For about five years, from the summer of 1996 until the summer of 2001, the rules of the contest stated that part of the goal was to answer the questions in the shortest amount of time possible. The revised rules, however, omit any references to time in order to deemphasize racing against the clock and encourage thoughtful research into the questions. Ideally, if there ever is a sequel to this contest, the goal will be to complete all questions correctly in the fewest number of guesses.

Before the rule change, there were two prizes awarded:

gdupras was awarded a prize for being the first finisher of the contest. He completed the final question on October 22, 1996.

kirby was awarded a prize for being the faster finisher out of the first ten entrants to complete the contest. He completed the final question on August 14, 1999.

A complete list of contest finishers is also available.