The word "psychics", once again is being used in place of "rip off artists". However, good old Sylvia Browne is the one person who keeps the connection between those two words possible.
I was wondering about how many hits and misses Ms. Browne has for a track record and I came across this website:
http://stopsylvia.com/home/. The author also does what he calls a 'scorecard'-
http://stopsylvia.com/articles/scorecar ... ered.shtml.
Looking at this sort of thing from both sides, it's certainly possible that a self proclaimed psychic can have some bad days or predictions. I'm also sure that there are people out there who will sing her praises as she sure does make big money for her dog and pony show. She certainly does have the media's attention when it comes to their ratings.
Those who can't afford Ms. Browne's fees seek out other venues in the hopes of finding whatever answer they are looking for. Meanwhile it's the media that needs to stop and think about their responsibility in all of this. It is the media that perpetuates much of the problem with their quest for higher ratings. I'm sure if there was accurate hits and misses information on anything deemed psychic, the general public would have a better view of what to expect from these people.
With all of the interest in the paranormal, I'd love to see a TV show devoted to following up on psychic predictions and their accuracy. Sort of like a reality show that will show the truth rather than look for sensationalism or the next great psychic. Leave the name of the self proclaimed psychics out of the mix so as not to create a new superstar of the ages and deal only with the quality of the predictions and accuracy. Point out the cold reading techniques, the information that can't be proved or disproved and do a bit of education so that people are aware of these tools of the trade.
The difference would be that it would need to be done in a positive light. Not in a debunking sort of way. Either they can make some headway in this or not as the cheaters will be exposed and any possible hits won't be selling to the highest bidder.