John Edwards a fake or the real deal?

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The discussion revolves around John Edwards, a psychic known for his show "Crossing Over," where he claims to communicate with the deceased. Participants express skepticism about his abilities, debating whether he is a genuine medium or a fraud. Many argue that his techniques, such as cold reading and vague statements, allow him to manipulate audience emotions and perceptions. Critics highlight the ethical implications of his work, suggesting that he exploits vulnerable individuals seeking closure. Some participants reference the work of skeptics like James Randi, who have exposed fraudulent practices in the psychic industry. The conversation also touches on the broader topic of belief in psychics and the lack of scientific evidence supporting their claims, with some asserting that without proof, the default position should be skepticism towards such abilities. Overall, the thread reflects a mix of skepticism, concern for emotional manipulation, and a call for accountability in the psychic profession.
  • #91
I used to watch Crossing Over, I think Edward's is the best cold reader I've seen, it's an art. That weirdo that wiggles a pen over a pad of paper is the worst, I don't get why he's famous.
 
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  • #92
Ha, funny you should bring up 'ghost writing'.

Just watched a comedy show and they had a video of a psychic doing it. She was saying "I don't know what the pen is doing, I have no control." She was doing some drawing about the guy opposite her.

When they revealed it, she had drawn a penis outline (hair and all). Considering 'she didn't know what she was doing', it was a faily good kn*b drawing - would make teenage graffiti artists proud!
 
  • #93
Evo said:
I used to watch Crossing Over, I think Edward's is the best cold reader I've seen, it's an art. That weirdo that wiggles a pen over a pad of paper is the worst, I don't get why he's famous.

If you were to look at the "taping times" of Crossing Over; they are 8 hour sessions. If you get to go for an episode, you sit for 8 hours (or maybe there were two 4-hour sessions).

Either way, it's easy to see some material didn't make it into the final show.
 
  • #94
FlexGunship said:
If you were to look at the "taping times" of Crossing Over; they are 8 hour sessions. If you get to go for an episode, you sit for 8 hours (or maybe there were two 4-hour sessions).

Either way, it's easy to see some material didn't make it into the final show.
I want to be clear, I don't think he's talking to the dead, just that he's very good as a cold reader entertainer.
 
  • #95
The most remarkable aspect of Edward's talents are the depths to which he will stoop. Should his career of humbuggery fall through, he might do well as a monitor of the society naked mole rats, familiar as he is with his own practiced model (he probably works on it in the mirror) of subterranean rodent behaviour.
There is the concern that the naked mole rats might protest, wondering why we would send someone who clearly belongs in deeper darker places than only underground among the esteemed company of hideous and hairless vermin.
 
  • #96
jarednjames said:
I don't think the whole "if you really had the power you wouldn't use it to make money" stance works. It may apply to some people, but there'd be equally as many people willing to use it for their own benefit. So it's not a good way to judge whether or not someone may/may not be genuine.

I think most would go the Iron Man route: try to do some good... at a profit.
 
  • #97
nismaratwork said:
I think most would go the Iron Man route: try to do some good... at a profit.

That's the sort of thing I was thinking. I don't think it would take much for most people to realize the value of their gift.
 
  • #98
You can't really say how someone who was genuinely 'like that' would act. It could go either way. But anyone who had that sort of ability, genuinely, would, amongst all their obvious abilities, also have the very good sense to keep it hidden and establish other plausible reasons for having their success / money / fast cars etc.. Otherwise they would be subject to the ultimate in exploitation from others.
Did you see Xmen? It would be like that.
 
  • #99
If anyone has seen Jumper, that's the sort of thing I picture happening.

Someone has the gift, they use it to their advantage but hide it from others.

I think anyone would realize what too much attention would cause, the government would show an interest to say the least.#

(Unless you're Hancock, in which case you got nothing to lose by showing it. Not like anyone could do anything about it / with it.)
 
  • #100
sophiecentaur said:
You can't really say how someone who was genuinely 'like that' would act. It could go either way. But anyone who had that sort of ability, genuinely, would, amongst all their obvious abilities, also have the very good sense to keep it hidden and establish other plausible reasons for having their success / money / fast cars etc.. Otherwise they would be subject to the ultimate in exploitation from others.
Did you see Xmen? It would be like that.

Why would they want to be hidden from exploitation (or accurately, is it exploitation if you want it)? Do talented musicians hide their abilities so they won't be exploited?

You were right the first time. It comes down to who they genuinely are. If they have the motivation to be rich and have celebrity, then they will use their ability; if they prefer some other, unrelated career path, then making this public would definitely interfere.
 
  • #101
Well it depends what you can do.

I'm sure the government would be very interested in someone with psychic ability, especially with their track record in this area.

Attracting too much attention could mean you end up on some military base for the rest of your life.
 
  • #102
As in 'Minority Report'?
There's a film for every nutty idea, I think.
 
  • #103
Well as I understand it they have previously spent money on 'investigating' various paranormal / psychic ability. So it wouldn't be hard to believe they'd get you on side one way or another (or at least try it).
 

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