109 replies to this topic

[JGirl]

CakeOrDeath, on 01 May 2012 - 04:16 PM, said:

Conrad, why would yo doubt other's wild claims when you yourself have experienced them?

seems to me like he's saying that even though he does believe they exist it doesn't mean that he doesn't know a bunch of bullcrap when he sees it.
same goes for me. i'm so tired of hearing how we as skeptics don't belong on these boards, as though we are just here to 'debunk' what is posted.
i will absolutely call someone on their bull if i think they're lying.
and so should you. so should everyone.
that doesn't mean that i don't believe in the phenomena, just that i don't happen to believe that person's story.

[Ecto76]

No offense to anyone who have replied... this topic was not about what methods believers use, what gives them the authority to investigate, how they investigate and their mentality. It was a question why skeptics respond to believers if they do not believe in it. Some have answered it, some have dissected believers for no reason and to be frank as I explained in the Gary Galka thread, no matter what we say or do is not going to change the mind of a skeptic unless they have a paranormal experience for themselves. We could bicker back and forth. I could share my evidence with everyone and my experiences until you are blue in the face. It isn't going to matter. I'd prefer to have debates without the insults or calling people out. I don't have to prove myself to anyone and neither should a skeptic. Honestly I think some skeptics just get a kick out of it to entertain themselves.

I can go on and on... if I had an extremely haunted location and discussed it here it isn't going to matter. The skeptic was not there, they did not investigate and experience it first hand. I think this is why they question it? Its not matter of believing the person. Like I said in that thread. Some pull bull, some do not. I think skeptics can tell the difference. Which is why I might sometimes get defensive. I know I am a genuine person, I do not lie. I am in this to help people. I'm no expert and I am not afraid to listen to alternative explanations. You don't need to be an expert to help people.

[arenee]

I oftentimes reply because I enjoy engaging in conversations. I ask questions because I'm curious. I do not recall ever being outright mean or hateful to anyone as I too can sometimes get offended too easily, but sometimes I understand why others respond the way they do. Although unintentional I expect I've done it too.

[coldethyl]

orangepeaceful79, on 01 May 2012 - 12:35 PM, said:

I think that there are times where my sarcasm steps out of bounds though and it is something that I have been striving to reign in.  I think that the discourse we enjoy here at UM is always at its best when a certain degree of decorum is upheld.

Me too.  I so try to keep my sarcasm in check.  I pray daily:

[arenee]

Most people just don't get my sarcasm.  It's completely wasted on my boyfriend.  My face is too serious when I'm being sarcastic and he frequently has to ask me, which ruins it entirely.  I thought that was how sarcasm worked but apparently I'm supposed to be laughing.

[P4UL N0153]

Ecto76, on 01 May 2012 - 05:14 PM, said:

Some have answered it, some have dissected believers for no reason and to be frank as I explained in the Gary Galka thread, no matter what we say or do is not going to change the mind of a skeptic unless they have a paranormal experience for themselves.

The thing you have discounted is that some skeptics have experienced paranormal happenings. Just having seen something you don't understand doesn't mean it can't be explained.

[JayMark]

As said, I think the fuss comes out of the fact that many people do not accept any rational explaination. They think they have seen a ghost/paranormal phenomenon and blindly stand by this beleif without questionning it.

Science still has a lot to reveal though.

[Englishgent]

I think the main problem with a chat forum such as this is that you cannot hear the tone in which the sentence was said, givinig rise to a wrong impression. A lot of skeptics will say something which may look rude or abusive but taken in the right context is more likely just another serious question.
Sometimes it is the OP who gets abusive merely because he/she is not being believed and will not accept being questioned. (for various reasons)
Sarcasm does come through on occasion but I will be the first to admit that sometimes my fingers type before my brain is put into gear. And let's face it. There are some threads (not this one) which leave themselves wide open to a bit of sarcasm.

[keninsc]

coldethyl, on 27 April 2012 - 04:35 AM, said:

Yes, exactly!

Brilliant!

Vampire cat has the chihuahua pinned........now for the bite.

[Ecto76]

Can we stay on topic please? Please refrain from posting photos that have nothing to do with the topic. Thank you.

[coldethyl]

Ecto76, on 03 May 2012 - 03:33 PM, said:

Can we stay on topic please? Please refrain from posting photos that have nothing to do with the topic. Thank you.

I told you I would, that was posted a few days back.

[Ecto76]

@ coldethyl... that was intended for Keninsc

[coldethyl]

Ecto76, on 04 May 2012 - 12:11 AM, said:

@ coldethyl... that was intended for Keninsc

Sorry.  

[keninsc]

Well, it was already posted and if you don't like the content of the thread then perhaps you should find another thread.

......or learn to lighten up a little.