Comments on: Para-Contrarian Interview #1: Tiffany Smith Johnson

By: William Hernandez

William Hernandez — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:05:36 +0000

@Russell W (yes I know I’m replying to a year-old post)

In the distant future when people finally realize that the pinnicle of understanding and knowledge was not yet achieved in the early 2000′s and that not all claims of the paranormal can be attributed to mass hysteria and swamp gas, maybe there’ll be services that’ll help cover psychics for any mistakes they might make. Until then, disclaimers such as the one on Tiffany’s site will have to do.

By: Maty reynold

Maty reynold — Fri, 21 May 2010 03:42:28 +0000

Can I use part of your post in my website if I link you back?

By: Chris Parizo

Chris Parizo — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:57:26 +0000

I am pretty sure that the other ‘highly qualified individuals’ that the disclaimer mentions are people who hold degrees in counseling, medical or psychiatric care.

I think that these disclaimers only purpose is to ensure that the user doesn’t rely totally on the advice given – seems like a smart move to me, especially for a field that doesn’t have certification.

And typos happen.

By: Russell W

Russell W — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:45:31 +0000

And also, I take back what I said about “Including the typos” because that was snotty and obviously, I just made one.

By: Russell W

Russell W — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:43:47 +0000

First, let me say that I feel kind of bad for “picking on” Tiffany here. I would prefer to discuss psychic phenomena in broader terms and not be mistaken for making ad hominem arguments. Still, to justify the comment, this is not taking legal responsibility; this is an attempt to absolve herself of it. The very “qualified professionals” that her statement refers to are people who give advice as well, only they are legally responsible for what they say and they can be sued for it when they are wrong. That she cannot be held responsible for any advice that she gives goes to the point that it’s probably not reliable which calls into question (in my mind) the very abilities she claims to have. If these abilities were reliable and consistent, why *wouldn’t* she take responsibility for the actions others take based on her advice? Most companies that are assured of their services even give guarantees of satisfaction with money returned. She could at least offer that. What these guarantees is that she gets $100 of your money and you *might* get something in return. Is that taking responsibility?

By: Chris Parizo

Chris Parizo — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:25:38 +0000

Hi Russell,

How is taking legal responsibility a bad thing?

By: Russell W

Russell W — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:17:48 +0000

From Tiffany’s web site: “Disclaimer: All information given to you by Tiffany during a reading should not take the place of any medical, legal or financial advice given to you by a qualified professional. Tiffany strongly suggests that you accept any and all information given to you during a reading in a strictlymetaphysical [sic] nature only. All readings are for entertainment purposes only. Therefore, Readings By Tiffany will not accept responsibility for any actions that a client personally akes [sic] that are derived from advice or information obtained during a reading.”

Including the typos, this says pretty much all I could say in this comment.