User:Thomas Butler/Tom Butler's paranormal sandbox

Template:Transcommunication index

This needs to be able to be collapsed by default. It does with the same code in my application. I think it also complies with MediaWiki instructions.

Transcommunication index
Historical
name
Types of phenomena
Instrumental transcommunication This includes both visual and audio; EVP is a subset. Electronic Voice Phenomena Hauntings phenomena Mental mediumship This includes channeling. Physical mediumship
Hypotheses
Super-psi Hypothesis Survival Hypothesis
Researcher biographies
Sarah Estep George Meek Ernst Senkowski
Edit Template:Transcommunication index

Place Template:Transcommunication index at the top of the article page. Use the "Edit template" link to include any new articles.

Paranormal article template

Of course the writer's guide provided for this wiki should be followed. It seems easier and will produce more consistent articles if a template is used. This is one possible format.

Paranormal: Here, the scope of what is considered paranormal phenomena is restricted to subjects related to the etheric, where "etheric" implies nonphysical reality. Phenomena thought to be physical but not ordinary, such as UFOs, cryptozoological creatures and parallel realities would not be included here. It may be necessary to have categories: "Paranormal-physical" and "Paranormal-etheric."

Virtually all paranormal subjects are controversial because they are exceptions to what is predicted by mainstream science. The basic issue is the difference between what is expected in a physical-only reality and what is thought to be possible in a physical/etheric reality. Awareness of most forms of paranormal phenomena usually begins with unexplained experiences.

Because of articles about phenomena are to address exceptions to expected reality, they all need to approach the subject from the perspective of: this is what is reported, this is what is known to be true and this is what remains speculation. Each article should ask and answer the questions:

• Is the phenomena objective in any way--can others experience it without coaching?
• Is there a mental explanation?
• Have physical explanations been tested? What physical explanations -- artifact, mundane mistaken as paranormal?
• If all physical explanations have been eliminated, what are the current theories?

Notes:

• Two templates are needed: Template:Paranormal phenomena and Template:Paranormal community. exposition of uncontroversial subjects such as about parapsychological organizations and researchers, and for article explaining the phenomena.
• Begin by following the starting an article instructions. That is, search for the article title. When the system returns that there is no article, accept the offer to create one. In the edit field type: {{subst:Template:Paranormal phenomena}} or {{subst:Template:Paranormal community}} as appropriate and save. The information shown below will be added to the article. Replace the direction text with article content.
• Some of this will belong in supages, but I am not up to speed on them.
• All of this is up for discussion.

Proposed paranormal community article template

{{Template:Paranormal community}}

Template:Transcommunication index

Change this to Template:Parapsychology index, Template:Survival research index, Template:Psi phenomena index or Template:Transcommunication index as appropriate.

===Abstract===

This should provide an introductory overview of the subject. References for important points would be in the rest of the article.

===Introduction===

Make sure there is enough background information here so that the reader can have a sense of what the subject is about. A brief history will be provided next, so this is mostly "what it is." The introduction would be an expansion of the abstract but containing references for important points. This section should work with the current understanding section to provide a full picture of the subject.

====History====

The subject is more than its history. This section should provide a sense of how and when it came about, but an exhaustive history should be reserved for another article.

====Theory====

Things paranormal are not supposed to exist. If people think they do, then there should be some objective reason other than personal experience. It is okay to say there are no working theories, but this section should not be omitted. This section should treat opposing views (skeptical) as just another theory. The subject just is, probably because people experience it. What it is should be open for discussion. Unless there broad consensus--and there is not--any theory remains only a theory and its pros and cons should be addressed in a level-headed manner.

====Dependencies====

An important point to remember is that the subject depends on certain things to be true. For instance, most all of them depends on the existence of subtle energy. Some depend on mind-brain duality and survival of mind. If an article does not already exist for these dependencies, one needs to be written, but in the meantime, a brief "snaps" of what the article should contian can be included here as a place holder. Please include [[name of article about dependency]] somewhere in this section.

====Research====

Has there been any formal studies conducted to determine the objectivity of the subject? Since there are so few scientists working in this field, here, "research" may mean the work of a citizen scientist reported on a personal website and not in a peer-reviewed journal.

===Current understanding===

Thi is a compliment to the introduction. It is the part of the article that should give the reader a good sense of the state of the art for the subject. After explaining what it is (Introduction), how it might be possible (Theory) and the basis for that theory (Research). Be sure to address contrary opinions. The most important thing here is that "understanding" should be clearly identified as opinion based on.... Be sensitive to the difference between belief and objective understanding.

===End notes===

This is not a list of references (us them below). This is a place to include substantiating evidence not identified by the references. It is also a good place to include a bibliography.

===references===

Be sure to include the <references /> that should be in the template. Also include any additional categories.

Proposed paranormal phenomena article template

{{Template:''name''}}

Template:Transcommunication index

Change this to Template:Parapsychology index, Template:Survival research index, Template:Psi phenomena index or Template:Transcommunication index as appropriate.

===Introduction===

Make sure there is enough background information here so that the reader can have a sense of what the subject is about. A brief history will be provided next, so this is mostly "what it is." The introduction would be an expansion of the abstract but containing references for important points.

====History====

The subject is more than its history. This section should provide a sense of how and when it came about, but an exhaustive history should be reserved for another article.

====Scope====

What is involved in the subject? For instance, if this is about an organization, what is the primary focus of the organization? Does it include peer-review? Is there a publication for non-technical members?

====General====

The title of this section may need to be change to fit the subject. If this is a glossary, for instance, this would be where the terms are listed. For an organization, this is where the organization is discussed in some detail.

====Research====

For an organization, has there been any formal studies conducted to determine the objectivity of the subject? Explain the tone of the organization. For instance, is it mostly for human potential?

How is research funded? This section may be omitted for something like a glossary.

===End notes===

This is not a list of references (us them below). This is a place to include substantiating evidence not identified by the references. It is also a good place to include a bibliography.

===references===

Be sure to include the <references /> that should be in the template. Also include any additional categories.

Ideas?,