REALL News - Vol 07 No 08 - 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Volume: 7
Issue: 8
Date: August 1999
Publisher: REALL
Country: US
Language: English

This issue of The REALL News features an article titled "Psychic Junk-Mail Hell" by David Bloomberg, which critically examines a barrage of junk mail received by the REALL post office box. The article, dated August 1999, highlights the author's skepticism towards psychic services and their marketing tactics.

Psychic Junk-Mail Hell

The article begins with a quote from James Randi about the danger of believing in nonsense. David Bloomberg recounts checking the REALL post office box after a three-week absence and finding it filled with twelve pieces of junk mail making "fantastic claims." He notes that he, or rather someone named "Leo Bloomberg," had apparently been placed on a mailing list for believers in psychic power.

Bloomberg speculates on the origin of this mail, suggesting it might stem from signing up for information at a Holistic Health Fair, or possibly a practical joke. He identifies Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as the primary origin of the mail, with one piece also having a Florida address. He points to "Joyce Jillson," identified as the "Psychic Director" for the "Personal Enrichment Society of America," as a key figure, noting her name appears on multiple letters and the same website is referenced frequently.

Bloomberg expresses amusement that Jillson, despite claiming to be psychic, doesn't realize "Leo" is not a real person at that address and that the mail is being sent to a skeptics group. He critiques the postcard's claim of "special codes" not to be shared, finding it illogical for something meant to be secret. The mailings implore the recipient to call immediately about concerns regarding "love, money or career," promising a conversation with a "Master Psychic" and emphasizing the urgency.

Another letter from Joyce contains similar information with a different code number, offering free psychic reading time over the phone. Other letters and postcards, not from Joyce, discuss the "intensity" of previous psychic readings, which the author finds ironic as he has never had a psychic reading. These also mention opportunities for "tremendous wealth of $1,225,000 or more."

The article introduces Jenni Sinclair, a "psychic numerologist to the stars," who claims to be having trouble sleeping due to anticipation about information she has for the recipient. Sinclair predicted an event on July 12, 1999, with a "rush of energy," which did not materialize for Bloomberg. He also notes Sinclair's claims of being seen on major television networks, questioning the veracity of these statements due to her "tortured language."

Ms. Alycia is quoted asking, "Leo, Have you found your lovemate..." to which Bloomberg sarcastically replies that if she's psychic, she should already know.

One letter arrives with official-looking trappings, including "U.S. MAIL" and "IMPORTANT & CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT" on the return address, along with an eagle stamp and the phrase "BUY AND HOLD U.S. SAVINGS BONDS." Bloomberg finds it odd that a psychic would suggest savings bonds instead of the stock market. Inside this envelope is another psychic offer, asking if the recipient knows their "long-forgotten love" and if they will win the lottery, warning of costly mistakes if advice is not sought.

Michelle Barry sends two letters containing sealed envelopes with Tarot cards, which she advises not to open until after calling her, claiming they "radiate metaphysical powers." The cards are described as "protected in a sealed envelope and surrounded by a mysterious aura." Bloomberg notes the cards received include The Lovers, The World, The King of Cups, Judgement, The Fool, and The Hermit, and suggests consulting REALL's official Tarot Card reader, Derek Rompot, for interpretation.

At the bottom of all the mailings, a small print disclaimer states that the content is for "entertainment purposes only." Bloomberg finds this contradictory to the dire warnings and mentions of monetary winnings. He questions the effectiveness of "saturation bombing" with so much mail, suggesting it's a tactic to quickly extract money. He concludes that while it might be a profitable enterprise, he prefers it coming to REALL's post office box rather than to someone who might be conned into calling. The author notes that at least the experience provided material for a newsletter article.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the exposure and critique of psychic scams and deceptive marketing practices prevalent in junk mail. The editorial stance, as presented by David Bloomberg, is one of strong skepticism and critical analysis. The magazine appears to be a platform for debunking pseudoscientific claims and highlighting the manipulative tactics used by various services, particularly those related to psychic readings and fortune-telling. The publication seems to advocate for a rational and evidence-based approach, contrasting it with the unsubstantiated claims made by these services. The use of humor and sarcasm underscores the magazine's critical yet engaging tone.