STOP ALLISON DUBOIS - Your comments please

[Rasmus55]

My hat is off to Mr. Lancaster for his brilliant STOPSYLVIABROWNE.COM website. I believe much, much more of this is needed. In the U.S., the place to combat superstition and asshatery is in the market place of ideas, which Mr. Lancaster does perfectly.

Another psychic or "medium" as she calls herself who is fast gaining national popularity is Allison Dubois. She already has two books out and is the subject of the NBC TV show "Medium". I have read some of both of these books. I could not finish either, however, because the delivery and structure of each was so poor I simply could not force myself through another page. If, as Dubois claims, she wrote these books herself, I'm astounded that a respectable university actual awarded her a degree. Try reading them sometime; it is like reading the thoughts of a first grader just learning to write but in stream of consciousness. This should come as no surprise, however, because if you've ever heard her speak it becomes obvious that she is lacking in the intellect department.

In any case, Dubois continues to make the most outrageous claims regarding her "powers" and how she uses them. Amongst these claims, no doubt known to many of you, she prides herself on having solved missing person and murder cases for the Glendale Az. Police Dept, Texas Rangers, the US Border Patrol, and a host of other official agencies. She also claims she carries a gun out of the need to protect herself after "putting murderers on death row."

No official statement can be found anywhere to validate anything that Dubois has ever claimed regarding her alleged work with these agencies. In fact, Skeptico reported that the Glendale PD and the Texas Rangers specifically denied any involvement with Dubois in any case.

I think it is high time that another website was organized along the lines of Mr. Lancaster's excellent effort. This would be simply: STOPALLISONDUBOIS.COM. Its purpose would be to focus public attention on her claims of assistance to law enforcement and psychic ability. Given her proliferation on TV and widespread media coverage of late, and that rumor has it she has yet another silly, childish book coming out, it is important to put her powers and credibility into the perspective in which it belongs. Hopefullly, such an examination will force news reporting outlets, book publishers, and other credulous groups to think twice before sending her mountains of free cash and advertising her to the US public with an aura of validity.

Are there any dedicated skeptics who are willing to assist in this? Are there any who are willing to run this site? I am happy to provide financial assistance, although because of my travel schedule it is very difficult for me to run a website of this type. I appreciate your comments.

[EeneyMinnieMoe]

If anyone does decide to take it upon themselves to do this, I'd be able to provide Lexis Nexis research :D . I have a little bit of experience in that.

[-Fran-]

I couldn't do much, but I think it's a good idea. I've watched Medium, and as a TV show only it's not the worst I've seen, but the 'based on a true story' thing, irks me. My friend thinks they wouldn't say this if there weren't something to it, you know; no smoke without a fire-thinking. And the show has sure increased the credibility in Dubois, in my friend's eyes :( I've said to her that Dubois is a fake, but she says I have only read the skeptical side and not got a fair and just view on poor Dubois. *sigh*

I have no wish to argue with my friend about psychics, but I wish there was an objective site with hard facts to direct her to, like Lancaster's Browne-site. Here in Sweden Sylvia Browne is not well known, unless you often frequence forums like this :) She gets no coverage in Swedish news, and so on. Allison Dubois is much more well known though, thanks to Medium which is shown here too.

[Questioninggeller]

Here is a thread (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=83293) you might be interested in.

Are there any dedicated skeptics who are willing to assist in this? Are there any who are willing to run this site? I am happy to provide financial assistance, although because of my travel schedule it is very difficult for me to run a website of this type. I appreciate your comments.

JoeTheJuggler has mentioned interest in it, perhaps PM him.

It would require much more research than SSB based on my premiliary analysis of the sources. I haven't ruled out helping, but it will be hardwork as the claims are spurious, and not made on a consistent show (as opposed to Browne-Montel).

[Mojo]

There's some good stuff about Dubious here (http://www.twopercentco.com/rants/allison_dubois_week.html).

[Questioninggeller]

There isn't much in the Arizona Republic News archive (http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?s_site=azcentral&p_product=ARPB&p_theme=gannett&p_action=keyword). Randi confirmed (http://www.randi.org/jr/010705an.html#7) she was used for jury selection, and commented on Gary Schwartz (http://www.randi.org/jr/121704no.html#5)'s study of Allison Dubois.

[sinclairmcevoy]

Go git er Rasmus. I can't really help, except to direct people to this forum. There need to be more sites like RSL's.

[Rodney]

Here is a thread (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=83293) you might be interested in.Check out posts #10, 12, 19, 22, and 24 in particular. ;) By the way, Katherine Ramsland never got back to me.

[Miss Anthrope]

Go for it. If I can help with analysis or just with moral support, you've got it.

[Blue Mountain]

If you haven't already, you may want to ask Robert Lancaster if he's willing to share some or all of the source code for his website. That might make the job of setting up StopAllisonDubois go more quickly.

[Niobe]

There's some good stuff about Dubious here (http://www.twopercentco.com/rants/allison_dubois_week.html).I was going to suggest this. They broke her BS down like nothing else.

[Mojo]

Here is a thread (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=83293) you might be interested in.

And another (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=60552).

[Kelly]

From my perspective in working with the families of the missing, Brian Ladd is more dangerous. He is quickly rising in the "ranks". Everywhere I look, someone says "Go to Brian....he's really accurate...." Families are flocking to him by the dozens. I don't see anyone encouraging seeking out AD.

http://www.briansprediction.com/

"As you may know, my dreams have made news headlines worldwide, and I have been referred to "the most accurate psychic on earth"...not sure about that, but I'm flattered so many people think so :) This site is for real, and takes about 10 minutes to learn about me and what I'm able to do and how I'm able to teach you to do the same. If you don't have time right now, please bookmark this site and come back later.　There are over 10,000 pages on this site filled with information that's been helpful to million's of reader."

:(

[Questioninggeller]

StopPolicePsychics.com ?

[Miss Anthrope]

From my perspective in working with the families of the missing, Brian Ladd is more dangerous. He is quickly rising in the "ranks". Everywhere I look, someone says "Go to Brian....he's really accurate...." Families are flocking to him by the dozens. I don't see anyone encouraging seeking out AD.

http://www.briansprediction.com/

"As you may know, my dreams have made news headlines worldwide, and I have been referred to "the most accurate psychic on earth"...not sure about that, but I'm flattered so many people think so :) This site is for real, and takes about 10 minutes to learn about me and what I'm able to do and how I'm able to teach you to do the same. If you don't have time right now, please bookmark this site and come back later.　There are over 10,000 pages on this site filled with information that's been helpful to million's of reader."

:(

That's great to know. I've never even heard of this guy.

[JoeTheJuggler]

Yes, I'd be interested in a project like this. I don't mind doing the web work if others would be willing to do the research/write articles or whatever.

I very much like QG's idea of limiting it to claims of psychics to have helped police--maybe even focusing largely on Allison Dubois, but including others.

I have plenty of server space, and another domain name is cheap enough (I don't mind footing that minor bill).

[RSLancastr]

Claus and Kelly were at one time planning www.PsychicPredators.com, but I think Kelly became too busy to follow up on it.

As for donating the source code from the SSB site, I would highly recommend that whoever does this project does NOT use the SSB source code. They would be much better off with a database-based system, which is what I hope to one day convert the SSB site to.

If whoever maintains it is not versed in HTML, I would suggest finding an off-the-shelf package to use. It would be much more user-friendly than what I deal with.

As far as a one-person focus (Dubois) vs. a multi-person focus (Police Psychics - by the way, I would suggest the term "psychic detectives" instead), they both have their pros and cons.

Before I started the SSB site (when the StopKaz site was winding down), I was leaning more towards a multi-person site (with sections on psychics, faith healers, quacks, etc). When I asked for the advice of the denizens of JREF, they overwhelmingly suggested a single-person focus, as it had seemed to work well with Kaz.

At this point I am glad I took their advice, as there aren't enough hours in the day to keep up with what I'd like to be writing about Browne, let alone multiple others.

Then again, it seems like many others here are volunteering their help, so perhaps a multi-focus site wouldn't be as daunting a task as it would otherwise.

If you do go with a single-focus, you might consider simply StopAllison or StopDubois, to avoid the minor hassles I've had due to Browne trademarking her full name.

[Questioninggeller]

Claus and Kelly were at one time planning www.PsychicPredators.com, but I think Kelly became too busy to follow up on it.

As far as a one-person focus (Dubois) vs. a multi-person focus (Police Psychics - by the way, I would suggest the term "psychic detectives" instead), they both have their pros and cons.


Is Kelly still interested in taking part?

As for the name, "psychic detectives" is likely trademarked and might cause confusion if the website focuses on people not on that tv show.

[Kelly]

Actually, I now have the data for all the planned pages for that site. I know that Fowlsound was still willing to host it and originally Claus was the webmaster. If Claus is still interested, I can resend him all the original data, plus the new data, and we would be ready to roll as soon as the two of them do whatever they'd need to do on their ends.

I will be gone to San Diego in the morning, so I won't be able to get back to this until Wednesday night.

[Rasmus55]

Actually, I now have the data for all the planned pages for that site. I know that Fowlsound was still willing to host it and originally Claus was the webmaster. If Claus is still interested, I can resend him all the original data, plus the new data, and we would be ready to roll as soon as the two of them do whatever they'd need to do on their ends.

I will be gone to San Diego in the morning, so I won't be able to get back to this until Wednesday night.


I appreciate all the comments so far. There is much on Dubois it appears already on the web disputing her BS. Re-thinking the idea, I very much like the idea of a "psychicpredators.com" site. An ambitious idea but one that seems very worthwhile. Would you or the person who owns that site be interested in having partners or associates? It might be worthwhile to form a non-profit corporation from amongst those of us with interest in such things. The purpose would be education and tax exempt status would allow us to raise money, which we would then use to investigate these absurd claims and sponsor educational debates/seminars/etc. What do you think?

[EeneyMinnieMoe]

Here's an article about Allison that reads more like a press release:

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/40067

Check out her excuse as to why she can't win the lottery.

[ksbluesfan]

If this happens, and I hope it does, I would encourage the even-handed approach of Mr. Lancaster. The less-biased the site, the better. I'm very impressed by StopSylviaBrowne.com if for no other reason than the fair approach taken. I'm not sure I'm level-headed enough to be that balanced. Emotions would cloud my perspective too much.

Good luck!

[Stellafane]

I'd love to see a "stop Allison" site. It would be great if someone could wipe that self-satisfied smirk off her fraudulific face.

[Ducky]

How about "Stop Kevin Trudeau?"

Not a psychic, but dangerous nonetheless.

[Ducky]

Actually, I now have the data for all the planned pages for that site. I know that Fowlsound was still willing to host it and originally Claus was the webmaster. If Claus is still interested, I can resend him all the original data, plus the new data, and we would be ready to roll as soon as the two of them do whatever they'd need to do on their ends.

I will be gone to San Diego in the morning, so I won't be able to get back to this until Wednesday night.

Honestly all I need is the site put together. I'm not sure what Claus needs to do, but if you send me the info I can arrange it in any number of content management systems that will look professional and nice. I can put it together.

Send me the data, I'll take care of it.

[skeptifem]

How about "Stop Kevin Trudeau?"

Not a psychic, but dangerous nonetheless.


having a series of subject specific sites would rule. if youre passionate about it then go for it- and i agree what trudeau says is very dangerous. RSL has done an amazing job at running his website in a respectable way, i hope any similar sites can mimic his amount of integrity.

[RSLancastr]

How about "Stop Kevin Trudeau?"

Not a psychic, but dangerous nonetheless.Before I started SSB.com, he was in my top three possibilities for a focus: Browne, Hinn and Trudeau.

[EeneyMinnieMoe]

You know, Allison DuBois actually doesn't offend me much. What's the worst she's ever done? Inspired a crappy TV show? Wasted paper by writing crappy books?

Sylvia Browne has screwed with memories of dead loved ones, sent missing persons' searches on wild goose chases, given false hope and taken away hope from victims' families and broken many people's hearts.

AD claims to have sent people to death row, which would be alarming but so far, I can find no information as to her having anything to do with any executions in the good state of Arizona. She's lying...thank heavens!

[-Fran-]

You know, Allison DuBois actually doesn't offend me much. What's the worst she's ever done? Inspired a crappy TV show? Wasted paper by writing crappy books?



She's only 34, give her some time :p

[Rasmus55]

You know, Allison DuBois actually doesn't offend me much. What's the worst she's ever done? Inspired a crappy TV show? Wasted paper by writing crappy books?

Sylvia Browne has screwed with memories of dead loved ones, sent missing persons' searches on wild goose chases, given false hope and taken away hope from victims' families and broken many people's hearts.

AD claims to have sent people to death row, which would be alarming but so far, I can find no information as to her having anything to do with any executions in the good state of Arizona. She's lying...thank heavens!

It's not the fact of her having committed various acts that should prompt an inquiry into who she is and what she claims. It's the very act of making the claims and then attempting to sell them to the public that should result in prompt intense scrutiny. This is particularly true if those claims center around her alleged work with law enforcement agencies; the public has a right to know to what extent (if any) their publicly financed law enforcement agencies are relying upon woo to solve their cases. Also, I think a defendant in a criminal trial would certainly have the right to call into question any warrant or other search and seizure device (or any legal instrument for that matter) that is based upon the ramblings of a fraud psychic like Dubois. Otherwise, we might as well bring back the old practices of carrying hot irons or dunking. As long as she continues to advertise herself as some sort of capital punishment loving psychic cop, her claims should be held to the utmost scrutiny.

[Questioninggeller]

Before I started SSB.com, he was in my top three possibilities for a focus: Browne, Hinn and Trudeau.

Are you going to expand to another subject eventually? I ask because I have some material.

[RSLancastr]

Are you going to expand to another subject eventually? I ask because I have some material.Eventually, yes. But as you know, I have my hands more than full right now with SSB.

Once Browne is stopped, or once I have run out of things to add to the site, I will look into my next site's focus, whatever that will be. So please, do hold on to whatever materials you have.

[Richard]

For a podcast about Allison and her claims, go visit

http://www.mysteryinvestigators.com/podcast.htm

look for

October 13, 2005:
Psychic Detectives
Mark Mayer

[Questioninggeller]

Anyone have video of DuBois doing a reading?

[Kelly]

Honestly all I need is the site put together. I'm not sure what Claus needs to do, but if you send me the info I can arrange it in any number of content management systems that will look professional and nice. I can put it together.

Send me the data, I'll take care of it.

Thanks, FS.

I just came back from San Diego at 3am this morning, and am at work now. I will need some time to catch up on criticals, and will send all to you, no problem.

To the person who suggested a NPO to research claims, etc: I myself cannot do this. I work fulltime and run my org fulltime. There is no way I can add another NPO, even with help, to the mix. My calling is to the missing and those issues, which do (unfortunately) interelate with the psychics.

Should you decide to embark on this, I wish you much success!

[Moochie]

Excellent idea, Rasmus55 (http://forums.randi.org/member.php?u=17366). I can contribute, precisely, zilch, except maybe remotely proofread. But any such undertaking has my full and undivided support. :)

M.

[EeneyMinnieMoe]

Here's the first thing I'd want to do: contact the Texas Ranger and the Glendale, Arizona police department and all of the other law enforcement agencies she says she has worked with.

I'm surprised none of them have come forward already, when there's a show on TV about how they charge people with murder on the word of a psychic.

[Rasmus55]

Kelly and Ducky: How is your site coming along? Something of interest for you...

Allison Dubois (or Dubious as I've heard her called) is a member of this organization: Forever Family Foundation Medium Advisory Board. You can search this group on the internet to get to their webpage. It is no more than a shamelss woo promoting PR org for frauds like Dubious. It is interesting also to note that this group will supposedly "certify" a medium. Will the fraud never cease?

[Jon.]

I wonder how many of the big name woos out there are madly buying up domain names with "stop" followed by their name?

[Questioninggeller]

Kelly, you might think about passing your information to JoeTheJuggler who is interested in hosting material.

[Cuddles]

From my perspective in working with the families of the missing, Brian Ladd is more dangerous. He is quickly rising in the "ranks". Everywhere I look, someone says "Go to Brian....he's really accurate...." Families are flocking to him by the dozens. I don't see anyone encouraging seeking out AD.

http://www.briansprediction.com/

"As you may know, my dreams have made news headlines worldwide, and I have been referred to "the most accurate psychic on earth"...not sure about that, but I'm flattered so many people think so :) This site is for real, and takes about 10 minutes to learn about me and what I'm able to do and how I'm able to teach you to do the same. If you don't have time right now, please bookmark this site and come back later.　There are over 10,000 pages on this site filled with information that's been helpful to million's of reader."

:(

There's some stuff about Brian on UK Skeptics.

http://www.ukskeptics.com/prediction.htm
http://www.ukskeptics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=940

[Kelly]

Kelly and Ducky: How is your site coming along? Something of interest for you...

Allison Dubois (or Dubious as I've heard her called) is a member of this organization: Forever Family Foundation Medium Advisory Board. You can search this group on the internet to get to their webpage. It is no more than a shamelss woo promoting PR org for frauds like Dubious. It is interesting also to note that this group will supposedly "certify" a medium. Will the fraud never cease?

Oh, my. How does a fraud certify a fraud?

"Forever Family Foundation" sounds so sweet and harmless. :mad:

[Kelly]

There's some stuff about Brian on UK Skeptics.

http://www.ukskeptics.com/prediction.htm
http://www.ukskeptics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=940

Thanks! I bookmarked these and will use them whenever I see a post that is pro-Brian.

[Yahzi]

Here's the first thing I'd want to do: contact the Texas Ranger and the Glendale, Arizona police department
I did that already, for Jackalgirl. It's on this board, somewhere. Basically, the PR guy I talked to in Phx was a Dubois believer (and completely clueless about how magicians do their tricks). However, he confirmed that the only thing the Department ever used Allison for was jury reading. That is, cold-reading a jury pool to try and guess how they'll react to your case.

Heck, Dubois is practiced at the art of picking out gullible people and knowing how to fool them. If I had a weak case, I'd consider hiring her to help me pick a jury I could bamboozle.

But that's hardly an endorsement of her psychic powers. :D

[T'ai Chi]

Sometimes I wonder if responsible skeptics would say 'scientifically investigating Dubois' claims' instead of 'stop Dubois' ?

[ChristineR]

I wonder how many of the big name woos out there are madly buying up domain names with "stop" followed by their name?

www.StopKevinTrudeau.com is parked at GoDaddy. :confused:

[slyjoe]

I did that already, for Jackalgirl. It's on this board, somewhere. Basically, the PR guy I talked to in Phx was a Dubois believer (and completely clueless about how magicians do their tricks). However, he confirmed that the only thing the Department ever used Allison for was jury reading. That is, cold-reading a jury pool to try and guess how they'll react to your case.

Heck, Dubois is practiced at the art of picking out gullible people and knowing how to fool them. If I had a weak case, I'd consider hiring her to help me pick a jury I could bamboozle.

But that's hardly an endorsement of her psychic powers. :D

The POLICE used her for jury selection? That seems odd to me - I can see a prosecutor doing it; I can't see the police doing it.

Or was this something the police had heard?

[Mojo]

The POLICE used her for jury selection? That seems odd to me - I can see a prosecutor doing it; I can't see the police doing it.

Or was this something the police had heard?

I think it was the prosecutor's office (Yahzi's post about it is here (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=1872953#post1872953)).

The Glendale Police and the Texas Rangers, both of which Dubois has claimed to have worked with, have denied (http://www.livescience.com/strangenews/reason_medium_050204.html) that she has worked for them.