What we can't do

Because it isn't magic, there are some things we just can't do. Here are a few:

• We can't predict the future.
• We can't find patterns where none exist.
• We can't work to a specific accuracy level, or guarantee any level of accuracy beyond the quote we give you during consultation. We always aim for 100%, but that's almost never possible.
• We can't devise entirely new data mining techniques for you unless you're willing to provide us with a significant amount of time and money to do the required theoretical research.
• We can't mine without data. If you won't give us access to your data, we can't mine it for you. (We'll sign an NDA on request).
• We generally can't massively parallellize our mining techniques, although this depends on the circumstances. We can parallelize software in general, but the specific algorithms we employ may not have known parallel implementations.
• We can't optimize beyond the theoretical lower bound of the algorithm we're working with without approximating... or otherwise do theoretically impossible things. If you find someone who claims he can, he is lying to you.
• We can't use domain-specific knowledge in most domains without guidance. For example, we can write statistical models for predicting stock prices, but we cannot dictate what models would be appropriate on our own; this is a topic in economics rather than statistics.

There are also some things we just won't do, even if we can:

• We won't help you do anything illegal, harmful, or otherwise against our principles. We reserve the right to refuse to take on any project for any reason.
• We won't help you spy on people.
• We won't be held responsible for losses stemming from decisions made on the basis of our programs' results. Data mining is a supplemental tool and is meant to augment the decision making capability of an expert, not replace it.
• We won't help you with your homework, though our individual employees might.
• We won't start working on a project until the requirements are clear. This avoids trouble for all involved. If the project is being conducted on a fixed rather than hourly basis, these requirements must be made in writing and signed by both parties to ensure that the scope of the work does not increase without a corresponding increase in price and length.