[peterpeppers]

This is a great piece that provides a much needed look at the "other side" of James Randi.

Many will claim that it is not right for the author to speak ill of the dead but in this current climate it is best for us to see Mr. Randi and by extension ourselves for who we really are...

We and our heroes are fallible human beings driven by our own desires. We are both capable of great harm and good. Let's not hide our darkness but bring it to light.

[dkonofalski]

What makes this a great piece, in your opinion?

I feel like it's kind of cheap and doesn't really back up any of the criticisms it seems to level against him. It makes claims that he's hindered "serious" academic research regarding ESP but doesn't really back that up with any kind of evidence that shows the research is serious (how serious can it be if it hasn't produced any evidence?).

I don't disagree that Randi wasn't flawless or perfect but this kind of hit piece is both silly and pointless.

[JoeAltmaier]

What other side? The ESP-believers? Because Randi made it hard for 'legitimate' researchers to get funding, he's somehow bad? Are you kidding me?

Fraudsters and criminal con men were exposed by Randi. I have no sympathy for them, as they had no sympathy for those they bilked.

[throwaway8520]

Thank you for speaking your mind, even though you're being downvoted. We need more people to come forward and speak openly, anonymously or not.

People who are militant-debunkers have made lives hell for people who are genuinely experiencing different things. Be it general public or researchers. This topic needs to be researched, not shunned or ridiculed.

Real science is not based on ridicule or praise. It is not based on ego or status. It is based on data, and an honest determination to increase our understanding of the world.