Cherry got me all revved up with her blog about Sylvia Browne (she raised some damn good questions). Generally I try hard not to launch public, online accusatory attacks on people (don't always succeed). But Ms. Browne is just such a great example - a poster child - for unethical psychic practice. She is high profile and that leaves her with a lot of relative power and responsibility. And I’m calling her out on it. Her fraudulent practices leave a shadow over lesser-known sincere practitioners who actually deserve respect IMO.

Like other human endeavors, it should be understood that “real” psychics can and do make mistakes.

So perhaps evidence of Sylvia’s alleged ability exists, regardless of her blunders, or my suspicions. But does her ability justify a fee of $750 for a brief phone reading (30 minutes or less)? In a best case scenario, her readings are more powerful than 750 therapy sessions, or the equivalent of winning the lottery 4 times over, justifying the cost. At less than best, her high costs reflect classism (services easily accessible only to the relatively rich); available to those who might go broke spending their savings. At worst, she is not just classist, but fraudulent, lacking touted abilities.

From watching any of her weekly appearances on the Montel Williams show, it seems quite obvious to me - and many others - that Sylvia is using a cold reading technique. She seems to tease answers out of people. Also, when someone contradicts her interpretation, she becomes pedantic and patronizing, equivocating what she said to try and bridge the gap. And who knows what goes on prior to the editing of the show?

… While I’m not an anti-Sylvia-ist based on her parlor tricks, shoddy predictions and high fees, I am extremely concerned about a practice of hers that presents a public hazard. I will address it in the next blog …

 - R