The Bulletin today announces one of those media stunts that
desperate promotions managers and editors cook up when the circulation
figures are struggling and you need to come up with something –
anything – to register a blip at the newsstand.

“In this, our 125th year of publication, The Bulletin
is prepared to help solve one of Australia’s most enduring mysteries,”
writes Bulletin editor-in-chief Garry Linnell in today’s edition – a
“reward” of $1.25 million for “conclusive proof” of the existence of a
Tasmanian Tiger.

But as with any competition, it’s wise to read
the small print. As Linnell warns would-be Tiger hunters: “Our terms
and conditions are strict and unbending… A live, uninjured animal
must be produced. All government regulations and provisions must be
adhered to. A panel of eminent experts chosen by us will have the final
say – along with conclusive DNA testing.” Here’s the nub of the rules:

(a) on physical examination, the animal must belong to the Thylacinus Cynocephalu (Tasmanian Tiger) species;
(b) on the basis of genetic analysis, the animal must be a pure-breed member of the Tasmanian Tiger species;
(c) the animal must be an adult member of the species;
(d) the animal must be naturally conceived and born and not have been genetically-engineered;
(e) the animal must be alive and unharmed;
(f) the animal must not have been in captivity at the time that the Promotion commenced; and
(g) the animal must have been found in Tasmania, Australia.

See here for the full 30-point 3,333-word three-stage terms and conditions.