StopSylviaBrowne - I Speak With Sylvia Browne

[EHocking]

I can't be bothered to have an argument with you over the finer details of an accurate definition of "psychic".n

But, yes, if we assume that people on the other side "know" then she ought to be better than 80%. And in any case she should be able to explain a failure rate of 20%, right?

The argument seems to be hanging on whether her level of accuracy might determine whether she is aware of her lack of talent or not.

Let's not assume she's 80% right. Certainly there is no evidence to suggest that she (or any of her ilk) are any where near that accurate.

For instance, from some transcripts compiled by another poster here and I've summarised at this post it would seem that Browne's accuracy is closer to 7%.

So, in light of a more likely accuracy of less than 1 in 10, what does that say about her continued contention that she is being fed "facts" from beyond the grave?

 

[Garrette]

No, no, to get the facts from the guards, including what complaint was made against him, as well as the evidence from the onlookers, so that somebody OTHER than the casino can try to take this further.

Of course, also, if there is some false claim ...

I understand your intent, but there may be no detailed record of the complaint lodge, and if there is it is almost certain that the casino will not release that record without a legal requirement.

I've never run security for a casino, but I've run it for quite a few hospitals. NOBODY got the reports except our Director/VP for Risk Management and the hospital lawyer, regardless whether they asked nicely, professionally, meanly, rudely, or with threats of legal action. The only exception was when a discharged security officer claimed discrimination, and even then they went through the lawyer. (The officer lost even before trial, and there was no settlement).

 

[headscratcher4]

BTW: thinking more about your article. Save for you and Claus, it seems stlike most of the questions posed were pretty soft. Meaning that she could answer them (86% of the time at least!) easilly with meaningless answers.

Did you hear other pose (intentionally or not) questions like Claus that would have rendered immediagely identifable true or false information?

Also, have you heard from anyone else in the audience?

Anyway, I am in awe of you -- all of you....great job.

 

[CFLarsen]

I can't be bothered to have an argument with you over the finer details of an accurate definition of "psychic".n

But, yes, if we assume that people on the other side "know" then she ought to be better than 80%. And in any case she should be able to explain a failure rate of 20%, right?

(Maybe there is a good explanation, but as long as it doesn't come forward I certainly concede that she isn't having a reliable communication with a reliable source.)

We don't disagree on what a psychic is, or how accurate she (says she) is. It is about how she cannot distinguish between the right messages and wrong messages at the moment she gets them. Since she is aware of this, she admits that she knows she isn't psychic.

??HOWARD??

Yes?

 

[Minarvia]

That is my favourite article to date! And I didn't mind a bit that it was long, even tho "nature was calling me" so to speak. I was hooked on every word.
I am absolutely astounded that Sylvia made such a public brouhaha over you, both inside and outside. Bringing such attention to you and the site is like shooting herself in her own foot. I can't believe she had such lack of control that she actually had the gall to call you out in public. That is probably the worst thing she could have done for herself.

Well, it will be interesting to see if her "GoSylvia" site gets any traffic out of this. I'll be that even more of her "people" and fans will be monitoring what is said here.

Wonderful article, Robert, and thanks also to Susan and Claus! I hope to be able to attend a TAM someday.

 

[cafink]

We don't disagree on what a psychic is, or how accurate she (says she) is. It is about how she cannot distinguish between the right messages and wrong messages at the moment she gets them. Since she is aware of this, she admits that she knows she isn't psychic.

I don't understand how this follows. Even if she cannot distinguish between the right messages and wrong messages at the moment she gets them, she can confirm them later, and if the messages are significantly more accurate than can be attributed to chance (even if they're not 100% accurate). How is this "admitting that she knows she isn't psychic"?

 

[headscratcher4]

Claus: BTW, are you sure that Howard isn't your paternal grandfather's name when translated into Aharamaic (sp?)?

 

[wahrheit]

??HOWARD??

Yes?

Don't you think it's time to change your custom title? A custom title, given to you by Sylvia Browne. Not many forum members can claim such an "honour".

 

[PastBrowneFan]

She does it because she wants to hurt her critics. To scare them, to intimidate them, so they will leave her alone. And tell her fans that if they ever step out of line...

Unfortunately for Sylvia, it won't work. The only way to deal with such methods is to expose them.



You hit the nail on head there. Sylvia, her staff, and her ministers of her "church" all are masters at intimidation, and use it generously in order to try to keep the flock in line.

To me this article is classic Sylvia, and her veiled threats are pure Sylvia, especially since she is deluded into thinking she is some great leader who has the power to "take care of people". Can you imagine the Pope saying this to someone?

Rob

 

[Rasmus]

The argument seems to be hanging on whether her level of accuracy might determine whether she is aware of her lack of talent or not.

Uh... no? I think?

Let's not assume she's 80% right. Certainly there is no evidence to suggest that she (or any of her ilk) are any where near that accurate.

Certainly not. And neither I or Claus think there is any question that her success rate is shameful at best. (Also, her hits are certainly not the result of any paranormal ability.)

For instance, from some transcripts compiled by another poster here and I've summarised at this post it would seem that Browne's accuracy is closer to 7%.

So, in light of a more likely accuracy of less than 1 in 10, what does that say about her continued contention that she is being fed "facts" from beyond the grave?

She's not psychic. Nobody questions that.

Claus and I just seem to either misunderstand each other or disagree about what it would mean that she cannot tell a good/safe/reliable prediction from an unreliable/bad/risky prediction at the time she makes them.

I don't see why we should expect her to be able to tell a difference. The actual percentage doesn't factor into this question - if she was 99% or just 1% accurate, we would have the same problem.

She isn't 99% accurate, though. She isn't 80% accurate, either. If she was then there would be no doubt about her abilities. There would be abundant proof of her abilities, she would have gotten Claus' grandfather's name right and could have explained why Claus was asking for it. We wouldn't have this discussion, either. (We would be busy getting phone appointments scheduled with Sylvia instead...)

 

[Storm Warning]

Once again Robert, I'm in awe. Your ability to keep your cool was, well, cool. My chapeau is off to you, Susan and Claus.

 

[Almo]

Great article dude!

And thanks to Claus for buying the tickets.

 

[Spektator]

Wait...you mean Sylvia's spirit guide got both your first name and your last name correct? How can you not believe, man? HOW CAN YOU NOT BELIEVE?????

Seriously, Robert, excellent article. Keep us posted about what you discover re Sylvia's supposed Master's degree, please.

 

[Reno]

Warning: it is a looong article.

Sir, I respectfully disagree. No article you write on SSB.com could ever be long enough.

Once again, you make me want to try to be a better man.

 

[CFLarsen]

Claus: BTW, are you sure that Howard isn't your paternal grandfather's name when translated into Aharamaic (sp?)?

Yes. It's really Gsdlkjfgrhx. The x is silent.

Don't you think it's time to change your custom title? A custom title, given to you by Sylvia Browne. Not many forum members can claim such an "honour".

"Descendant of Howard"? Hmmm....lemme think about that!

I don't understand how this follows. Even if she cannot distinguish between the right messages and wrong messages at the moment she gets them, she can confirm them later, and if the messages are significantly more accurate than can be attributed to chance (even if they're not 100% accurate). How is this "admitting that she knows she isn't psychic"?

I don't see why we should expect her to be able to tell a difference.

Because she claims that she can tell the difference: If she couldn't, she would cover her ass constantly, by referring to the bad connection, or whatever else excuse she would make up. But she doesn't - she is dead-sure, every time. She doesn't say "It's a bit unclear, but I think it is Howard - or something like that." She says "Howard", without missing a beat. She spouts names, places, events, in one uninterrupted stream. Bam, bam, bam - they just keep coming. "I'm sure, honey".

She isn't 99% accurate, though. She isn't 80% accurate, either. If she was then there would be no doubt about her abilities. There would be abundant proof of her abilities, she would have gotten Claus' grandfather's name right and could have explained why Claus was asking for it. We wouldn't have this discussion, either. (We would be busy getting phone appointments scheduled with Sylvia instead...)

Come to think of it, the spirit guide claim can actually be tested. Since her son Chris is also a psychic, they should both give the same spirit name to the same person. People can simply ask Sylvia what their spirit guide is called, then ask Chris to do it, too (not letting them know the person's identity). They should give the same name, independently of each other.

 

[kittynh]

WOW!

And a special big thank you to Claus for paying your way.

Robert that took guts.

It also took guts for your wife to go.

Claus big thanks!

 

[ExMinister]

Come to think of it, the spirit guide claim can actually be tested. Since her son Chris is also a psychic, they should both give the same spirit name to the same person. People can simply ask Sylvia what their spirit guide is called, then ask Chris to do it, too (not letting them know the person's identity). They should give the same name, independently of each other.

I've met a few people over the years who've gotten two different names for their spirit guide from Sylvia herself - so by now she's got that covered, too. People have more than one guide.

 

[tiger]

Most of the truth is they were aware Robert and his wife was there, but I am sure she was trying to get the better of him and when it failed she called the rent a cops. But Heres the law those security guards are not police officers they have no right and you don't have to comply by showing ID. Another thing they have no right to detain you and if they try to detain you it's called false imprisonment which will get those secuirty guards put in jail.

 

[rwguinn]

Most of the truth is they were aware Robert and his wife was there, but I am sure she was trying to get the better of him and when it failed she called the rent a cops. But Heres the law those security guards are not police officers they have no right and you don't have to comply by showing ID. Another thing they have no right to detain you and if they try to detain you it's called false imprisonment which will get those secuirty guards put in jail.

I find that cooperating with a man carrying a badge, firearm and handcuffs is generally the safe course of action--and usually the legal course as well.
And if you think private security cannot legally detain you, try something really stupid, like shoplifting...

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Awesome. Absolutely awesome!

I just have to echo others' sentiments.. Wonderful job, RSL, and you're such a class act. In a way, I think that adds so much more bite than if you were confrontational somehow. And also kudos to your Better Half, two heads are better than one, so to speak. And, not least, wonderful generosity, Claus and fantastic question, too.

Best. article. ever.

(Little formatting issue.. "Woman #3" doesn't have color or bolding like the others.)

ETA: Oh, did a little ebay search.. There is a "Sylvia Browne SIGNED Book of Dreams 1st Ed *RARE*" with a BuyItNow price of an astounding $65. With today's economy, I guess that's kind of close to $2,000...