Will Sylvia Browne ever be brought down?

[angrybeliever]

As the weeks go by, I keep wondering if all the hard work that all of you have done with finding these horrible examples of how Sylvia Browne has used, abused and betrayed so many people who trusted and have believed in her...will actually finally bring about her downfall.


Patience it seems, isn't the strongest virtue in my makeup. When I had decided to leave NS, I didn't know half or even three-fourths of the information that has been presented here, and at Robert Lancaster's site: Stop Sylvia Browne.com

What bothers me, is that now that I DO KNOW...I can't imagine letting her continue to perpetuate her evilness. I know that others who have left feel the same way.

If only we didn't feel so helpless, and wishing that there was more that we could do, we would probably feel better. Just when I think that the anger and disbelief has somewhat cooled inside my self...something else comes up, and wham....I want her ass again.

So, I ask any of you who have information that Robert Lancaster can use...to please come forward, if you haven't already. Sylvia can not hurt anyone in the light of day.

To any current or X/NS people (who may be reading and not posting)....please join the group of us that is surprisingly growing. It is comforting to hear our stories, and scary to know that we have experienced similiar scenarios, isn't it?

Time to bring down the fraud! Stop Sylvia Browne NOW!


AB

[vexed]

You'll never be able to prove to the true believers that she is a fraud. And if you do somehow manage to do so, they'll just move onto another psychic.

[Jackalgirl]

To any current or X/NS people (who may be reading and not posting)....please join the group of us that is surprisingly growing. It is comforting to hear our stories, and scary to know that we have experienced similiar scenarios, isn't it?

You know, this isn't a bad idea. What vexed has said is very true; however, not all believers are true believers. There seems to be a growing number of ex-NS people here, and I think that it would be good for there to be an ex-NS support Forum. I'll post something about it, and see if one of the ex-NSers wants to take it on, and what options (a BBoard system, standard Yahoo! group, etc) the ex-NSers here think would be most beneficial (if, that is, you all want something like that to begin with).

[Brattus]

You'll never be able to prove to the true believers that she is a fraud. And if you do somehow manage to do so, they'll just move onto another psychic.

Very true!
Also how angry are you? You have the power! You KNOW what must be done! Listen and obey!
You can free us all!

[angrybeliever]

Very true!
Also how angry are you? You have the power! You KNOW what must be done! Listen and obey!
You can free us all!


Ok, It's late, and I know that in my old age, around this time of night, the neurons get a little sluggish. I am angry. How angry? Hmm..I don't have a meter...but, it is enough to stand up and try to stop others from making the same uninformed mistake that I made. I am speaking out.

Now...what is it that I "KNOW" must be done? Or, are you as my grandma used to say...just being a brat, brattus? I would welcome any CONSTRUCTIVE help or just comments. Brainteasers must be left to the others of this group that are far more erudite.

[Questioninggeller]

Think micro not macro:

1) To save one person from spending $750 dollars is progress.
2) To prevent parents of one missing child from seeking wrong information from Browne is progress.
3) To get one long-time supporter to question their dogma is positive.

I don't think Browne will be "taken down" by SSB, but it is helping a few people who want objective facts obtain them.

Making the information about her record available may not end her career, but it does help people.

[JoeTheJuggler]

You know, this isn't a bad idea. What vexed has said is very true; however, not all believers are true believers. There seems to be a growing number of ex-NS people here, and I think that it would be good for there to be an ex-NS support Forum. I'll post something about it, and see if one of the ex-NSers wants to take it on, and what options (a BBoard system, standard Yahoo! group, etc) the ex-NSers here think would be most beneficial (if, that is, you all want something like that to begin with).

I like that idea very much. Besides an actual support group, I'd like to hear maybe what led some ex-believers to let go of the belief.

AB, you mention that you didn't know much of the story until reading StopSylviaBrowne.com. Was this before or after you became an "ex"? If it was after, would you mind sharing what led you away from the flock?

[Susan Gerbic]

I understand how frustrating this must be. Never being a follower I guess I can't relate as well as you ex-NS people.

Seeing all the work done on the SSB site and reading everything here. And then seeing the CNN 360 stories makes me so upbeat that there is progress being made. I get all giddy!

Then I start thinking about all these delusional people getting money, hopes and dreams taken away from them, knowing that when she is gone they will just move on to the next psychic. I feel very sad. I feel like "what is the use" they don't learn. Very depressing.

Then again, progress is being made by leaps and bounds. Lancaster's site hasn't even been up a year and look at all the people who are reading it. Also there are many of her ex-followers here that are speaking out. And many more lurking in the background reading the posts, not sure if they should get involved, but all the time learning and thinking.

So I go up and down on this issue. It is a big deal to me, my favorite area in the skeptic world. When she falls, and she will, it will hurt all the psychics. They will be easier to knock down as a result.

Susan

[RSLancastr]

You'll never be able to prove to the true believers that she is a fraud.I disagree, vexed. I receive several emails a week from people who classified themselves as big-time believers in Browne, who, after reading the site, have decided that she is indeed a fraud.

And if you would say that they were not true believers, you would be heading down the No True Scotsman Fallacy trail...

And if you do somehow manage to do so, they'll just move onto another psychic.Some will, but some won't. And regardless, taking her down is still a worthwhile endeavor, in my book.

Ok, It's late, and I know that in my old age, around this time of night, the neurons get a little sluggish. I am angry.Of course you are! You're AngryBeliever, after all!

But I think that if you reread brattus' post, you'll see he was aiming that comment at Vexed's post, not yours.

[Kilgore Trout]

I disagree, vexed. I receive several emails a week from people who classified themselves as big-time believers in Browne, who, after reading the site, have decided that she is indeed a fraud.


This really warms my heart. Thank you. :)

[Miss Anthrope]

It's like some people will never realize their religion is not what it seems.

Those who are capable of accepting the evidence will consider it. That is why it's important to get the evidence out there.

Those that do not wish to observe anything contrary, will continue to live life by the seat of their emotional pants.

We have to try. I was a hardcore woo. But because I was willing to look, a good skeptic's advice turned my world around--for the better.

[EeneyMinnieMoe]

I feel your pain, angrybeliever.

Since SSB.com started, I've often been torn apart with extreme anger and feelings of helplessness to do anything about it.

I think I've contributed just about all I could about SB to this forum...but I doubt that all I've tried to do has prevented so much as a single person from putting their money in her pockets.

[Darth Rotor]

As the weeks go by, I keep wondering if all the hard work that all of you have done with finding these horrible examples of how Sylvia Browne has used, abused and betrayed so many people who trusted and have believed in her...will actually finally bring about her downfall.


Patience it seems, isn't the strongest virtue in my makeup. When I had decided to leave NS, I didn't know half or even three-fourths of the information that has been presented here, and at Robert Lancaster's site: Stop Sylvia Browne.com

What bothers me, is that now that I DO KNOW...I can't imagine letting her continue to perpetuate her evilness. I know that others who have left feel the same way.

If only we didn't feel so helpless, and wishing that there was more that we could do, we would probably feel better. Just when I think that the anger and disbelief has somewhat cooled inside my self...something else comes up, and wham....I want her ass again.

So, I ask any of you who have information that Robert Lancaster can use...to please come forward, if you haven't already. Sylvia can not hurt anyone in the light of day.

To any current or X/NS people (who may be reading and not posting)....please join the group of us that is surprisingly growing. It is comforting to hear our stories, and scary to know that we have experienced similiar scenarios, isn't it?

Time to bring down the fraud! Stop Sylvia Browne NOW!


AB
PT Barnum once asserted that "there is a sucker born every minute, and two to take him."

Sylvia seems to be one of those two.

DR

[Zep]

Rob, what's the possibility of getting a spot on Oprah?

I mean, if you ask, formally, and she says "No" then that's something that can go on SSB. If she says "Yes" (and if it means publicity then she just might!), the door is open to hit all of America is one swell foop! Just think of all the woos who fawn at Oprah's feet. You had better harden up the SSB server after that!

Incidentally, I happen to tolerate Oprah rather well. She certainly means well, even if she does follow the woo path a bit too much for my liking.

[RSLancastr]

I think I've contributed just about all I could about SB to this forum...but I doubt that all I've tried to do has prevented so much as a single person from putting their money in her pockets.As the stories you have uncovered make it to the SSB site (and one will this week), what you have found will be in front of people it could help. And each of those stories, while they may or may not convince anyone on their own, will be part of a body of evidence which grows more convincing with every article. What you have done will help some people, I am very confident of it.

Rob, what's the possibility of getting a spot on Oprah?Dunno, Zep. She recently had that show where she promoted John Edward and Allison Dubois, and gave extremely short shrift to the "token skeptic" she invited on.

Incidentally, I happen to tolerate Oprah rather well. She certainly means well, even if she does follow the woo path a bit too much for my liking.I think she means well, and I think she has helped many people.

But I also think that she has harmed many people by promoting psychics and things such as "The Secret."

[Jackalgirl]

And wasn't Randi completely sandbagged (set up for failure) by Oprah and her producers (http://www.randi.org/hotline/1995/0017.html)?

I wouldn't expect fair or equitable treatment by her for a skeptic on her show. Her major draw is the woo-needy.

[rjh01]

If what I have heard is correct most of the Montel shows where she was on this year were repeats but this time last year they were mostly new shows. Is that correct?

If that is correct then it is massive measurable progress.

[alfaniner]

Well, July is typically a "sweeps" month. So either new shows are going to be shown or they will repeat some immensely popular ones.

[Stellafane]

I believe SB can be "brought down" in that her prestige and influence can be significantly curtailed. I don't think she can ever been completely neutralized, however. Look at Peter Popoff -- could anyone have been more utterly and irrefutably exposed as a cyncical fraud and con man? And yet he still has his followers, perhaps not as many as before, but still substantial.

The need to believe is simply too strong to ever eradicate completely.

[Locknar]

I believe SB can be "brought down" in that her prestige and influence can be significantly curtailed. I don't think she can ever been completely neutralized, however. Look at Peter Popoff -- could anyone have been more utterly and irrefutably exposed as a cyncical fraud and con man? And yet he still has his followers, perhaps not as many as before, but still substantial.

The need to believe is simply too strong to ever eradicate completely.


I'd have to agree with Stellafane...there are those in "Woo-land" that will believe no matter what; just as those that believe the Earth is really flat, that the moon landings were all a hoax, that Bigfoot is real, that alien beings from other worlds vist us because of some odd anal probing fetish, etc.

Other then reducing her influence, I think "victory" would be when she is discounted by the main-stream media; ie. they are willing to expose her for what she is (a fraud, a con-artist).

[negativ]

If Jimmy Swaggart and Robert Tilton can recover from their respective humiliations and still have hordes of followers, Sylvia is probably safe.

[Hindmost]

If Jimmy Swaggart and Robert Tilton can recover from their respective humiliations and still have hordes of followers, Sylvia is probably safe.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with you. After seeing Popov recover from his downfall--he seems to make more money than ever now--I don't think Sylvia can be totally taken down.

However, Robert and JREF can help individuals and bring thinking skills to the some--we can trim Sylvia's claws back a bit. Perhaps in a millenia or so, we can get rid of all the woos. Have to start somewhere.

glenn

[rjh01]

Well, July is typically a "sweeps" month. So either new shows are going to be shown or they will repeat some immensely popular ones.

This is good. They show repeats and Sylvia gets less money and other rewards from the show.

It is not just a matter of can you bring down Sylvia? It is a matter of will anyone replace her? The answer to that question is no.

It is very slow progress. However measured over decades the shift in belief on woo matters is visible.

[T'ai Chi]

If you are serious about claiming 'fraud', I suggest you alert the proper law enforcement agency.

[dsmith]

I think she means well, and I think she has helped many people.

But I also think that she has harmed many people by promoting psychics and things such as "The Secret."

Oprah seemed more than willing to take James Frey to task for lying about his book after she promoted said book. I'd like to see Oprah do the same for any psychics she has promoted.

[EeneyMinnieMoe]

Thank you very much, Robert. It means alot to me.

That's exactly the trouble: it's easy to find a lot of very interesting things about Sylvia Browne but other tan SSB, there's no outlet for them. At least not where her fans as well as skeptics and anyone else who happens to be interested can see it. You were right when you said that there's a void of anti-Sylvia material on the Internet.

There's so much I've found out about her I'd like to be able to share, from that suspect claim about winning an award from George W. Bush to how much time Montel allows himself for editing to the mountain of cold cases she has to her credit to the instances where she surpasses herself in rudeness and insensitvity. If I had the technical know how and the time, I'd start a Sylvia blog. StopSylvia 2 (as long as your lawyer didn't have anything to say about that, of course :) ).

["Astral"Girl?]

HMMM The SSB website is doing a great job, but I think this is going to be one of those cases where she retires before she's stoped :yikes:

Before she is obviously proven to be a fraud, she will probably be on Montell saying "after all my successes, I've decided to retire..."

Hah ! Now that's psychic !

[rjh01]

Agreed. But it will happen this year. And earlier than what she planned. What makes it so good is that there will be no psychic to replace her.

[Kelly]

My Magic 8-Ball told me that SB will die before she retires.

[Mojo]

If you are serious about claiming 'fraud', I suggest you alert the proper law enforcement agency.


It's quite possible for someone to be a fraud without breaking any laws.

[T'ai Chi]

I think the extremely silly and nitpicky 'Does Sylvia Browne Smoke?' article will do the trick.

LOL! Talk about organized skepticism missing the mark by about a mile.

[RSLancastr]

Wow, I am an organization?

[Questioninggeller]

If you are serious about claiming 'fraud', I suggest you alert the proper law enforcement agency.

Could fraud be used to describe someone who pled no contest to that crime?**





**Browne pled to no contest to the charge. http://www.stopsylviabrowne.com/articles/peoplevsbrown.shtml

[RSLancastr]

Could fraud be used to describe someone who pled no contest to that crime?
She and Dal Brown pled no contest to a charge of "selling securities without a license."

[Miss Anthrope]

I think the extremely silly and nitpicky 'Does Sylvia Browne Smoke?' article will do the trick.

LOL! Talk about organized skepticism missing the mark by about a mile.

The smoking article has importance because it is one more step in challenging her credibility. The woman is pathological. She's the kind of person who would lie about the present weather if she thought she could get away with it. She told several versions of her smoking status, and it is important to show people that she lies about EVERYTHING.

The SSB site is full of many examples of Sylvia being wrong in her readings. Addressing the fact that she lies about silly and mundane matters covers another angle of her dishonesty. A complete picture is being painted by covering different aspects, and that is a good thing.

[T'ai Chi]

The smoking article has importance because it is one more step in challenging her credibility.


To summarize this silly article:

1980's: "A correspondent to this site who wishes to remain nameless..", which is not admissable even in pseudoskeptic work, says Browne smoked in the 80s. and early 90s.

1990: Book by Browne and coauthor says in regards to Sylvia: "Smoking, an addiction she has conquered"

1998, ashtray on her desk, circumstantial evidence

1998 story, says Browne was smoking

2002, Browne: ..., we [entire family] don't smoke.

2005, Browne: "Since I don't smoke..."

2005-2006: "Another former Novus Spiritus member...", who is anonymous and probably has a bone to pick, claims Browne smokes.

2007, ex-husband of Browne says she smoked. Do you think an ex would have a bone to pick? He did say "..., I haven't been in contact with her for a long time" so he doesn't know if she smokes now or not.

Author of pseudoskeptic article: "I have not been able to find a transcript of the Montel episode where I heard her make the claim, " Well gee, you think you should find the transcript first, then write the article?

Normal people, pseudoskeptics take note, realize that when someone says "I don't X", they may or may not be saying that they have never done X. They may just be saying that they have not done X for a while, and currently don't do X. If I said 'I don't listen to rap.', would pseudoskeptics take that to mean I have never listened to rap music?

So basically some pseudoskeptic who is against Browne equates someone casually stating they don't smoke with a "claim". Talk about wheel spinning at its finest. :)

[RSLancastr]

Author of pseudoskeptic article: "I have not been able to find a transcript of the Montel episode where I heard her make the claim, " Well gee, you think you should find the transcript first, then write the article?
Since I found her saying the same thing in a book and an interview article, no. I mentioned hearing it on Montel as explanation of what had gotten me interested in the issue.

If I said 'I don't listen to rap.', would pseudoskeptics take that to mean I have never listened to rap music?
No, but if listening to rap was known to cause throat cancer, and you had said "I don't have to worry about throat cancer because I don't listen to rap" even though you had listened to rap for decades, you would be strongly implying that you had never listened to it.

I gree that the article is not the strongest on the site, and read on its own, means little. But, within the context of the other fifty or do articles on the site, I think it makes its point.

Would that point have been stronger if Browne had explicitly stated that she had never smoked? Of course.

[Slimething]

TC,

You need to reread the article. You've misunderstood major aspects.

[Slimething]

Double post.

[geni]

Once frauds just moved to a new geographical area. That doesn't work so well now but evening in the worse cases a few years appears to be enough for people to forget and for frauds that do get caught to start again.

[PastBrowneFan]

To answer your question angrybeliever, probably not.

Why?

Her die hard believers will gladly give up all in order to blindly follow and believe in her, and it will take personal experience for them to change their opinions, and that is not very likely.

Also, SB and NS are experts at waiting until a storm dies down, so they will just sit and wait this out as well. When you have skeptics on this site sick of hearing about SB and her deeds, do you think the general public would stay interested, or those that know of SB?

She will probably retire, NS will then fall apart from the power struggle amongst the mongors running it, and those that follow her will move on to something else. After all, her onetime heir apparent doesn't take much interest in the church or business, and the other son can't claim anything that would allow him to take over, so they'll just close shop someday.

How could she be brought down? One person at a time.

[CFLarsen]

If you are serious about claiming 'fraud', I suggest you alert the proper law enforcement agency.

If you are serious about claiming that Randi is a fraud, I suggest you alert the proper law enforcement agency.

[Mojo]

What is the "proper law enforcement agency" to which to report someone making fraudulent claims about an "organized skeptical movement"?

[Brattus]

When you have skeptics on this site sick of hearing about SB and her deeds, do you think the general public would stay interested, or those that know of SB?

I must admit I'm getting to that point quick. I have a hard time feeling pity for those XSBs or XNSs. One would have to be either really dense or a desperate person of a missing loved one to believe SB has any "psychic powers".
I doubt even the desperate really believe she has "powers" they are just grasping at any straw they can. That leaves the plain ol' foolish and stupid people who are so clueless they believe anything they see on TV.
What SSB is doing is really good no doubt. But is it really necessary?
I think RSLs StopKaz site was necessary. That site provided info for a little known (compared to SB) person to local Church's and organizations who otherwise would rely on word of mouth only. Anybody over the age of 5 should easily be able to tell what a joke SB is after less than a minute. As far as I can tell SB and her like will be around as long as there are brainless sheep out there unable to think on their own.
All the Xwhatevers on here are the ones that helped SB do what she does.
They and their like need something or someone to do their thinking for them. SSB has become their new "bible" their new "mission in life".
It's all rather sad and embarrassing to watch.
All you Xs out there, instead of getting a forum and blah blah blah. Try learning how to create an independent thought in your head first. Once you learn that then perhaps you'll see that living your life is a bit more important than staring at the TV all day while hubby's at work.

[angrybeliever]

I must admit I'm getting to that point quick. I have a hard time feeling pity for those XSBs or XNSs.

All the Xwhatevers on here are the ones that helped SB do what she does.
They and their like need something or someone to do their thinking for them.

All you Xs out there, instead of getting a forum and blah blah blah. Try learning how to create an independent thought in your head first. Once you learn that then perhaps you'll see that living your life is a bit more important than staring at the TV all day while hubby's at work.


Oh, Brattus...just when I think there is hope for you, a post such as this one pops up.

I highly doubt that any of the former people (and you WILL note, former) that have left SB are even remotely looking for you to shed a tear for us, much less the lack of compassion that you seem to exhibit tonight.

As for finding a forum and having independent thought...actually, THIS forum was pretty cool...AND, I can assure you that if the former X's were NOT able to create an independent thought, we would still be with SB.

I am offended that you ASSUME that none of us have the ability to create an independent thought.

As for sitting in front of the TV all day long while the husband works...well, maybe that is YOUR issue at home. It is not mine...and I doubt that YOU could handle what my life has served me, since you seem NOT to have an open mind, nor a caring attitude about those, who you seem to portray as being so far beneath your thoughts or carings.

As for having a forum to blah, blah, blah.....well, Brattus...is that how you think of US here on this forum?

I have neither the time nor the energy to watch TV at the end of the day. My time here, is down-time, and used to be relaxing.

Did I foolishly make a wrong decision with SB. Yes, I did. But, when I found the truth, I left. We did have independent thoughts AND spoke up for changes.

How many other people in their everyday lives see things and STAY silent. The boss that is corrupt. The neighbor that steals cable, or worse just steals or the ones that sell drugs.

Be careful in this life, Brattus. To judge someone is a mighty strong mantle to take on. It may end up biting you in the proverbial butt one day. Try to have a little more humanity in your skeptical little world. I don't think any one of us could stand our lives to come under scrutiny and NOT have something that they would rather have made a different choice about....well, maybe not YOU!

You have disappointed me, but then....I should not have expected anything more.


AB

[SeekingTruth]

I have a hard time feeling pity for those XSBs or XNSs
Brattus, I don't recall ANY of the XSBs or XNSs ASKING for your pity - or anyone elses! Nor do I want to be pitied.

What SSB is doing is really good no doubt. But is it really necessary?
I believe Robert Lancaster thinks so - as do thousands of people who have discovered the truth about SB and Novus Spiritus. This isn't just about SB and her so-called psychic abilities - this is also about fraud perpetuated by a supposed spiritual organization as well.

They and their like need something or someone to do their thinking for them. SSB has become their new "bible" their new "mission in life".
It's all rather sad and embarrassing to watch.
All you Xs out there, instead of getting a forum and blah blah blah. Try learning how to create an independent thought in your head first. Once you learn that then perhaps you'll see that living your life is a bit more important than staring at the TV all day while hubby's at work

SSB has not become my new bible - or my new mission in life - and I'm fairly confident the others feel as I do. I have given up neither my bible nor my mission in life. As for creating an independent thought in my head - from your condescending attitude, I'd say YOU"RE the one who can't create an independent thought - you latch onto this topic and instead of contributing anything CONSTRUCTIVE, you malign those who made a mistake by believing in someone - my belief was not in SB the psychic, but rather SB the spiritual leader. Pity? You're the one who needs to be pitied Brattus - Gee, maybe if I were able to create an independent thought, I could pity you!

It's easy to judge others Brattus - try taking a good long look at your own life. You made an assumption that we're married females waiting for husband's to come home? You have no clue who I am or how I live my life - but I assure you I have never sat around watching TV waiting for a husband -or a wife to come home. And for you to make such an assumption shows just how shallow and petty of a person you really are.

If you're tired of reading threads about us, I don't believe anyone is forcing you to read them - or respond to them. If you find these discussions so distasteful, there are many other threads in here to read besides ones about SB and Novus Spiritus - If one didn't know better, one might think you're a loyal Sylvia Browne follower whose sole purpose is to come in here to put down Robert Lancaster as well as those of us who left the organization.
If putting us down helps you to get it out of your system, well, have at it. By comparision with what I've been through in this lifetime, you're a mere amateur. And about as annoying as a hemorrhoid.

ST

[Stellafane]

...All you Xs out there, instead of getting a forum and blah blah blah. Try learning how to create an independent thought in your head first. Once you learn that then perhaps you'll see that living your life is a bit more important than staring at the TV all day while hubby's at work.

I have a lot more respect for people who sit at home watching TV all day then I do for people who post insensitive remarks on an internet forum concerning others about whom they know absolutely nothing.

[Kilgore Trout]

It's all rather sad and embarrassing to watch.
Your reply certainly amounted to that much.

[Tipush]

I don't think Sylvia can be totally taken down.

glenn

From what I understand, Sylvia is about 70 years old and a heavy smoker.
She can't last forever....

[Susan Gerbic]

From what I understand, Sylvia is about 70 years old and a heavy smoker.
She can't last forever....

Is this a prediction?

Long ago when I lurked on these message boards I noticed someone asking the question about Randi making the statement at the last TAM that he was going to go aggressively after people like her. Maybe even challenge them via the newspapers. Whatever happened to this. I don't think the person who posed the question got an answer.

Anyone know?

Susan

[JoeTheJuggler]

Long ago when I lurked on these message boards I noticed someone asking the question about Randi making the statement at the last TAM that he was going to go aggressively after people like her. Maybe even challenge them via the newspapers. Whatever happened to this. I don't think the person who posed the question got an answer.

I thought that the new rules for the Challenge were meant to make this happen. My guess is they've got to work through at least some of the backlog of active applicants (dowsers and other self-deluded folk) before they're ready to take on the frauds and crooks.

I for one would donate to a fund for the purpose of taking out full page ads in the NY Times or whatever that would basically "call out" someone like Sylvia Browne. In her case, point out that she's already agreed to a protocol, answer all the bogus excuses (like that the money doesn't exist) and really put pressure on her in a public forum. Maybe even also give a brief litany of her bigger failures (like Shawn Hornbeck and her mining disaster disaster).

[Susan Gerbic]

I thought that the new rules for the Challenge were meant to make this happen. My guess is they've got to work through at least some of the backlog of active applicants (dowsers and other self-deluded folk) before they're ready to take on the frauds and crooks.

Randi said he was going to select 4 people, Uri Geller, VanPraugh, John Edwards and someone else. He was going to "call them out" so to speak. He said something about a class action suit as being possible. He also mentioned a full page ad in the main newspapers. And all this was going to start on April 1st.

We were all abuzz about this at TAM.

Susan