Long Island Medium

[robvalue]

No... but the psychologist isn't claiming to have magical powers. You're getting what is described, before handing over your money.

If the crap was cut and someone was simply selling "good luck", would the government step in then?

[Alex K]

No different to paying a psychologist. You are not buying a physical product.

Piffle!
That'd be like saying that there's no difference between getting instructions on airbag explosives handling or a lecture on summoning forest spirits.

[Brian37]

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all you fucking psychics for the heads up on the goddam Islamic terror slaughter yesterday.

Yep, and if psychics were real Vegas would be out of business. It is a fucking scam and they know it.

[mediocrates]

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all you fucking psychics for the heads up on the goddam Islamic terror slaughter yesterday.

But they did give a heads up! You didn't hear? ...

There will be a terrible tragedy done by the hand of a foreigner on foreign soil.  Blood will be shed during the first quarter of an even numbered year, or the third quarter of an odd numbered year, or during a year.

[vorlon13]

Repeatability would be a difference between psychiatrists and psychics.

If a depressed person went to 10 psychiatrists, I'd like to think at least 9 of them would diagnose depression. Go to 10 psychics, and your readings are going to range from you're the reincarnation of the illegitimate offspring of Marilyn Monroe and Bigfoot to your chakra is constipated from the negative aura from your cat who is possessed by alien time travelers.

[Brian37]

Repeatability would be a difference between psychiatrists and psychics.

If a depressed person went to 10 psychiatrists, I'd like to think at least 9 of them would diagnose depression.  Go to 10 psychics, and your readings are going to range from you're the reincarnation of the illegitimate offspring of Marilyn Monroe and Bigfoot to your chakra is constipated from the negative aura from your cat who is possessed by alien time travelers.

I'd say the same thing to morons who consult psychics as I do with those who think prayer works. Don't be half assed about it, when the shit hits the fan go with the frauds and don't seek help elsewhere.

[Redbeard The Pink]

No different to paying a psychologist. You are not buying a physical product.

The difference there is that even though it isn't physical, psychology is a real service/product, while magic powers are not. Selling a product or service that doesn't exist is fraud.

[ignoramus]

That's my point. How do you tell a grieving gullible widow that it isn't real if she is "really" feeling comforted by the scammer? Religion is successful for exactly the same reason.

Otherwise the Pope needs to be tried as the biggest mafia con artist of all time.

[robvalue]

I agree, I find organised religion taking people's money to be similarly disgusting.

[The Atheist]

Door-to-door dildo salesman.