Sylvia Begging For Money

PastBrowneFan · 29th March 2009, 09:32 PM

I must admit I had to laugh at this one: reminds me of the Televangelist. Next she'll be selling junk on paid programming shows like her former bff Montel. Though I must say I'm glad that I did not write this one, as I still regret writing the one on the Novus Site http://www.novus.org/home/support_novus.cfm

************************************************** ************************************************** *

I need your help and I expect it to be
returned to you a thousand-fold!

In these dire economic times, I am asking for your help to keep my church, the Society of Novus Spiritus alive. It has become overwhelmingly difficult for me to be nearly the sole support of this representation of our belief and philosophy. I am asking for only $1.00 (or more) as seed money and as such, expect it to be returned to you a thousand-fold. God bless you for your help in our time of need.

God love you,
I do,
Sylvia

Use your credit card for your * tax-deductible donation by visiting our secure servers at www.novus.org and use the input box at the bottom of the page or click here to download a word document that you can print, complete and mail or fax to us.

* Society of Novus Spiritus® is a nonprofit religious corporation as defined by the IRS Code 501(c)(3), which was granted on September 7, 1990. In addition, we are a religious corporation under California code RTC 23701d, which was granted on May 8, 1990. Donations are tax deductible. Each donation of $250 or more will receive a letter for the IRS. Society of Novus Spiritus® was originally founded under the name the Church of Novus Spiritus by Sylvia Browne in July 1986.

Society of Novus Spiritus® · 1700 Winchester Blvd. Suite 100 · Campbell , CA 95008 · (P) 408-379-7070

EeneyMinnieMoe · 29th March 2009, 10:26 PM

Amazing. If they are a nonprofit religious organization, they should be the ones helping others in times of need.

You have to feel sorry for the true and sincere members of this organization who joined because they really felt Sylvia' message was a great one, she was an alternative to things they didn't like in other religions and she was helping people and so on and so forth.

rjh01 · 30th March 2009, 01:29 AM

What is the minimum amount that can be spent via credit card? Can I donate $1 by this method? If so then there is no problem, otherwise the e-mail is a bit misleading.

I suggest they are losing supporters. Their forum appears to be slowing down a bit.

SirPhilip · 30th March 2009, 03:39 AM

Originally Posted by PastBrowneFan

I must admit I had to laugh at this one

It always surprises me how frequently spiritualism and life are used in conjoined context. Considering spirits (which encompasses shades of mortals to sky gods)are people that are no longer alive - keeping a spiritual institution "alive" is oxymoronic.

EHocking · 30th March 2009, 04:45 AM

"I am asking for only $1.00 (or more) as seed money and as such, expect it to be returned to you a thousand-fold."

So, I invest $1.00 and Sylvia guarantees $1,000 in return?

In the UK, the Advertising Standards Authority would be all over this claim like a rash.

I hope you informed RSL of this latest development.

Hokulele · 30th March 2009, 05:22 AM

Originally Posted by EHocking

"I am asking for only $1.00 (or more) as seed money and as such, expect it to be returned to you a thousand-fold."

So, I invest $1.00 and Sylvia guarantees $1,000 in return?

Nah, she is saying "I am only asking for $1 now, but if you can do this, expect me to return and ask for another $1 at least a thousand times."

desertgal · 30th March 2009, 05:42 AM

I was under the impression that each chapter? church? of Novus Spiritus is self supporting, and Browne personally contributes very little, if anything, to subsidize them. Is that incorrect?

Horatius · 30th March 2009, 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by EHocking

"I am asking for only $1.00 (or more) as seed money and as such, expect it to be returned to you a thousand-fold."

So, I invest $1.00 and Sylvia guarantees $1,000 in return?

In the UK, the Advertising Standards Authority would be all over this claim like a rash.

I hope you informed RSL of this latest development.

Ah, but "expect" isn't "guarantees", is it? You can expect things all you want, but they may not turn up. Also note, as further wiggle room, she hasn't said when you can expect it to return. "Oh, darn, you died yesterday, just before the $1000 returned to you!"

EHocking · 30th March 2009, 07:19 AM

Damn - and I forgot to mention RSL's site Stop Sylvia Browne at http://stopsylvia.com/ when I commented on the deceiptful nature of Sylvia Browne's advertising for funds for for her Novus Spiritus "church". That should do it.

headscratcher4 · 30th March 2009, 07:25 AM

All, of course, begs the question of what she's done with all the money she raised for all of these years? Invest in Madoff? BTW, is she selling her home, her car, what have you to keep the church going -- it would seem to me she'd want that 1000X profit that the universe will deliver back for such faith in SB.

Gord_in_Toronto · 30th March 2009, 07:38 AM

With a little bit of Googling I see that churches registered under IRS Code 501(c)(3) don't pay taxes but do have to file an annual report. Anyone know what this is supposed to contain, whether one(s) have been filed and if they are a public document?

There are also a lot restrictions on what non-profit organizations can do, for example:

Quote:

No distribution of financial gains to directors, officers or members.

Corporate assets may only be distributed to another tax exempt organization upon dissolution of the nonprofit corporation

Any lawyers around? It seems to me that there is some potential for validating the compliance of the Spirits with the law.

ExMinister · 30th March 2009, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by rjh01

What is the minimum amount that can be spent via credit card? Can I donate $1 by this method? If so then there is no problem, otherwise the e-mail is a bit misleading.

I suggest they are losing supporters. Their forum appears to be slowing down a bit.

There appears to be no minimum purchase via credit card unless the merchant decides there should be one.

Originally Posted by EHocking

"I am asking for only $1.00 (or more) as seed money and as such, expect it to be returned to you a thousand-fold."

So, I invest $1.00 and Sylvia guarantees $1,000 in return?

In the UK, the Advertising Standards Authority would be all over this claim like a rash.

I hope you informed RSL of this latest development.

I'm not sure there's any way to inform RSL these days, other than the possibility that he may be following these threads. He's not available by email as far as I know, since he's been in the hospital, and I wouldn't want to load Susan down with this stuff. Does anyone know if I'm wrong about this?

Originally Posted by desertgal

I was under the impression that each chapter? church? of Novus Spiritus is self supporting, and Browne personally contributes very little, if anything, to subsidize them. Is that incorrect?

Correct.

ExMinister · 30th March 2009, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by headscratcher4

All, of course, begs the question of what she's done with all the money she raised for all of these years? Invest in Madoff? BTW, is she selling her home, her car, what have you to keep the church going -- it would seem to me she'd want that 1000X profit that the universe will deliver back for such faith in SB.

Make that homes.

ravdin · 30th March 2009, 09:07 AM

With any luck, I will see SB on the street corner holding out a tin cup and muttering to herself.

headscratcher4 · 30th March 2009, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by ravdin

With any luck, I will see SB on the street corner holding out a tin cup and muttering to herself.

Not likely, I doubt she risks anything to raise money for this cause, save future earnings...

learner · 30th March 2009, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by EHocking

"I am asking for only $1.00 (or more) as seed money and as such, expect it to be returned to you a thousand-fold."

So, I invest $1.00 and Sylvia guarantees $1,000 in return?

In the UK, the Advertising Standards Authority would be all over this claim like a rash.

I hope you informed RSL of this latest development.

I believe that in the UK you need to be a licensed financial advisor before dishing out a x1000 return recommendation. Don't know about the US.

FramerDave · 30th March 2009, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by SirPhilip

It always surprises me how frequently spiritualism and life are used in conjoined context. Considering spirits (which encompasses shades of mortals to sky gods)are people that are no longer alive - keeping a spiritual institution "alive" is oxymoronic.

Good start, but it could use a little editing. If I may:

Keeping a spiritual institution "alive" is moronic.

Ah, much better.

desertgal · 30th March 2009, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by ExMinister

Originally Posted by desertgal

I was under the impression that each chapter? church? of Novus Spiritus is self supporting, and Browne personally contributes very little, if anything, to subsidize them. Is that incorrect?

Correct.

Sorry? Correct that my impression is incorrect, or correct that Browne doesn't financially support Novus Spiritus?

Steelmage · 30th March 2009, 01:56 PM

Great, you got her on the run.

ExMinister · 30th March 2009, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by desertgal

Sorry? Correct that my impression is incorrect, or correct that Browne doesn't financially support Novus Spiritus?

Browne doesn't financially support Novus Spiritus. The ministers and churches outside Campbell are self-supporting and pay 10% back to Browne. I would think Browne owns or rents the facility for the church in Campbell. I doubt the ministers are paid to hold the Sunday church services there either, beyond whatever they are paid if they are on staff.

RSL's better half · 30th March 2009, 05:06 PM

I just saw this thread. I'll show it to Robert tomorrow. Has anyone shared this with Randi?

Jackalgirl · 31st March 2009, 02:30 AM

I highly suspect that Browne's statement about returning the investment "a thousand-fold" does not mean that she is promising to return $1000 to people for every $1 they donate.

I suspect that it is more along the lines of the Threefold Law (everything you do comes back to you threefold). In other words, Sylvia is promising that people will feel good (or that good things will happen to them) that will feel like $1000 worth of goodness. It's not a concrete promise, but rather a promise of abstracted goodness down the road.

I am not defending Sylvia Browne. I am pointing out that this is, as always, more in the way she attempts to take money for giving people good (or "saccharine" might be a better word) feelings (among other, more nefarious stuff that she does).

EHocking · 31st March 2009, 04:24 AM

Originally Posted by RSL's better half

I just saw this thread. I'll show it to Robert tomorrow. Has anyone shared this with Randi?

I found some guidelines at the Federal Trade Commission on advertising, http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/resourc...dance/adv.shtm they also have an (online) complaints section.

I've yet to trawl the site for a particular guideline on this type of advertising, but thought others might enjoy some detective work. Perhaps some of us here could do some groundwork on behalf of Robert and James?

ExMinister · 31st March 2009, 07:06 AM

Some of you may be reading too much into this seed money thing. It's just a New Agey request for money based on the tithing myth that if you give money (usually 10% of your income) in support of God's work (church, etc), God returns it back to you ten-fold. Some pastors/televangelists go so far as to claim this may come back to you in cash (you give $100, you'll get that back ten-fold). She has exaggerated this to a thousand-fold but the point is that it's not a guaranteed return and she has a church and that's what she's doing. Most people who read it will understand that she is claiming exactly that.

Ashles · 31st March 2009, 07:13 AM

It's things like this that almost make you believe there is a God.

desertgal · 31st March 2009, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by ExMinister

Browne doesn't financially support Novus Spiritus. The ministers and churches outside Campbell are self-supporting and pay 10% back to Browne. I would think Browne owns or rents the facility for the church in Campbell. I doubt the ministers are paid to hold the Sunday church services there either, beyond whatever they are paid if they are on staff.

Thank you. And I agree with ExMinister about the tithing myth. That is the way I have always understood such 'ten fold' statements.

Is there any evidence that Sylvia Browne died as a child and came back as the undead? I don't believe in the undead, but it does come to mind when contemplating her complete lack of conscience, honesty, and compassion.

Ashles · 31st March 2009, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by desertgal

Is there any evidence that Sylvia Browne died as a child and came back as the undead? I don't believe in the undead, but it does come to mind when contemplating her complete lack of conscience, honesty, and compassion.

And her face.

Earthborn · 31st March 2009, 01:57 PM

I've heard there is some guy called Pandi or Sandi or something, who gives a million dollars to any genuine psychic. Why doesn't she try that first?

Reno · 31st March 2009, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by Earthborn

I've heard there is some guy called Pandi or Sandi or something, who gives a million dollars to any genuine psychic. Why doesn't she try that first?

She already said she will. She is a liar.

29th March 2009, 09:32 PM	#1
PastBrowneFan Critical Thinker Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 373	Sylvia Begging For Money I must admit I had to laugh at this one: reminds me of the Televangelist. Next she'll be selling junk on paid programming shows like her former bff Montel. Though I must say I'm glad that I did not write this one, as I still regret writing the one on the Novus Site http://www.novus.org/home/support_novus.cfm ************************************************ ************************************************ * I need your help and I expect it to be returned to you a thousand-fold! In these dire economic times, I am asking for your help to keep my church, the Society of Novus Spiritus alive. It has become overwhelmingly difficult for me to be nearly the sole support of this representation of our belief and philosophy. I am asking for only $1.00 (or more) as seed money and as such, expect it to be returned to you a thousand-fold. God bless you for your help in our time of need. God love you, I do, Sylvia Use your credit card for your * tax-deductible donation by visiting our secure servers at www.novus.org and use the input box at the bottom of the page or click here to download a word document that you can print, complete and mail or fax to us. * Society of Novus Spiritus® is a nonprofit religious corporation as defined by the IRS Code 501(c)(3), which was granted on September 7, 1990. In addition, we are a religious corporation under California code RTC 23701d, which was granted on May 8, 1990. Donations are tax deductible. Each donation of $250 or more will receive a letter for the IRS. Society of Novus Spiritus® was originally founded under the name the Church of Novus Spiritus by Sylvia Browne in July 1986. Society of Novus Spiritus® · 1700 Winchester Blvd. Suite 100 · Campbell , CA 95008 · (P) 408-379-7070
	Last edited by PastBrowneFan; 29th March 2009 at 09:35 PM.

29th March 2009, 10:26 PM	#2
EeneyMinnieMoe Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 7,221	Amazing. If they are a nonprofit religious organization, they should be the ones helping others in times of need. You have to feel sorry for the true and sincere members of this organization who joined because they really felt Sylvia' message was a great one, she was an alternative to things they didn't like in other religions and she was helping people and so on and so forth.
	__________________ Help Robert out- please visit (Stop) Sylvia Browne ! StopJohnofGod.blogspot.com

30th March 2009, 03:39 AM	#4
SirPhilip Master Poster Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,444	Dead Center Originally Posted by PastBrowneFan I must admit I had to laugh at this one It always surprises me how frequently spiritualism and life are used in conjoined context. Considering spirits (which encompasses shades of mortals to sky gods)are people that are no longer alive - keeping a spiritual institution "alive" is oxymoronic.
SirPhilip Master Poster Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,444

30th March 2009, 04:45 AM	#5
EHocking Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,592	"I am asking for only $1.00 (or more) as seed money and as such, expect it to be returned to you a thousand-fold." So, I invest $1.00 and Sylvia guarantees $1,000 in return? In the UK, the Advertising Standards Authority would be all over this claim like a rash. I hope you informed RSL of this latest development.
EHocking Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,592	__________________ Vote like you’re poor. A closed mouth gathers no feet" "Ignorance is a renewable resource" P.J.O'Rourke "It's all god's handiwork, there's little quality control applied", Fox26 reporter on Texas granite

30th March 2009, 05:22 AM	#6
Hokulele Deleterious Slab of Damnation Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The Biggest Little City in the World Posts: 29,577	Originally Posted by EHocking "I am asking for only $1.00 (or more) as seed money and as such, expect it to be returned to you a thousand-fold." So, I invest $1.00 and Sylvia guarantees $1,000 in return? Nah, she is saying "I am only asking for $1 now, but if you can do this, expect me to return and ask for another $1 at least a thousand times."
	__________________ "Oh god...What have you done, zooterkin? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!?!?!" - Cleon

30th March 2009, 01:29 AM	#3
rjh01 Gentleman of leisure Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Flying around in the sky Posts: 27,934	What is the minimum amount that can be spent via credit card? Can I donate $1 by this method? If so then there is no problem, otherwise the e-mail is a bit misleading. I suggest they are losing supporters. Their forum appears to be slowing down a bit.

30th March 2009, 05:42 AM	#7
desertgal Illuminator Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,198	I was under the impression that each chapter? church? of Novus Spiritus is self supporting, and Browne personally contributes very little, if anything, to subsidize them. Is that incorrect?
desertgal Illuminator Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,198	__________________ "It's obvious that you seem to be threatened by me for some reason and I find that extremely amusing." - Jodie

30th March 2009, 06:49 AM	#8
Horatius NWO Kitty Wrangler Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 29,690	Originally Posted by EHocking "I am asking for only $1.00 (or more) as seed money and as such, expect it to be returned to you a thousand-fold." So, I invest $1.00 and Sylvia guarantees $1,000 in return? In the UK, the Advertising Standards Authority would be all over this claim like a rash. I hope you informed RSL of this latest development. Ah, but "expect" isn't "guarantees", is it? You can expect things all you want, but they may not turn up. Also note, as further wiggle room, she hasn't said when you can expect it to return. "Oh, darn, you died yesterday, just before the $1000 returned to you!"
	__________________ Obviously, that means cats are indeed evil and that ownership or display of a feline is an overt declaration of one's affiliation with dark forces. - Cl1mh4224rd

30th March 2009, 07:19 AM	#9
EHocking Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,592	Damn - and I forgot to mention RSL's site Stop Sylvia Browne at http://stopsylvia.com/ when I commented on the deceiptful nature of Sylvia Browne's advertising for funds for for her Novus Spiritus "church". That should do it.
EHocking Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,592	__________________ Vote like you’re poor. A closed mouth gathers no feet" "Ignorance is a renewable resource" P.J.O'Rourke "It's all god's handiwork, there's little quality control applied", Fox26 reporter on Texas granite

30th March 2009, 07:25 AM	#10
headscratcher4 Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 7,776	All, of course, begs the question of what she's done with all the money she raised for all of these years? Invest in Madoff? BTW, is she selling her home, her car, what have you to keep the church going -- it would seem to me she'd want that 1000X profit that the universe will deliver back for such faith in SB.
	__________________ Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals ... except the weasel. -- Homer Simpson

30th March 2009, 07:38 AM	#11
Gord_in_Toronto Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 24,437	With a little bit of Googling I see that churches registered under IRS Code 501(c)(3) don't pay taxes but do have to file an annual report. Anyone know what this is supposed to contain, whether one(s) have been filed and if they are a public document? There are also a lot restrictions on what non-profit organizations can do, for example: Quote: No distribution of financial gains to directors, officers or members. Corporate assets may only be distributed to another tax exempt organization upon dissolution of the nonprofit corporation Any lawyers around? It seems to me that there is some potential for validating the compliance of the Spirits with the law.
	__________________ "Reality is what's left when you cease to believe." Philip K. Dick

30th March 2009, 08:53 AM	#12
ExMinister RSL Acolyte Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,982	Originally Posted by rjh01 What is the minimum amount that can be spent via credit card? Can I donate $1 by this method? If so then there is no problem, otherwise the e-mail is a bit misleading. I suggest they are losing supporters. Their forum appears to be slowing down a bit. There appears to be no minimum purchase via credit card unless the merchant decides there should be one. Originally Posted by EHocking "I am asking for only $1.00 (or more) as seed money and as such, expect it to be returned to you a thousand-fold." So, I invest $1.00 and Sylvia guarantees $1,000 in return? In the UK, the Advertising Standards Authority would be all over this claim like a rash. I hope you informed RSL of this latest development. I'm not sure there's any way to inform RSL these days, other than the possibility that he may be following these threads. He's not available by email as far as I know, since he's been in the hospital, and I wouldn't want to load Susan down with this stuff. Does anyone know if I'm wrong about this? Originally Posted by desertgal I was under the impression that each chapter? church? of Novus Spiritus is self supporting, and Browne personally contributes very little, if anything, to subsidize them. Is that incorrect? Correct.
ExMinister RSL Acolyte Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,982	__________________ www.stopsylvia.com

30th March 2009, 08:59 AM	#13
ExMinister RSL Acolyte Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,982	Originally Posted by headscratcher4 All, of course, begs the question of what she's done with all the money she raised for all of these years? Invest in Madoff? BTW, is she selling her home, her car, what have you to keep the church going -- it would seem to me she'd want that 1000X profit that the universe will deliver back for such faith in SB. Make that homes.
ExMinister RSL Acolyte Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,982	__________________ www.stopsylvia.com

30th March 2009, 09:07 AM	#14
ravdin Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 4,985	With any luck, I will see SB on the street corner holding out a tin cup and muttering to herself.
ravdin Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 4,985	__________________ Take the risk of thinking for yourself. Much more happiness, truth, beauty, and wisdom will come to you that way. -Christopher Hitchens Believe what you're told. There would be chaos if everyone thought for themselves. -Top Dog slogan

30th March 2009, 10:08 AM	#15
headscratcher4 Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 7,776	Originally Posted by ravdin With any luck, I will see SB on the street corner holding out a tin cup and muttering to herself. Not likely, I doubt she risks anything to raise money for this cause, save future earnings...
	__________________ Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals ... except the weasel. -- Homer Simpson

30th March 2009, 10:33 AM	#16
learner Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,697	Originally Posted by EHocking "I am asking for only $1.00 (or more) as seed money and as such, expect it to be returned to you a thousand-fold." So, I invest $1.00 and Sylvia guarantees $1,000 in return? In the UK, the Advertising Standards Authority would be all over this claim like a rash. I hope you informed RSL of this latest development. I believe that in the UK you need to be a licensed financial advisor before dishing out a x1000 return recommendation. Don't know about the US.
learner Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,697	__________________ "I would give my right arm to be ambidextrous" - My Mate Dave " How do you expect me to use my initiative if you wont tell me what to do?" - Dave again

30th March 2009, 11:17 AM	#17
FramerDave Muse Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 819	Originally Posted by SirPhilip It always surprises me how frequently spiritualism and life are used in conjoined context. Considering spirits (which encompasses shades of mortals to sky gods)are people that are no longer alive - keeping a spiritual institution "alive" is oxymoronic. Good start, but it could use a little editing. If I may: Keeping a spiritual institution "alive" is moronic. Ah, much better.
FramerDave Muse Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 819	__________________ "You're likely to be the next one to get sucked up in a spaceship and butt-diddled and dropped off at the Seven Eleven." mayday "If you want to see what baby oil does to lactating breasts pm me your email." mayday

30th March 2009, 01:53 PM	#18
desertgal Illuminator Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,198	Originally Posted by ExMinister Originally Posted by desertgal I was under the impression that each chapter? church? of Novus Spiritus is self supporting, and Browne personally contributes very little, if anything, to subsidize them. Is that incorrect? Correct. Sorry? Correct that my impression is incorrect, or correct that Browne doesn't financially support Novus Spiritus?
desertgal Illuminator Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,198	__________________ "It's obvious that you seem to be threatened by me for some reason and I find that extremely amusing." - Jodie

30th March 2009, 01:56 PM	#19
Steelmage Muse Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 656	Great, you got her on the run.
Steelmage Muse Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 656	__________________ Anything makes sense as long as you do not think about it. -Steelmage It is better to want what you can't have then to have what you don't want. -Denny Crane, Boston Legal

30th March 2009, 02:21 PM	#20
ExMinister RSL Acolyte Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,982	Originally Posted by desertgal Sorry? Correct that my impression is incorrect, or correct that Browne doesn't financially support Novus Spiritus? Browne doesn't financially support Novus Spiritus. The ministers and churches outside Campbell are self-supporting and pay 10% back to Browne. I would think Browne owns or rents the facility for the church in Campbell. I doubt the ministers are paid to hold the Sunday church services there either, beyond whatever they are paid if they are on staff.
ExMinister RSL Acolyte Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,982	__________________ www.stopsylvia.com Last edited by ExMinister; 30th March 2009 at 02:23 PM.

30th March 2009, 05:06 PM	#21
RSL's better half RSL Groupie Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,167	I just saw this thread. I'll show it to Robert tomorrow. Has anyone shared this with Randi?

31st March 2009, 02:30 AM	#22
Jackalgirl Graduate Poster Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,801	I highly suspect that Browne's statement about returning the investment "a thousand-fold" does not mean that she is promising to return $1000 to people for every $1 they donate. I suspect that it is more along the lines of the Threefold Law (everything you do comes back to you threefold). In other words, Sylvia is promising that people will feel good (or that good things will happen to them) that will feel like $1000 worth of goodness. It's not a concrete promise, but rather a promise of abstracted goodness down the road. I am not defending Sylvia Browne. I am pointing out that this is, as always, more in the way she attempts to take money for giving people good (or "saccharine" might be a better word) feelings (among other, more nefarious stuff that she does).

31st March 2009, 04:24 AM	#23
EHocking Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,592	Originally Posted by RSL's better half I just saw this thread. I'll show it to Robert tomorrow. Has anyone shared this with Randi? I found some guidelines at the Federal Trade Commission on advertising, http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/resourc...dance/adv.shtm they also have an (online) complaints section. I've yet to trawl the site for a particular guideline on this type of advertising, but thought others might enjoy some detective work. Perhaps some of us here could do some groundwork on behalf of Robert and James?
EHocking Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,592	__________________ Vote like you’re poor. A closed mouth gathers no feet" "Ignorance is a renewable resource" P.J.O'Rourke "It's all god's handiwork, there's little quality control applied", Fox26 reporter on Texas granite

31st March 2009, 07:06 AM	#24
ExMinister RSL Acolyte Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,982	Some of you may be reading too much into this seed money thing. It's just a New Agey request for money based on the tithing myth that if you give money (usually 10% of your income) in support of God's work (church, etc), God returns it back to you ten-fold. Some pastors/televangelists go so far as to claim this may come back to you in cash (you give $100, you'll get that back ten-fold). She has exaggerated this to a thousand-fold but the point is that it's not a guaranteed return and she has a church and that's what she's doing. Most people who read it will understand that she is claiming exactly that.
ExMinister RSL Acolyte Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,982	__________________ www.stopsylvia.com Last edited by ExMinister; 31st March 2009 at 07:08 AM.

31st March 2009, 07:13 AM	#25
Ashles Pith Artist Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: The '80s Posts: 8,694	It's things like this that almost make you believe there is a God.
	__________________ With extraordinary few exceptions no educated person in the history of Western Civilization from the third century B.C. onward believed that the earth was flat. - Jeffrey Burton Russell It is obvious to any scientist that the bumblebee can fly because experiment proves it. - Zetie 1996

31st March 2009, 09:37 AM	#26
desertgal Illuminator Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,198	Originally Posted by ExMinister Browne doesn't financially support Novus Spiritus. The ministers and churches outside Campbell are self-supporting and pay 10% back to Browne. I would think Browne owns or rents the facility for the church in Campbell. I doubt the ministers are paid to hold the Sunday church services there either, beyond whatever they are paid if they are on staff. Thank you. And I agree with ExMinister about the tithing myth. That is the way I have always understood such 'ten fold' statements. Is there any evidence that Sylvia Browne died as a child and came back as the undead? I don't believe in the undead, but it does come to mind when contemplating her complete lack of conscience, honesty, and compassion.
desertgal Illuminator Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,198	__________________ "It's obvious that you seem to be threatened by me for some reason and I find that extremely amusing." - Jodie

31st March 2009, 09:48 AM	#27
Ashles Pith Artist Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: The '80s Posts: 8,694	Originally Posted by desertgal Is there any evidence that Sylvia Browne died as a child and came back as the undead? I don't believe in the undead, but it does come to mind when contemplating her complete lack of conscience, honesty, and compassion. And her face.
	__________________ With extraordinary few exceptions no educated person in the history of Western Civilization from the third century B.C. onward believed that the earth was flat. - Jeffrey Burton Russell It is obvious to any scientist that the bumblebee can fly because experiment proves it. - Zetie 1996

31st March 2009, 01:57 PM	#28
Earthborn Terrestrial Intelligence Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Terra Firma Posts: 6,451	I've heard there is some guy called Pandi or Sandi or something, who gives a million dollars to any genuine psychic. Why doesn't she try that first?
	__________________ Perhaps nothing is entirely true; and not even that! Multatuli

31st March 2009, 04:05 PM	#29
Reno Inquisitor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,483	Originally Posted by Earthborn I've heard there is some guy called Pandi or Sandi or something, who gives a million dollars to any genuine psychic. Why doesn't she try that first? She already said she will. She is a liar.
	__________________ "You're entitled to your opinion; you're just not entitled to have it taken seriously when you can offer no evidence to support it." - Garrison "I am the danger." - Heisenberg