The Lance Moody Skeptical Files: We'll Keep the Light on for You!

[Randall]

You can find the offending posts in this thread if they haven't been deleted: Mr. Paulides and J.C. Johnson | Page 3 | The Paracast Community Forums

Hmm ... I guess they must have been deleted because although I see some rather gruff and opinionated remarks, I don't see any outright attacks on anyone here. It seems more like an expression of disdain for the state of affairs in general as a result of what he perceives to be a preponderance of poor evidence and outright fabrication. But maybe I missed something.

 

[Muadib]

Hmm ... I guess they must have been deleted because although I see some rather gruff and opinionated remarks, I don't see any outright attacks on anyone here. It seems more like an expression of disdain for the state of affairs in general as a result of what he perceives to be a preponderance of poor evidence and outright fabrication. But maybe I missed something.

Nope, all of the posts are still there, he didn't go after anyone who belongs to this site, just the hucksters trying to sell a so called research report for $30. It really was a ridiculous thing to get banned for imo, I've heard the mods use worse language than what Lance said, but it seems like that kind of thing is OK around here as long as you're speaking in favor of various paranormal phenomena rather than against it like Lance was. Like I said in my other post, if he would've called Phil Klass a dumb a**, he would've never been banned.

 

[Randall]

Nope, all of the posts are still there, he didn't go after anyone who belongs to this site, just the hucksters trying to sell a so called research report for $30. It really was a ridiculous thing to get banned for imo, I've heard the mods use worse language than what Lance said, but it seems like that kind of thing is OK around here as long as you're speaking in favor of various paranormal phenomena rather than against it like Lance was. Like I said in my other post, if he would've called Phil Klass a dumb a**, he would've never been banned.

I suspect that perhaps there's more to this than meets the eye, and the Paracast is still the best forum around regardless. But at the same time I suggest that it would be prudent not to single out people without sufficient cause, or the Paracast could ( ironically ) run the risk of having its mods labeled as bullies. I submit that reasons for banning should be clearly stated along with the evidence and that there should be some warning or caution administered prior to, ( unless the offense is particularly egregious like the antisemitic profanity we saw a few months back ). I would also submit that the Paracast could benefit from a sort of ombudsman that an accused could appeal to when cases aren't so clear cut. A voting page could be setup for nominations to the position. Or is that an unrealistic idea?

 

[Muadib]

I suspect that perhaps there's more to this than meets the eye, and the Paracast is still the best forum around regardless. But at the same time I suggest that it would be prudent not to single out people without sufficient cause, or the Paracast could ( ironically ) run the risk of having its mods labeled as bullies. I submit that reasons for banning should be clearly stated along with the evidence and that there should be some warning or caution administered prior to, ( unless the offense is particularly egregious like the antisemitic profanity we saw a few months back ).

I agree with all of that and would add that there really is no reason that this thread should have been made, as it seems to me it's just here to gloat and slag off Lance while he doesn't have the ability to respond. The post that was made in that thread stating that he was banned was sufficient enough to do the job of informing people that he was banned. This one just seems kind of petty to me.

 

[dyingsun]

I tend to rather get disillusioned as well when I'm drinking, was he banned three or four times now ? I'd love to see him back.

 

[Polterwurst]

It went from light pokes and insult directed at Lance, to suggestions of alcoholism and then some sexism thrown in to top it off (not a wonder there's so few women hanging around what passes for the lame locker room at times).

Yeah, funny how that goes sometimes, huh. Reading my last post, the "extradimensional alien" remark might come across as a little sexist. But I don't discriminate against women. Exclusively. I find most men just as incomprehensible, probably from another dimension. Just kidding, I really didn't want it to sound as bitter as it reads.

But, come to think about it, the post obviously was a subconscious attempt to change the subject. Honestly, I'm utterly fed up and tired with these endless, pointless sceptical vs. religious vs atheist vs. global warming believers threads, while real phenomena that have been researched for decades and are not at all well explained aren't discussed at all, probably because most people (who often haven't looked into them) can't imagine that there might be something to them. That's what I thought this forum was for. Instead you have threads like this one or the "Listener Roundtable" mess regularly devolving into more or less open name-calling.

Why are we still talking about a guy who freely admitted that he only visits the forum because he gets bored at work? Who's obviously not interested in any of the subjects here, except to debunk them and to show people how clever he is, while anyone who invests any real interest is obviously a "dumbass"? Yes, it's been great he found out abut Mr Imbrogno, but you know what? I know that there is lots and lots of tall-tale-tellers and charlatans on the prowl in these fields and Mr Imbrogno never struck me as especially trustworthy there.

Please take this as a last statement and don't answer me, because I really don't want to get into the discussion any more. I bitterly regret my last post and I guess, I'll keep to the show questions and the few (hopefully staying that way) reasonable discussion threads.

 

[Burnt State]

Honestly, I'm utterly fed up and tired with these endless, pointless sceptical vs. religious vs atheist vs. global warming believers threads, while real phenomena that have been researched for decades and are not at all well explained aren't discussed at all, probably because most people (who often haven't looked into them) can't imagine that there might be something to them. That's what I thought this forum was for. Instead you have threads like this one or the "Listener Roundtable" mess regularly devolving into more or less open name-calling.

I know you don't want a response but I think you've highlighted a central kernel about the paranormal discussion in general. The skeptic/debunker and their initimate relationship with the believer/researcher really is 'spooky action at a distance.' These two positions of oppositions really are like two deeply entangled particles. In a discussion where no absolute truth can be found there is only the push and pull of forces in a never ending dance. The central tension between them, like in a novel or play, is what drives the narrative/discipline forward.

If we all believed, or if we all disbelieved, there would be no where to go except out for lunch for some friendly back slapping.

There's some deep disillusionment and wisdom I see in some of the long time posters, like prisoners in it for life, they've moved on to an existential calmness about it all. They are rarely moved, like the hermit in the cave.

This, for me, leaves only very interesting stories told around the screenfire and the related conversational suppositions. The discussion around 'what it is' can be a waltz or a mosh pit, but either way the dance continues. It's not always pretty.

 

[Goggs Mackay]

I've been picked up for swearing, that's as far as my forum crimes have gone thus far, and I intend to keeping that way.

I think here, even if you are furious with a member you maybe don't like anyway, It still pays to be smart in how you attack someone. If you don't have a problem with someone's views you shouldn't be arguing anyway, so if you do attack someone, you keep it on the points, not the person. That way nobody needs to get banned and you can bet your bottom dollar those who do get banned are more than capable of not getting banned! (reading this back I'm not sold on the English)

 

[Goggs Mackay]

People talked about me when I got banned too... it is not a big deal. I continued to read the forums everyday each time I was banned. I saved up notes on topics I was going to comment on or to defend myself but I never did respond to any of it...then I got banned again, returned and learned how to walk that fine line. I am sure I have been close to getting my warning from Gene a few times recently... I am learning how to play nice most of the time. I would gladly sit face to face and chat with anyone here... even lance... well maybe not lance...I kinda want to get into a MMA cage with him.

Haha, now Pixel, you are a perfect example who knows perfectly well how not to get banned, but I think you probably believe whatever point you were making was worth it ban or no ban!

 

[pixelsmith]

Don't curse at the angry host, and don't discuss global warming with a socialist administrator.

 

[Christopher O'Brien]

Calling people "dumb asses and morons" after being banned three or four times and warned numerous times is (in the moderator's opinion) over-the-line. Gene banned him for a month. Even though many of us would agree w/ his observations about Ketchum and Johnson, he knew he was on a short leash. Oh well...

 

[Christopher O'Brien]

I agree with all of that and would add that there really is no reason that this thread should have been made, as it seems to me it's just here to gloat and slag off Lance while he doesn't have the ability to respond.

Re-read my explanation for starting the thread (and the story I posted)—don't conveniently ignore this explanation and pretend it doesn't exist. Thanks.

 

[Muadib]

Re-read my explanation for starting the thread (and the story I posted)—don't conveniently ignore this explanation and pretend it doesn't exist. Thanks.

I read it, I don't buy it. Two posts within a couple of minutes of one another making a big deal about someone getting banned? I've been here for near a year now, never have I ever seen a special thread made for someone who got banned, don't pretend you weren't doing a bit of gloating. If it was anyone besides Lance, this post would've never been made. Honestly, I don't really care that much, but let's not pretend that Lance was that far out of bounds compared to what goes on in this forum on a daily basis, you just happen to have a bug up your arse when it comes to him.

 

[Christopher O'Brien]

I read it, I don't buy it....Honestly, I don't really care that much, but let's not pretend that Lance was that far out of bounds compared to what goes on in this forum on a daily basis, you just happen to have a bug up your arse when it comes to him.

You are a relative newbie, but you are welcome to your opinion. He has a history here and was on a short leash. End of report.

 

[RonReyes]

This all sounds a bit too much like my friend, Eric Clapton's well rehearsed song...
I'm diggin the solo at 2:18 Oh so sweet.

Ps. I don't want to piss anybody off.

 

[Stagger Lee]

Sceptic, believer, debunker, contactee, hybrid- whoever you are, or whatever side of the fence you fancy- there is never a need to insult while debating. I find it curious how anyone can be certain of anything in this field- believer or debunker- how can you raise your flag on either side?

 

[pixelsmith]

I read it, I don't buy it. Two posts within a couple of minutes of one another making a big deal about someone getting banned? I've been here for near a year now, never have I ever seen a special thread made for someone who got banned, don't pretend you weren't doing a bit of gloating. If it was anyone besides Lance, this post would've never been made. Honestly, I don't really care that much, but let's not pretend that Lance was that far out of bounds compared to what goes on in this forum on a daily basis, you just happen to have a bug up your arse when it comes to him.

I think there was a "pixelsmith got banned" thread. Lance got what he deserved. Period. He is only banned for a month so you will just have to gaze longingly at his last post until his return. Absence makes the heart grow fonder ya know. Not that there is anything wrong with it...

 

[Burnt State]

Let's face it, the Moderator Instigator is being true to his title. The article originally posted was quite a backanded compliment to the skeptic as it is really about someone replacing one fantasy for another, both being equally delusional. Perhaps there is some trixterish wisdom to be gleaned from all of this?

In a recent Radio Mysterioso podcast featuring Redfern and O'Brien I heard the call for not just a skeptical voice, but for the need to really do away with the typical, boring skeptic/believer paradigm debating the ETH and to use your imagination to define something new. I suppose spending time barking at each other really does not take the discussion anywhere new at all, like this one, and yet here I am.

 

[boomerang]

so if you do attack someone, you keep it on the points, not the person

Exactly !

 

[Christopher O'Brien]

Let's face it, the Moderator Instigator is being true to his title...I heard the call for not just a skeptical voice, but for the need to really do away with the typical, boring skeptic/believer paradigm debating the ETH and to use your imagination to define something new. I suppose spending time barking at each other really does not take the discussion anywhere new at all, like this one, and yet here I am.

Yeah, and here to am I.