It is a newsgroup for discussion
of the psychic or mental phenomena outside the range of the normal.
If your browser is of the
correct type, access the newsgroup from
here.
"Normal" has to do with experience within the range of the 5 senses: sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. PSI, outside the 5 senses, is also "normal" in that it constitutes an accepted standard of society and occurs naturally. There is scientific testing/analysis, practice, and enhancement of PSI ability.
Rather than list the various subjects and give a detailed
description of them, it is sufficient to say that the descriptions of FAQ
1 and 2, above, tell us what may be included in the category of "paranormal."
As examples, it naturally includes Spirit Communication, Remote Viewing,
and Reincarnation.
3. What is the purpose of alt.paranormal?
The central purpose is helpfullness. We urge any
and all participating, to answer questions of those who are troubled, and
who inquire. If you do not feel qualified, refer them to another
poster who shows an awareness of particular subjects. Generally,
to us, the paranormal is not an end, but rather a means to an end of spiritual
upliftment, happiness, fulfillment, and enlightenment for ourselves and
others. Our discussion with each other is usually for that
central purpose, so we may use the insight gained to help others.
First, we define so-called "skeptics." They are sometimes called "pseudo-skeptics," and should be clearly understood as not in the same category as "skeptical people" with the true dictionary definition of "questioning," "doubting" or "suspending judgement."
Next, we state that we believe
in free speech, and there are many newsgroups to exercise that free speech
in. Therefore, debate regarding the existence of paranormal phenomena
should be conducted in newsgroups such as sci.skeptic. alt.paranormal
is for discussion of the paranormal. This is
the view of Steve Reiser, sir@srv.net,
founder of alt.paranormal.
5. What conduct is expected in alt.paranormal?
When a person writes about us, or our views, in a respectful manner, address that person in the same way. If they denigrate you or anyone posting in the newsgroup, lie about, or as bigots, write degrading remarks about us or our views of reality, then effectively and explicitly flame them.
The fact that a person is doubtful, or is sure of the non-existence of paranormal phenomena, and posts in alt.paranormal, is not a reason to flame them.
If a person thinks the paranormal must be of Satanic origin, that is also not a reason to flame them. Their views can be debated in the appropriate newsgroup of their particular sect.
Advise the person wishing to debate that they place that request in alt.paranormal, inviting those who wish to engage in that debate to sci.skeptic, a similar "skeptic," or other sect newsgroup. Most of those reading alt.paranormal will have the opportunity to read or participate in the debate in other newsgroups.
The sci-skeptic FAQs answers, updated April 21, 1996, indicate that discussion between skeptics and paranormal enthusisasts is appropriate in that newsgroup:
0.1: What is sci.skeptic for?
------------------------------------
Sci.skeptic is for those who are skeptical about claims of the
paranormal to meet with those who believe in the paranormal.
Charter for alt.paranormal
Regular posters who have an interest in, and find
value in the paranormal, for the most part, do not
feel obligated to justify their interests in,
or their activities with, the paranormal, whether
they are engaged in it only for personal interest,
or for material gain as well.alt.paranormal is not intended as a forum
for disbelievers to voice their contempt
for paranormalists or to harass them about
their beliefs and demand of them scientific
proof. Groups discussing the scientific validity
of theories are either prefixed with "sci" or
they have some other designation.The alt.paranormal newsgroup is:
1. To exchange information about experiences
amongst those interested in the paranormal.2. To exchange opinions and ideas about the
paranormal amongst those who find value it it.3. To provide spiritual guidance and other advice
or psychically perceived data to those who
seek it publicly, or privately if they
express that desire.4. To provide text information and references to
WEB SITES, as well as books, which contain
information about the paranormal, or about
scientific research with the paranormal.5. To provide references for those who doubt
that there is such a thing as the paranormal,
so they may investigate for themselves, and
perhaps debate the research findings in other
appropriate newsgroups.6. To provide a forum to announce debates in
other appropriate newsgroups, so people may
discuss issues of whether there is such a
thing as the paranormal, or whether it is
necessarily satanic in origin, in those other
newsgroups.Neither the author of this FAQ, or any of the participants in the newsgroup, assume legal liability for advice or insights into the lives of those participating in the Newsgroup.
No paid readings or advice about personal matters should be placed in the public forum.
Please do not crosspost to any "skeptic" type newsgroup. This includes alt.fan.art-bell in its present state. Such crossposting invites "skeptics." Crossposting to opposing view sects invites those people also.
When "skeptics" cross-post, (post simultaneously in sci.skeptic and alt.paranormal) please advise them this is against both the FAQ's of alt.paranormal, and that of sci.skeptic, and that you will cease including their newsgroup in your header.
0.1: What is sci.skeptic for?
------------------------------------
...some of the topics covered might
be better kept in their own newsgroups. [the "topics covered" list does not include alt.paranormal - BDK]CROSS-POSTING from these groups is NOT APPRECIATED by the majority of sci.skeptic readers.
Extensive discussion about "skeptics" or other sects also invites them to post in alt.paranormal.
If "skeptics" or other sects
wish to engage you in arguments about posting debate in alt.paranormal,
simply copy and paste the appropriate parts of these FAQ's and post them.
If you argue with them, they will have reason to continue posting in alt.paranormal.
8. What is on-topic posting?
We endeavor to post on-topic. An on-topic post
is one about the paranormal. This includes writing about how the
paranormal subjects are presented and discussed.
9. What about polite, civil, "skeptics" or actual skeptical people who continue to attempt debate after being asked to post debates in skeptical newsgroups?
Please do not flame them,
or harass them with excessively repititive requests if they treat you,
and all those in the newsgroup, with respect. However, it is strongly
urged that you do not engage in debate, or try to prove the existence of
the paranormal, in alt.paranormal. Usually, your inactivity in that
regard discourages future attempts.
10. Why not debate with polite "skeptics" in alt.paranormal?
The experience of most people with more
than a year of positive contribution in alt.paranormal, and who find value
in the subject of the paranormal, is that most of the people who argue
against the existence of the paranormal, in alt.paranormal, are obnoxious.
The volume, frequency and hostility of the postings dissuades serious inquirers
from reading or posting in the newsgroup. There are, of course, some
"skeptics" who have debated with no real harm to the newsgroup, but for
the most part it has been, and would likely continue to be, destructive
to the harmonious and productive flow of information and ideas. The exact
type of acceptable "skeptic," or the names of certain individuals
to debate whether the paranormal exists, cannot feasibly be placed in these
FAQs.
11. Do we debate about the paranormal?
Civily conducted debate regarding the paranormal, such
as methods of ESP enhancement, how to communicate with spirit guides, how
to channel with automatic writing, the nature of ghosts, etc. is encouraged,
but not debate about whether such phenomena exists, or if all
such phenomena is necessarily Satanic in origin..
These Freqently Asked Questions (FAQ) and answers do not, necessarily, constitute binding law either on Usenet, or on the Internet Service Providers. They serve as guidelines, having been shown to be be the will of regular posters who have contributed for years, who find paranormal phenomena to be both real and valuable.
These FAQs are referenced by Internet Service Providers and Usenet if matters that are written in them also concern matters of Usenet Abuse, spam, or breaches of netiquette that Usenet or Internet Service Providers normally take action about.
If you break other laws,
outside of alt.paranormal, you answer to those juristictions.
13. How does alt.paranormal relate to paranormal-type organizations?
There are no favorites, nor does alt.paranormal represent any sect or religion. There are many religions, and many applications of the paranormal.
On the matter of good and
evil, or light and darkness, we do favor light, love, truth, abundance,
helpfulness, caring, and discourage darkness, lies, negativity, hatred,
and poverty.
There are 2 types of moderators:
A. A moderator of a "moderated" newsgroup.
That person determines which posts appear and which do not. Presently,
alt.paranormal has no such moderator.
There are a number of "regulars," people who find value in
the subject of the paranormal, and they tell
what is and is not acceptable by posting
on the newsgroup.
The "regulars" of alt.paranormal, which include, but are
not limited to those
who's names appear in this
section (#reg) of a certain web page. A "regular" is a
person who has contributed to the newsgroup for a year
or more, who finds
value in, and has knowledge of, paranormal phenomena
-- not someone who
argues against the existence of the paranormal.
16. Who founded alt.paranormal
and when?
It was founded by Steve Reiser,
sir@srv.net, in 1990.
Short, to the point, advertising is permitted if it concerns the subject of the newsgroup, and is not excessively repetitive. As examples, we are not interested in ads for sex phone lines, get-rich-quick schemes, or health related items. This is in accordance with present-day netiquette standards.
They are silly, eccentric,
or crazy people. Kooks are
quoted on certain web pages, and a link is provided to a site
with the rules regarding the nomination and election of people declared
to be Usenet Kooks. Obsessive behavior by "skeptics" and other sects
in alt.paranormal is silly and crazy, and will probably lead to nomination
and election as Kook of the Month: (kOTM).