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There was so much criticism after I had the radio interview with Jeff Wagg, Nigel Aves and Brian Walsh for the skeptical website and podcast at http://rational-alchemy.com/, listen to it here: Rational Alchemy 03/27/2010.
The criticism in question can be read here: VFF to Appear on Rational Alchemy but might have been felt by others as well who did not voice their opinions. To be honest with you, the decision to have me on the show was made only a moment before they recorded the show so I only had a few minutes to prepare. And for the record, I did not ask to be on the show. I did not even know about the skeptical website or radio show/podcast Rational Alchemy until the moment I was invited to be on the show. I did not know what the show would be about or what we would be talking about, more than being told that it would be about my claims and the IIG test. I did not know what questions I would be asked, or how much time I would be given. I was given only 5 minutes for the Bad Cast show so I was expecting something similar to this and was trying to keep my answers short, but then ended up having more time and it made it all a bit awkward and difficult because I didn't know when I would have to end a sentence. We also recorded until past 1:00 AM (it is a pre-recorded show) so I was a bit tired. Tired and caught off guard. And for those of you who do not think paranormal claimants should have the right to speak, other than that woo who was allowed to talk about her woo for a whole hour (me!), it actually happens to be a really, really good skeptical radio show with a new fantastic episode every week! So be sure to listen to it and to not judge against it just because of that strange woo who was on one of their shows. Anyhow, I am also one of the critics of this rational alchemy episode in which I appeared. I asked the hosts to include an opposing view of a skeptic and suggested that we invite one of the IIG members into our group. I suggested that the next episode be dedicated to the IIG, but that never happened for what ever reason. In other words, I am not responsible for the lack of skeptical balance in the show, which is a natural result if you let only the woo speak without any opposing balance. But that is how it ended up being. Which makes a different kind of show, but I like skepticism so we could have added some more into it. So all of you who are complaining that I was not given any "hard hitting skeptical questions", and everyone who was talking about how they would have done such a better show... |
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1. Download Skype. It is free of cost to download and to use. Register with a username and log on. Have a microphone or a webcam. Webcam can be used without the video so you don't have to worry about me seeing who you are. I say this because a lot of internet Skeptics like to remain anonymous. And that way I don't have to do my hair.
2. Look up user VisionFromFeeling. Add me to your contacts. Eventually I will log on and add you. 3. Tell me you want to do a skeptical interview with me about my paranormal claims and investigation. You can also talk to me in writing first if you want, it also has that option. You can remain totally anonymous! I don't as much care who you are, what your name is or where you come from, if you can ask some interesting questions and make a skeptical dialogue with me you are more than welcome to. We need more of that on my website. Or you can take credit for your work and give me your internet username or name and I can add that to it. 4. We can have a chat before we begin an interview. After a while I ask you if I may record our conversation. I have the software for that. Maybe you do too. Here are some methods of recording it: How to Record Skype Conversations. I use the EasyVoipRecorder it is cheap to purchase online and to download and they send you the registration code after a short while. 5. Ask me any questions you like. The only restriction is that what you say and how you say it must be appropriate to children because the internet is open to anyone, so nothing that we would not say in the presence of children. Other than that you may be rude or impolite as much as you wish, because I know some internet skeptics can not separate that from their presentation of arguments (arguments as in opinions, not fighting, but I know some Skeptics can't separate these two either). That doesn't scare me. I try to listen to what you say rather than how you say it. Remember that a good skeptical argument (eh, debate, but sometimes it becomes a fight too) is based on content, not presentation. You may have some questions prepared in advance on a list, or just improvise. I will of course improvise. 6. When we are finished I will send you the conversation as is. You can listen to it and ask me to edit out any parts that you are not happy with, or you can even tell me during the conversation that you were not happy with some portion of it and it will not be included. 7. I will edit the file to make it sound good, ie. remove any lengthy pauses, coughs, etc. I then send the edited file to you and you listen to it and tell me if you approve of it or if you want any changes made to it. Or if you are confident in your work you can tell me so and ask to not receive any copies. 8. Once we are both happy I will post the audio on my website. I will not edit out any "tough questions" or "bad answers" on my part. You'll see. And you may also post it anywhere you wish. You and I both have ownership of the material. But I do allow other people to download it if they wish. And you may at any time in the future ask me to remove it from my website if you change your mind about it. Easy! Hit me with those hard hitting questions! And if I don't recognize your voice you can be entirely anonymous! So I ask that you skeptics either stop whining that the Rational Alchemy podcast was not skeptical enough and do a better job yourself! I think that should settle the arguments at the VFF to Appear on Rational Alchemy JREF Forum thread. I would also welcome any Skeptical questions because I agree that there weren't any in the Rational Alchemy podcast for me. |
| If you think you can do a better job and that there were questions not asked, go right ahead and do a better job yourself. And don't worry about getting it perfect the first time. Of course you can call again and give it another try or if you think of more questions to ask. I don't mind. I try to conduct my investigation in a skeptical manner and I welcome any criticism or comments. I expect to hear from someone soon! |