Contrapuntal is that better? I have posted on BBQ pit about tomndebb’s decision.
Alan Smithee whether someone who believes in (his or her) paranormal power, also believes that their power is unique or not, is irrelevant. I dont see the logic of someone declining a million dollars (which I believe is still available) because they believe their power is perfectly ordinary (and thus presumably super-easy to collect).
This post is also to reply to tomndebb who closed my topic on “Designing a test for psychic urination” as he gave me no opportunity to reply to his question and statement (statements actually) that he put to me.
tomndebb you asked me a question and made some disparaging statements about my topic and then closed it with remarkable haste. Dont you think that you should have waited till I next logged on to give me an opportunity to reply?
Anyway I’ll do so now. This is what you wrote: “richnz, do you have a point to this? As a (poor) parody, it still appears to lack an actual point to debate.”
Do I have a point to this - yes and I shall tell you shortly and I have a few questions of my own.
It is a (poor) parody - according to you. Thank you for your kind comments, however this is just your opinion - no one else seems to have given an unfavourable opinion. To be fair to you they may not have had enough time. Then again, to be fair to me, someone may have given a favourable comment also but they may not have had enough time.
“it … appears to lack an actual point to debate.” Here I tend to agree with you, but then I am new to this board and I take my cues from what is posted here. I dont see any great difference between designing a test for psychic urination and designing a test for dowsing, which begs the question, why was I pulled whereas this particular one not?
While on this topic there are a few which may not quite be “discussions of the great questions of our time”. Would “Do Muslims party?” qualify as one of the great questions of our time I wonder? Let me hazard a guess though (on this question) while I’m about it. Many Muslims party like mad and drink like mad too - but then again it boils down to what is meant by Muslims, after all there are a few billion around. Partying in the western sense, like dancing in a disco, or party etc is frowned upon by the Islamic religion and you would probably not find Osama bin laden and his ilk jiving in a discotheque. They are more likely to gatecrash the party in a jumbo jet (and thereby party in a more pleasant place) - but I digress.
Back to my post - you claim that it is a parody- poor one at that - ouch! Parody of what exactly? I have reproduced, one of the claimants of the prizes, claims. Does it sound ridiculous to you? Thats not my fault. I didnt make the claim.
Which brings me finally to my point.(Do you have a point to this?). I do not think that debating ANY paranormal ability is one of the great questions of our time. If you read the claimants claims on James Randi’s website - they are hilarious. I have just reproduced one. But then again it may just be my quirky sense of humour. Then again, maybe others may find it funny too - who knows, give it a chance. I know you were not amused, but do you wish to impose your judgement on all who read these posts? sincerely yours - richnz