Talk:Séance

Talk:Séance/Permission

Problems with this article

I'm sorry, because I realise the procedures outlined on this page are the product of well-meaning investigation, but this is not the sort of thing that should be presented as accepted fact on CZ. I can see our critics having a field day with this. Despite the notice at the top, the whole thing is undermining scientific principles, and the neutrality on which CZ is based: e.g. that there is a supernatural realm, that humans survive the deaths of the brains and can become ghostly entities, etc. At best, this could go on a subpage such as an invited article. Otherwise, it should be completely rewritten or deleted. John Stephenson 20:23, 18 October 2007 (CDT)

I have to agree. It is written in the style of a personal essay. And as fact. Chris Day (talk) 20:26, 18 October 2007 (CDT)

Well, seances do happen and I would think people would like to read about them. I do agree that this is not written from a neutral position, i.e. as if it is accepted fact, but it shouldn't take too much to clear that up if all are willing. --Matt Innis (Talk) 20:53, 18 October 2007 (CDT)

Here is the first section:

• Ghosts are harmless. There is nothing to fear. If an entity is perceived, simply view it as evidence of an afterlife, that the dead are alive.

Could go something like this:

• Those who practice the art of seance claim that ghosts are harmless, that there is nothing to fear. They believe that, if an entity is perceived, it is evidence of an afterlife, that the dead are alive.

What do you think? --Matt Innis (Talk) 21:02, 18 October 2007 (CDT)

I'd suggest:

• There are individuals that suggest an afterlife exists, and in order to communicate with those beyond the grave, a seance may be performed. The belief is that if an entity is perceived, sufficient evidence of an afterlife exists. It is also believed that 'ghosts' (the dead that exist in the spirit realm) are harmless and there is no reason to fear them.

comments? --Robert W King 21:10, 18 October 2007 (CDT)

That works for me, too. I'll leave it to you guys to decide how to work it out. Remember that User:Mark Mirabello is an editor in history. Mark, I am not sure whether this article is approaching seance from a historical perspective, but if it is then perhaps you could make some notes at the top of this page to let us know what direction you have in mind. Also, lets get a checklist up on this article so we know who the editors are that can make decisions concerning content. --Matt Innis (Talk) 21:26, 18 October 2007 (CDT)

I agree we should have a description of how a séance occurs but the current prose are unacceptable. Do you see the bit about "Don't laugh"? I have a good sense of humour but this is not what an encyclopedia is about. Also, it should not be written in the first person. Chris Day (talk) 21:28, 18 October 2007 (CDT)