Editorial reply: Paranormal State and Chip Coffey
I’ve been getting a lot of hate mail due to the article that I posted here in GhostTheory about the Paranormal state letter from a former client of theirs. You can read the article Here.
Now, I want to dispel some misconceptions about that post. I did not write the letter in question.
I am not saying that Kirby Robinson is correct in his letter, but it does make you question the entire show. I got the letter from EyeonTheParanormal and just reported about it here.
Let’s take a look at some comments made about the post.
Magie said:
I read all of this and watched the episode of the messenger… You are wrong on many accounts. Hate to break it to you. That woman, Kelli Ryan, she is making wild accustations when there is no proof, and you seem to be jealous. How about you grow up and stop hating on ohter paranormal investigators just because they are more well known than you. And who cares if Ryan Buell was looking at himself in the mirror its not against the law and Kelli Ryan is saying that Ryan Buell and Chip Coffey are picking on her, well she’s making accusations about them. You are sad, and so is Kelli Ryan.
To which I responded:
Magie,
The show “Paranormal State” is based off the research from the PRS team. Maybe the PRS team (before the show) was a humble ‘Ghost Hunting’ team. It seems that after A&E network created the show, all we ever see in the episodes is a 30 minute long reality show that is cleverly edited to have a cliffhanger before every commercial break and sometimes in between.
There is no real scientific investigating done through out the show. By A&E adding sound effects when there were no sounds during the taping, is to be considered a slap in the face to a more intelligent audience.
I’m not “hating” nor am I “jealous” because they are more well known than GhostTheory since GhostTheory is not a ‘Ghost Hunting’ team. That is not the point of this website.
Ryan Buell decided to put his work (PRS team) on the air and sell out his beliefs. There is no research team out there in the name of science that would let a couple of producers add special effects to their work, just to embellish the truth in order to score a bigger audience.
I’m sure the people who believe in the evidence that is presented by these shows, to be the same people who watch “Most Haunted” or “Ghost Adventures” on the Travel channel.
Thanks for your comment
Yes, I think Most Haunted and Ghost Adventures are both horrible shows that try to exploit the paranormal.
The second comment I received was from Elizabeth:
Elizabeth said:
First of all I would like to start out by asking where is the proof that Chip Coffey recieved all the information prior? You have no proof that shows he did. So there is your first lie among many others. You say “The PRS team represented themselves as being part of Penn State University, which was only the beginning of their deceptions.” What deception is that? Are you saying they don’t attend school there? Because that is ANOTHER LIE. I went to Penn State and guess what, THEY DO. People know their lives will be exposed on this show, so did this “psychic” woman. She still choose to make the phone call. And if she is such a great psychic, why couldn’t she get the ghost out of her house? No she had to call someone on the other side of the country to help GET HER PUBLICITY. Stop attacking these people and the HIGHLY RESPECTED Chip Coffey and go get a life.
My response:
Elizabeth,
I think you are misunderstanding the article here. The letter/article was not written by me. It was from Kirby Robinson of http://eyeontheparanormal.blogspot.com/
I copied the letter here on GhostTheory because I found it interesting. So no, I didn’t write it.
I do however still believe that the PRS team’s ‘Paranomal State’ is a farce.
The show does not approach the paranormal in a scientific method. Take for example the scene of the “ghostly handprint” in the episode “Coal miner’s ghost”.
The first 36 seconds of the video is proof enough that these guys do not care for the true scientific method. Here you have an investigation taking place in a home of people who are reaching out and asking for help with their haunting. You then have the investigators, with their hi-tech equipment, pan around a room that is full of investigators, a psychic, the home owners and the production crew all bunched together in a small room and they spot a heat signature of a hand that is on the wall behind the psychic using their IR camera.
Paranormal State Coal Miner’s Ghost: “Ghost hand print”
I don’t know if you are familiar with how these cameras work, but when you place your hand on a cold or room temperature surface, it radiates your body heat and you will easily see the heat signature of your hand. It’s seen through the camera as a bright red/yellow/green image respectively to the heat composition of the object. In this case a human hand that has most of the heat concentrated in the palm area. Within a few seconds to minutes of the initial contact with the surface, the heat signature starts to cool down, the image will change from yellow/red to a more blueish image. Losing heat and starting to cool down, the heat signature will go from a strong red/yellow to a more cool blue. It will take a few minutes for the signature to fully go away.
PRS investigator putting his hand on the wall for comparison
Investigator’s fresh hand-print
In those images, the investigator claimed that there was no way the psychic could have produced the hand print at the time since:
A) Her hands were at her sides the whole time.
B) If she would have done it, it would be as brightly colored as his imprint.
The point of this post is not to deduce the PRS team as being a bunch of charlatans. The point of the post is to point out to the public that critical thinking is necessary. Especially when we have people who are seeking help in a case where mainstream science cannot help. The PRS’ conclusion that this was in fact a ghost print will have adverse effects. It could potentially traumatize the home owners and especially the children. Psychological scars can play out throughout their lives.
The PRS team never really analyzes the evidence. Take for example the show ‘MonsterQuest’. Every shred of evidence that is gathered and presented to the audience is put through several tests. Scientists from all walks give their professional analyses of the samples. It provides the viewers with 2 sides of the coin. Where as the ‘Paranormal State’ show never examines the evidence.
They cleverly edit the shadow in the corner that was just seen on camera, or the sound they heard and cut to a commercial break for the cliffhanger effect.
Now, about Chip Coffey.
You said: “Stop attacking these people and the HIGHLY RESPECTED Chip Coffey and go get a life.”
Again, I did not write the article. But I do have some reservations about Mr. Coffey. First off, I didn’t know him to be “Highly Respected”. I’m always amazed of how dead-on he is about his readings when he first steps into a house. Before I go that route, let’s look at your first statement:
“First of all I would like to start out by asking where is the proof that Chip Coffey recieved all the information prior?
Well I do not have solid proof of how the ‘Paranormal State’ crew handles their investigations, but my Guess is that it goes something like this:
Ryan: “OK, we have a case that involves a ghost of a little girl and a man”
PRS team: “OK, sounds like a cool case..”
Ryan (calling Chip): “OK so we are heading out to so-and-so’s place. They are reporting a haunting of a man and a little girl…”
Chip: “Alright, sounds good. “
When Chip Coffey arrives, Ryan Buell makes sure the cameras capture him arriving and him meeting with Chip, so that the audience can witness that he did not give out any information at that point. Chip goes into the house and starts to “read” the environment.
Chip: “I think I sense a scared little girl….and a mean man”
I’m not saying that’s what happens but doesn’t that sound like a more logical explanation of what really goes on behind the scenes? Doesn’t that sound like a more plausible thing the “Highly Respected” Chip Coffey might do? Again, critical thinking is in dire need.
The fact that Chip Coffey got a spinoff show called ‘Psychic Kids’ is proof that he is in it to exploit the exploitable. Here is a man who chooses to put kids on network television and feed them lies about their psychic abilities and try to help them by walking them through their newly found gift. Chip Coffey chose to ridicule most of these kids on network television for his own gain.
The Amateur Scientist has an excellent post about Chip Coffey and his shenanigans.
There were some emails and comments that understood what the post was about.
Take for example this comment:
nakuicalo said:
I have to admit that I did have these shows tivo’ed just to see what happened, and after reading all of this deception going on, you can tell when you watch the shows of all the fake sounds and fake editing that goes on… I will never watch again!
So to summarize, GhostTheory did not write this letter, but we still believe Paranormal State and Psychic kids to be a farce.
Let the hate-mail commence!
Written by Javier Ortega - javier@ghosttheory.com
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“It isn’t the faith based people who that narrow minded.”
Faith based people’s faith is based on something that there is no evidence for but they insist that their beliefs are true without question and without verification. Non faith based people (speaking in general terms of course)believe that there are numerous possibilities. Each possibility is either more or less likely than the others. Which is the more narrow of the two?
“Would someone who isn’t going to be a complete a-hole about it explain to me why everyone is hostile toward me because of the term “faith based research”? What do you think it means?”
I see no hostility.
“Faith based research” doesn’t mean science based research. By definition it is biased towards one’s unsubstantiated belief/faith. BTW, if you *know* something to be true you do not need faith.
Science methodology is the best thing that we have to find the truth about anything.
The PRS uses chiropractors instead of real doctors, priests that are anti pope/catholic, known hucksters i.e. Loraine Warren, lying “psychics” i.e. Chip Coffey ad nauseum. You want to get in good with them, do your “faith based research”. You want want the company of people that are searching for the truth, hang out with the people that honestly side with science.
Golly! you folks are SO OBTUSE!!! Tell me WHY could’nt there be “an other side”? Sure, I believe in God and practice my Christian faith as best I can.. To top THAT one off, I’m not a smart man.. But WHY could’nt there be an “other side” that comes to Earth, or hauntings or PEOPLE THAT CAN PICK UP ON THESE “ghosts”??? Fact is, the Catholic’s call him (Jesus) the “HOLY GHOST”! ! I myself are just your “run-of-the-mill” everyday Christian who BELIEVES in lets say “spirits” that still roam the Earth.. For what reason they do this, I don’t know.. I’ve had some “REAL FUNNY THINGS” happen to me! Scientists even try to “BLOCK” the BELIEF IN GOD!!! They make “shows” on many a channel calling it “history” yet when I watch them, they’re trying to “DEBUNK” God!!! SURE, “FAITH” is the biggest thing in a religious life!! Why do they, under “a fake title” on the history programs, trying to “undermine” folks faith? It’s not a good thing to do! I love some science’s too! Sure, I like things that I can “SINK MY TEETH” into! BUT, I’m not so OBTUSE to think that there is NOTHING ELSE OUT THERE!!! Jim Pratt – you have my E-mail address.. Here’s my phone number too 909-790-0758 I’m totally disabled and sit in a chair all day! I’m ALWAYS HOME! Oh, I have a doctors appointmen Friday the 17… Sorry…
JP
why do you guys bash chip to me he seems like a good guy.
i could be wrong,but like everything on the net how do we know what is true and what is not.
you cant tell because it comes from second hand sources.
unless you actually seen or heard it happen how can you believe it.
we are entitled to our opinions but that what they are opinions and BTW i love prs it a great show the even have a movie coming out called american ghost hunter
Wow, if that trailer for American Ghost Hunter doesn’t look like a total vanity project to others… than I must be the only one who can see Ryan Buel’s cracks. I don’t doubt his initial beliefs, but his ego has gotten out of hand.. but that’s typically what happens. You can start out honest and genuine, but celebrity and money and endorsements win out when you’re making a show that makes it’s dollars on “shock value.” It happened to ghost hunters, it was obvious with PS from the start, and Ghost Adventures were there long-before they even started filming.
Michael what is your deal,are you negative about your moms cooking to.
so what he is in it for the money, wheres the proof?
every one is a critic nowadays.
honestly how well do you know Ryan or anyone from prs.
you don’t hell i don’t either but people like good TV. so what it has sound effects. look at ghost adventures they main guy yells all the time shut up you hear that? no you moron your yelling.
what i am saying is some people like different things but don’t comment on others comment unless you have a good reason it OK to have a opinion but please the movie is not even out yet and hear goes people open mouth and stupid comes out.
michael, i agree with you 100% on the ego thing.
money and endorsements are what these types live for. buell was attempting to make MTV production inroads and trying to start some other show prior to getting PS.
and now, even if PS bites the dust, he and the motley crew of paranormal panderers he’s helped promote will still have it made thanks to all of their conventions and gatherings for which they charge big bucks.
i’m simply astounded that people pay good money to go to those kinds of things, particularly since there is ABSOLUTELY NO EVIDENCE ANYPLACE that ghosts/demons even exist.
by the by – isn’t it interesting how the more rabid fans of the PS show (and/or chip coffey) are all about attempting to discredit and/or smack-talk anyone who doesn’t necessarily appreciate the “contributions” that the likes of buell and PRS/coffey and other media psychics have made to the paranormal community??
speaking of money and endorsements – have you seen all of the “events” AGH/PRS/chip coffey and gang have going on?
http://bellabootoo.blogspot.com/2009/06/warriors-who-help-people.html
http://bellabootoo.blogspot.com/2009/08/psychics-investigating-famous-haunted.html
the problem with every one who bashes psr is just jealous because there lives suck and are mad because your sorry rears aren’t the ones making the money.get a life losers.
instead of being hateful and mad because you have done nothing with your lives and have nothing better to do then hang out on here writeing your garbage,here’s a tip get a life and a girlfriend and move out your moms basement. yes that was for the two losers bellaboo and Michael who have posted almost on every post on here.
really boys it time to move on.
wow, coming from someone with such a way with words as “the truth” — i dunno about you michael, but i’m just crushed.
oh, and sorry “the truth”, but i’m not a guy. i reckon you’ll just have to break out some sexist insults to keep my self-esteem down at the crushing depths where you’ve sent it with your lively remarks.
God The truth? Please you and jim pratt go and just kill yourselves and do this planet and evolution a favor! Its Aboslute fucking Ignorant aholes like you that have stymied the human races progression since the beggining of time! You ignore any fact that argues with your faith or that you plain just dont like. You would rather have faith in a God that more that likely thinks that your an ignorant ahole as well or blindly follow some moron on TV. Reality TV? Anyone who belives there is the SLIGHTEST bit of REALITY in TV should seriously just buy a faith bullet and eat it. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!! USE YOUR FREAKING HEADS!!! Its Amazing how these people claim that Javier is ignorant and yet Didnt even read the article that clearly states HE DIDNT FUCKING WRITE THE DAMN LETTER YOU WASTES OF OXYGEN!!! God hates you and wants nothing to do with you. You know how I know that? Cuase he told me!!! Oh also your dead relatives hate you too !! Cuase im a psychic!!! In fact the probablitly of me being God is just as likely using faith based reasearch so i hearby proclaim myslef god!!! now do as i command and never breed!
andrew, now tell us how you REALLY feel…
oh bellaboo im suprisingly a very nice and quiet person. But when it come to ignorance and general idiocy I become possesed by the spirit of the billions killed due to religion,racial intolerance and most of all general greed and idiocy. Afterwards I wake up with a bottle of whiskey and a captain kirk outfit on. and if u think thats strange wait till the next full moon
PRS FAKE REALLY CHIP TO THEY ARE THE FUCKING WROST ON TV. IM GLAD THEY GOT TAKING OFF THE AIR.
who really cares? when it comes down to it, do any of them help you pay your bills? help you work? help you live? help you in any way? help you with your kids? family? pets? cars? houses? friends? anything? does anything on here help you in any way?
who cares? when you break it down, its just tv.
wow bellaboo ever sense that sex change you have become more moody.really you still play on here almost every day i mean come on i look at the net maybe 2 times a month. andrewkeeler and you must be best friends the way he sticks up for you.and yes i did read the the article and was referring to one retard who has to bash some one else because there life suck. andrewkeeler you really have issues,there is a doctor that will help you and maybe even make you go away. but hey what can i say to help you besides, get a life loser. move out of moms basment, star trek is not real you *** and god you are not me now, i am the alpha and the omega the beginning and the end, now really get a life losers.
Retards do blog together( andrewkeeler and bellaboo)
ps i check again in a month i know you love to respond ha ha ha losers
that was one incredibly brilliant and well-researched post, anonymous. not to mention filled with such wonderfully witty and original zzzzzzzzingers.
I’m not here to make any enemies, I’m just here to write my opinion, since after all this is what this message board is for.
I just want to say that I can’t help but agree with Javier.
Based on the nature of the show, I don’t know why people are so offended when others are skeptical of PRS. I think everything presented to us should fall under some form of intellectual scrutiny and examination before we consider it to be “factual.”
Personally based on the lack of scientific procedure or proof, I don’t understand there is an unwillingness to rationalize that its quite possible this show is not really out there to prove any paranormal activity on their investigations, more than it is about dramatizing the events of their cases for audience entertainment.
I’ll admit the show caught my interest a year ago. I watched a few episodes and some of it was entertaining. However, it loses credibility with misleading sound affects, intense drama and poor investigative procedures, such as lacking attempts to debunk claims of paranormal activity. I have to say at least Ghost Hunters offers some attempt at debunking on their show; they try and demonstrate attempts to find other possible logical explanations that are mistakenly perceived to be paranormal activity from their clients.
Overall, the show has done a good job in entertaining viewers if that’s what their aiming for. There’s no reason to be offended or insulting just because other people are skeptical and desire more substantial proof. Lets be mature and logical here.
Any show that relies primarily on “psychic” evidence is a sham in my opinion. Any douchebag can go on a show claiming they have special powers and visions and we are to completely trust and believe them? Paranormal State is a joke. Most Haunted is a joke. Even A Haunting, which I used to enjoy, I’ve found to be a joke because they are ludicrous re-enactments loosely based on “eyewitness” accounts. They are also “made scarier” by the producers’ own beliefs added in for good measure.
lets see some people are smart some arenot they all know who they are I my self just know better, I have had some thing happen to me in my life and it changed me!!! so if you dont have a clue shut up !!!!!!!!
In response to “Chip Coffey got a spinoff show called ‘Psychic Kids’ is proof that he is in it to exploit the exploitable.” I actually spoke to Chip Coffey a long time ago before “Paranormal State” was on the air and he had an interest in helping kids with psychic abilities even back then. I believe that he participated in “Paranormal State” as a springboard to the work that he really want to do and that is to help kids that are different from others.