Who actually likes James Randi (person who offers $1 million dollars for psychic ability)?

Question

Out of all the people who get a lot of publicity, he is the one who annoys me the most.

How can you say that you are looking for the truth about psychic ability when proper scientific practices aren't even in place?

First of all, he offers one million dollars to anyone who can demonstrate psychic ability - yet he has denied every application of entry up until this current day.

His offical website and the staff there who answer the emails of application also moderate the forums there. There have been also several reported incidents of people complaining about how James Randi is yet to accept people who offer to complete his challenge and the forum modertors post these private emails and pick them apart in front of the posters - they're basically internet trolls with power.

How can this be a ligitimate proof of there being no existance of psychic ability when he doesn't even let anyone attempt the challenge?

The million dollars are also paid in bonds, which is also sketchy.

I really don't believe that they screened various people an they showed no psychic abilities - they get to pick and moderate who they want, so wouldn't it be easier to pick the less credible claims of people to bias their results?

There really should be an independant organisation who deals with this, rather than just Randi and his team.

Answer 1

I like James Randi, for one. Your chief complaint is that he has "denied every application of entry," but here are some examples of people he has demonstrated to be frauds:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9w7jHYriFo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlfMsZwr8rc

It seems that believers in psychic and paranormal powers in human beings dislike Mr Randi because he forces the "contestants" to conform to his rules during a demonstration. For example, Uri Geller (see video) could perform fascinating feats with his mind, including bending physical objects and reading minds, but when he was asked to do so under more tightly controlled circumstances, he was unable, saying that the pressure and skepticism made his powers weak. Anyone can appear to have psychic powers when their stage is set properly, and we call these people magicians and illusionists. Mr Randi is seeking people who can perform their feats in rigidly monitored and controlled situations. If you personally believe, as Mr Geller did, that such situations render the powers impotent, then please continue to enjoy your magic shows, because proof cannot be obtained until the feat is performed anywhere, anytime, and anyplace.

Now, I do not blame Mr Randi if he is unable to honor every application that is sent to him. It appears that he deals mostly with the most popular or famous "psychics" and "miracle workers," but this is very simple: if you want to make a big point, then you have to tackle the biggest questions. If I wanted to prove I were the strongest man in the world, then challenging my little sister to a lifting contest would not be very convincing. I would need to challenge the most prolific and powerful individual in the world. Similarly, Mr Randi is limited by time, so he must choose cases that will bring the most publicity and recognition.

Concerning the behavior of the moderators for Mr Randi's site, I can only say that the people who post information or attempt to apply for the challenge are putting themselves in scrutiny's path. I cannot attest to any staff member's personal comportment, though.

As for paying the money in bonds, all I have to say is, money is money. Bonds can mature and be worth plenty later. I would think a silver briefcase full of cash, or a novelty check the size of a poster, would be sketchier than a bond.

Finally, I'll let you know that I disagree with Mr Randi on several issues. For example, he wishes to live in a completely rational world, devoid of anything unknown. Unfortunately for him, the world is indeed irrational and much is unknown. However, this does not mean that people can develop super powers, although it would make life more interesting. Mr Randi also implies that religion is something that must be avoided, but I disagree strongly. While I do not think he is an infallible person, I am quite pro-James Randi for his work in debunking myths and seeking out frauds and individuals who exploit others for their own gain. Faith, hope, and wonder are incredible facets of human nature, but when individuals like Uri Geller or Peter Popoff manipulate these characteristic for riches and glory, I am glad to have a source like James Randi to point to reality.

Answer 2

If there are any psychics on the level that Randi is challenging (he has specific tests and only for certain areas of this concept), maybe they chose not to because, 1. one million dollars really isn't crap anymore... 2. they would be turned into a circus freak in no time (and most likely Randi would want part of the $ to cover the million he lost in it) That's if there is someone who could beat his tests. And sylvia brown did say she would do it, till she found out some of the tests they were going to do and she admitted that those specific one's, she wouldn't be able to. Randi automatically called her a fraud and plays with her on tv over it. BUT, I find it odd that the FBI uses psychics lol If I could do it, I wouldn't... mainly for the #2 reason above. That's like finding out there really is a Superman... could you imagine the heartache you would go thru if the world found out you had super-human strength? You would get blamed for not helping everyone in the world... media would be right up your *** every minute of every day. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying people like John Edwards or the Psychic Friends Network, etc... are real psychics. They do it for the money and only for the money. But just because no one has stepped up to do it doesn't mean it's not out there. =)

Answer 3

I think practically every claim you made about Randi and the JREF is false. Yes, psychics do come in to get tested. See my source for just such a test. Most of the psychics, however, are pissy about it and paranoid, and end up leaving. The details of the test are sorted out between the testee and the testers until they come to mutual agreement.

There are prominent psychics who either refuse to take the test (not vice versa, and I laugh at the thought) and those who accept but never call back (Sylvia Browne), as if they get a little cred boost when they initially accept and think everyone will forget if they never follow up.

Lastly, you can easily verify the existence of the million dollars. The JREF has gone to great pains to make their funding and distribution of funds transparent to any testees.

Ye slanderer doth protest too much.

Answer 4

You must be kidding. There are dozens of applicants each year for the award. He has detailed his tests in the Skeptic magazine.

His question is beautiful, "Why do psychics use what can be found as stage magician acts as proof of their powers?"

I love the guy,

Answer 5

Perhaps he is biased towards the thought in which there are no psychics and is using this as "evidence" towards his thoughts or ideas.

Answer 6

I'd love to see a higher-level Scientologist try (and probably fail epically).

Answer 7

If you have psychic ability then you know how foolish I think you are.

BTW anything a psychic has done Randi has been able to duplicate his trick.

Answer 8

What are you talking about? Tons of people have gone through a screening and failed to show even any promise.

Answer 9

I think he's just truly jealous.