Right now, our Panel of Experts is reviewing the 42 finalists in the 2009 essay contest, on 'What Is Ultimately Possible In Physics?'. When their ratings are in, we will combine them with the original Community ratings to determine the final winners.
This is the second essay contest FQXi has run. The first contest on 'The Nature of Time' was a great success in many ways. In particular, it has made it ok to talk about this topic in lunchrooms of "normal" physics institutes. I personally have been in a few conversations with "normal" physicists in which they start by asking about the contest details, then subtly transition into telling me what they think about the nature of time itself. This sort of "abnormal" talk was very rare just a few years ago. Let's hope the latest contest does as much to encourage ongoing discussion of the limits of physics.
We here at FQXi have learned a lot from running the contests, but I suppose it is possible that we are still not perfect. Therefore, I want to ask everyone here for comments, complaints (or compliments even). Whether you entered the contest or were just a fan, I would like to read your thoughts below. We intend to run more essay contests in the future, so feedback will be most helpful.
I will start with a compliment, to the entrants---I was impressed with the high level of good will. People seemed genuinely interested in the entries of others. Questions were asked and often answered in great detail. True, there were a few tense moments now and then, but these were dealt with diplomatically. I feel that everyone strove to focus not on tearing down the competition, but instead on crafting and explaining their own work.
Thanks to everyone, and here's to many more.