On: Build a better spell checker, win $10,000

[maximveksler]

 understand that we cannot control the incoming information you will disclose to our representatives in the course of entering, or what our representatives will remember about your entry. You also understand that we will not restrict work assignments of representatives who have had access to your entry. By entering this Contest, you agree that use of information in our representatives’ unaided memories in the development or deployment of our products or services does not create liability for us under this agreement or copyright or trade secret law;

Come on... What a fucked up plan is this? Let someone work for free, then let you whole engineering team "review" this... so ooops sorry if we remembered your algorithm. We didn't claim we wont.

I can't believe anyone will be willing to participate in this. This is a day time robbery.

[chc → maximveksler]

That is almost certainly not what this is about. It's just a common accusation in lawsuits, so Microsoft is just covering its ass. This is the same reason why a lot of Hollywood studios will return spec scripts unopened — if they even open a package from somebody who hasn't signed an agreement like the one MS presents here, they're in danger of getting sued for big bucks.