18-11-2021, 07:05 PM
I think a cash reward by a bunch of amateurs would be counter productive - it would attract more crank theories and probably drive academics even further away from the matter.
Now, if a prestigious international body (Medieval Academy of America he hints, nudging Lisa Fagin Davies in the ribs?) were to setup a professional prize where the reward was mainly professional recognition, and maybe a small cash prize, then that might help to quietly bring academics back into the field.
Maybe some sort of award could be setup, like the Haskins Medal, for outstanding work in the field of Voynich research. Rather than one big award, recognise that it's going to be a series of incremental steps over time as we progress towards a fuller understanding.
Now, if a prestigious international body (Medieval Academy of America he hints, nudging Lisa Fagin Davies in the ribs?) were to setup a professional prize where the reward was mainly professional recognition, and maybe a small cash prize, then that might help to quietly bring academics back into the field.
Maybe some sort of award could be setup, like the Haskins Medal, for outstanding work in the field of Voynich research. Rather than one big award, recognise that it's going to be a series of incremental steps over time as we progress towards a fuller understanding.