Lance's Message to the Forum

Lance and I have our exchanges too, and I can't say that his style of debate is particularly ingratiating. But at the same time, his presence has prompted me to post useful information and get into the nitty-gritty details that without a persistent voice of skepticism would probably never get shared here on the forum. I think it's a shame that it had to come to a parting of ways. I also think it would show a great amount of civility for Lance to reconsider leaving and to return to the forum with an offer to extend appologies to those whom he may have offended. Personally I don't need any ( I'm pretty think skinned ). But to extend the offer and agree to carry on would show the kind of character I believe Lance has, but unfortunately doesn't show through when he is in "skeptic mode".

J.R.
USI Calgary

Ya know I really do think Lance will be back. But, even if he isn't some of you act like he is the only "skeptic" out there. We still a few. I think sometime we don't know how to argue civily because we think we have to "win" the argument. But, if we have faith in our own worldview then we should be able to present what we know or think we know and then be happy that we are able to hold our own in the arena of ideas. Lance and me to for that matter seem to think we have to win. If you will forgive my brashness I think it's a symptom of intelligence. We have that "aha" moment and we see it all so clearly. But, the person we are arguing with just won't "get it." I tend to be holistic and I will "feel" the truth or the spirit of what I want to say. The energy if you will. But, I just can't get across with words. Lance is scientific, logical. He knows the damn forumla dammit and just can't understand why people can't simply open their damn eyes and see it! But, the trick is to understand that a human is an amphbian and not a machine. WE are spirit and blood and sweat and hope and lust and logic and emotion. Maybe it survives the mechanical mechanism of the body and maybe it doesn't. But, we will allways be wondering and searching. I hope for eternity. imo but I won't call ya stupid if you disagree. Not out loud anyway. So, good night Lance...wherever you are.

Yes and Lance did bring some rationality and perspective to theses forums, agreed. If he could have controlled himself and ceased the personal vendetta against Chris he probably would not have found himself in this position. He devalued his good work with an attack dog, debunker's demeanor and any of this good work went out the window whenever he decided to pursue this tactic.

I understand the fact that some may have been burnt by the charlatans and bullshit artists. Especially the ones profiteering from this so called industry. Even so i think those who have should check their biases in at the door when it comes to it. It's no different to the people who occupy the other end of the spectrum. If you come here as a rabid true believer and attack those who you perceive to be anything less, you would receive the same treatment as Lance, I believe.
But people are surely allowed an opinion on the genre without having to be subjected to a medieval witch hunt style interrogation which was occurring on a regular basis by Lance on Christopher.
If this hadn't occurred then he would still be here.

---------- Post added at 04:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:39 PM ----------

Lance got attacked because he attacked others, pure and simple. And if you ask him i bet you would say he didn't mind because he feels justified in the way he approached the subjects he engaged.
Why continue a personal vendetta against the show's co-host when you know that it is going to get you in trouble. He knew what was coming. And if he didn't then i over estimated his intelligence i'm afraid.

Were about's in my post have I claimed to know Lance beyond this forum? Can you show me specifically that content?

As I see it, my posting, was an honest assessment of his time spent on the forum, and nowhere else; So I am at a loss here to understand your point at this time!

What is true evidence to you?

"Ted Philips best evidence is him claiming to have seen many strange balls of colored lights, at a unknown location, called Marley Woods?

Would many images or photographs of colored balls of light Angel, honestly truly change your skeptical opinion about the phenomenon? Similar phenomenon to what Ted is describing has already been photographed and filmed.

Ray Standford, he will not release this wonderful material he alleges he has of UFO's? He ia surely is aware of this he is not getting any younger, so why doesn't take Ray not take some credit for this amazing evidence?

Angel, I don't understand a person like Ray, maybe he doesn't care what people think, well then Ray if you don't care what people think you shouldn't be telling everyone what you are thinking, keep quiet.

I made it sound? Ok show me were in my posting, i made it sound, please because I am at a loss, Angel

So whats the big expectation with getting Teds evidence? We now know the evidence he has, will not be good enough for you and other skeptics?

Angelo. I don't think Kieran would necessarily have to know him beyond forum contact to say something like that.

All forum related, Angel.

Lance is not a polite, his postings to the forum are testimony to that fact. So not sure how that gave you an impression I knew him beyond the forum?


And nobody should give complete respect to, why do you think I said that? Not hard to figure is it,our is it?

Taking stuff out of context did you not read the stuff I said before that?

Hm..my view always was that if you put yourself 'out there' (publish a book, appear in a tv show, a movie, hold conferences, whatever), one HAS to be ready for eventual criticism, sometimes harsh ones. Being naive sure excuses someone not ready for any inevitable backlash (I'm sure there a people protesting rescuing puppies, f.e.) for the first time, the second time is tough luck.
In that way I welcome legitimate skeptic concern, hell, I am an interested person with a rather skeptical point of view on many subjects of the 'paranormal'.
I respect Lance for his 'Die-hard' stance on some things and him calling out Frauds anyone interested in this subject and half-open minded should have figured out for themselves. Though I disagree on some of them, he mostly makes a compelling case for his point of view on the matter. The harping on Chris was getting tiresome though, he is not responsible for what former guests of the show produce or don't produce, nor is he putting out extremely outrageous claims out there(well, for Lance, maybe.... ).

His/Gene's choice, I don't know what happened between Kieran and Lance, I actually don't want to. Seems it wasn't all that civilized. of a reply by Lance.

Agree to disagree (unless its utter utter bullshit ), everyone makes mistakes, in purported facts, choice of words in debates, or in the estimation of another persons character (really easy on a message board....).

Now off to CSETI

He did, at times.
I suppose forum members base their opinions about Lance based on their interactions with him here or at least their observations of him. Whatever the case it is his behavior that they will remember. You reap what you sow.

---------- Post added at 11:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:13 PM ----------

The sceptics here are fine. It's only when they overstep, usually by being unreasonable, disrespectful or mean spirited.You know, just because any of us here have an opinion on something doesn't mean we are right. If you find cause to be flippant or disrespectful, when dissecting other's opinions or beliefs, then that may upset them causing them to react badly or at least form a negative opinion of that person. As maybe Kieran has done in Lance's case. The sceptics and debunkers dislike having their beliefs ridiculed just as much as the so called true believers do. It's human nature.
Just like this statement:

Some of people who believe that such things are possible may take exception to that statement, especially ones who are not as accepting of the views of others. Sometimes the statements that people make here can be easily misconstrued and no amount of smiley faces etc. can alter that perception.
Maybe Lance was also a victim to this.

I know in my case I "beleive" in a higher power (Dont even go there T.O. cause I'm not gonna explain what that power is) But, I don't believe in ufo's being people from space. Somtime I am guilty of being offended when people belittle faith and prayer or meditation. But, then I go and make "spaceman Spiff" cracks and think nothing of offending those who honestly beleive we are being visited. On the other hand there are a couple of folks here who truly make (to me) out there claims of "alledged" evidence for visitors from space and yet they belittle anybody with the nerve to even "wonder" about a God or the nature of such a being. Most all of us. Hell, I'd say all of us are guilty of that. With that said I will respect and agree with Gene. I'm moving on from this thread.

Reached 4 pages thus far Did he ever know he was such a popular subject.