trainedobserver
Paranormally Disenchanted
As this thing progresses it becomes more evident to me how Imbrogno and others like him can perpetrate such longstanding fraud. By the nature of the comments made by several people in this thread and others, it is apparent that the concept of a confidence man is either foreign or wholly misunderstood by many. I don't think the paranormal/ufo interest demographic has a larger percentage of folks ignorant of these or a disproportionate number that understand and exploit it. However, paranormal and UFO buffs and enthusiasts are perhaps more susceptible to fraud because there is no regulation, no accountability, and little motivation to expose it in the UFO/Paranormal genre of faux-reality entertainment. Also, it always in the best interests of hoaxers, fakers, frauds, and con-men to poo-poo skepticism of any kind that might reveal their scam.
It is in the best interests of many in this industry to label those who question and doubt much of the absurd and unlikely subject matter they present as half-baked debunkers, noisy negativists, or government agents. When people are vilified for asking questions and for doubting, it is extremely revealing. Sweet Jesus in a baby-cart. When this is over, we're going to have an even better picture of who is interested in truth and who is interested in just selling us something, anything with a paranormal label, truth not required. Those who sell such crap will have an even better idea of how large and accepting their demographic is I imagine unless some attitudes and thinking changes.
It is in the best interests of many in this industry to label those who question and doubt much of the absurd and unlikely subject matter they present as half-baked debunkers, noisy negativists, or government agents. When people are vilified for asking questions and for doubting, it is extremely revealing. Sweet Jesus in a baby-cart. When this is over, we're going to have an even better picture of who is interested in truth and who is interested in just selling us something, anything with a paranormal label, truth not required. Those who sell such crap will have an even better idea of how large and accepting their demographic is I imagine unless some attitudes and thinking changes.
Not the most solid reason for a belief. But, on the other hand I also have some very core and deeply held convictions about spiritual reality and what it means to live and die. Those things were not jettisoned when I began to question my faith. I still go back and forth and still find the idea of God becoming flesh a really strong reason for hope. But, on the other hand I also know that there is no old man in the sky with a long white beard and a firey temper. I'm also still sure that "He who is without sin should cast the first stone." That and Treat others the way you would want to be treated is my only true "religion" these days. So, sure the dude lied. Sure, I'm gonna take everything he ever said or says with a grain of salt. I do that with everybody anyway. But, I would like to hear his side of it instead of all the arm chair psychology that I'm hearing here. But, he may not speak on it at all. Maybe that's a good thing but it would seem he should at least talk to the folks who bought his books. If only by a statement. Of course the world at large could care less. 8)
But, you get my drift. Scientist like Polikinghorne and Pin Van Lommel are not on the talk radio and Oprah circuit. There are some legitimate people out there. But, the sad thing is it's the loud and the flashy ones that get the attention. So, yes be skeptical. I'm a true skeptic believe it or not. But, don't join a group and call yourself a name because then you become just another church. 
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