perry), I doubt the expert would have helped me like he did. Of Course, in retrospect my question was easy. Ironically, now I teach my students about Acetylene (HC2H) and Datum every semester in Science class. My post-Millionaire college education would have helped me pre-Millionaire.
Don't you love irony?
- JBillyGirl
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
I called my PAF for the $32K question, which asked what famous director played a psychiatrist on The Sopranos. I did not get HBO and had never seen the show, but it just so happened that my PAF had told me he watched The Sopranos religiously. (I'd suggested he watch a Sunday 9:00 WWTBAM episode, which directly conflicted with the show.) So I had almost 100% confidence that he'd know the answer, and he did. On my own, I'd have had no idea, and my ATA was gone. The 50/50 wouldn't have helped much. Would ATE have helped? I don't know. All I do know is that my PAF really saved my capicola that day. I feel bad that the lifeline will no longer help anyone else. 

- geoffil
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
My PAF, AD
, gave me the correct answer and without a PAF for my history question, I would have had to use my 50/50 and then I would probably have not made it $50,000. I think having a fantastic PAF intrinsically gives a contestant more confidence which helps overall with nerves and that pesky limbic system. I would never have that same comfort with ATE. The experts don't have anything on the line to really think through a question and help the contestant. It is more like an activity where being on TV is the main purpose, not trying as much as possible to help your friend.

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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
I don't think anyone would ever forget John Carpenter's call (my niece asked me to do a John Carpenter if I got to the million $ question, even if I didn't need it). Thanks for the background. Actually, I'm asking a more broader question. There have been 12 millionaire's not all of them used the PAF on the last question - so my question is, if they used a PAF earlier on the stack and that PAF used google, that would qualify as a millionaire winning in part because of google (or maybe only because google was available). So has their been a millionaire that wouldn't have been one if it wasn't for google - or were all of the PFs on for these 12 google free?bazodee wrote:Of those twelve, only three had a PAF available on the final question. (I realize your question may be broader in asking about their use of PAF, regardless of when in the stack they used it.)frogman042 wrote:I do have a question, of the 12 millionaires (not counting the ToT), did anyone of them get their because their PAF googled the answer? Does anyone either know for certain, or can guess based on how the PAF went?
John Carpenter famously called his father and then didn't really ask him the question.
Bob House called a fellow teacher about which scientist didn't have an element on the Periodic Table named after him. It seemed there were having a genuine discussion and there's no real suggestion of Googling.
David Goodman called a group of people in response to the question about the country of origin of Paddington Bear. There was group think going on there but I don't know whether anyone Googled.
- themanintheseersuckersuit
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Re: Q for the HS veterans: What if you had no PAF?
I wonder if Jamal Malik will drop by to tell us about his PAF call.
Suitguy is not bitter.
feels he represents the many educated and rational onlookers who believe that the hysterical denouncement of lay scepticism is both unwarranted and counter-productive
The problem, then, is that such calls do not address an opposition audience so much as they signal virtue. They talk past those who need convincing. They ignore actual facts and counterargument. And they are irreparably smug.
feels he represents the many educated and rational onlookers who believe that the hysterical denouncement of lay scepticism is both unwarranted and counter-productive
The problem, then, is that such calls do not address an opposition audience so much as they signal virtue. They talk past those who need convincing. They ignore actual facts and counterargument. And they are irreparably smug.