August 29, 2010
SV Podcast 026: Benjamin Radford
Stephen interviews Benjamin Radford, author of Scientific Paranormal Investigation: How to Solve Unexplained Mysteries and editor of the Skeptical Inquirer magazine.He also does a roundup of recent episodes of Ghost Hunters International and Fact or Faked.
Links:
- Scientific Paranormal Investigation: How to Solve Unexplained Mysteries
(affiliate link– buy here to support Skeptical Viewer!)
- Benjamin Radford's web site
Download the podcast here.
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Comments on SV Podcast 026: Benjamin Radford »
Revenant @ 1:02 am
It was a very good interview, Stephen. You asked a great question; "What have the Ghost Hunters done right (referencing their methodology)?"
The question seemed to throw Ben a bit. It certainly threw me as I listened. He answered that GH had seemed to have lost interest in orbs. After thinking about that question for some time now…without question, that was the best answer.
I have come up with a couple of more answers. The first is that they do not seem to charge money to investigate a location (or not that we have seen or has ever been proven). The second is that their investigatory methods are essentially non-evasive. What I mean by that is that they do not use harmful or toxic chemicals. They do not use methods that might damage property. I only brought up that aspect because when one looks at some of the things that they do, really, any sort of "experiment" would be up for grabs by simply saying "Ghosts like this" or "Ghosts don't like this."
So beyond those two…I just couldn't come up with anything else. I mean, it's so bad that I don't even like their choice in tape when they tape down their extension cords (why use duct tape instead of painter tape…you know, so it doesn't chip the paint when they use it on walls?). I mean…it's to THAT level…
Stephen @ 12:52 am
I'm hoping that they use gaffer's tape, not duct tape. Gaffer's tape comes off much more cleanly. Still, you're right: they should use painter's tape on the walls.