Response to Criticism - Chad Lewis

[Chad Lewis]

I look at the recent outrage over the Chad Lewis site by certain individuals as a sign of its continued success. I will try to address several inaccuracies that have been touted as fact by said individuals. As Terry previously mentioned in his last response, our intentions are not to “unmagicfie” Wisconsin’s past as many have stated. Our goal is simply to uncover the truth behind these cases in an effort to distinguish what is real from what may be urban legend or folklore.

I realize that numerous individuals have invested a lot of emotional energy into their belief systems. Often these belief systems become a salient point in their lives and the implications of having these belief systems challenged can have a profound impact on your emotional state. However, by blindly accepting information as fact because it can easily be assimilated into your belief system will not alter the truth.

All of us seek to resurrect the magic of our childhood when every unknown area baffled us with the uncertainty of its purpose. Throughout history, humankind has struggled to answer the same poignant questions that we are now asking ourselves, and I believe that it would be a grave disservice to revert back to the age of intellectual darkness in order to preserve the lore of our childhood.

Many individuals find that when someone’s research cannot be attacked, the only other option is to attack the researcher. The logic followed here states that if the researcher is tarnished then the research must also be tarnished. The underlying problem with this logic is that it is based on the assumption that the researcher will not defend his or her name. When this fallacy is exposed (someone stand up to the accusations) the attacker is left holding unsubstantiated claims.

I cannot in good faith still idly by when someone spews untruths and lies about my research or my integrity. I have been in this field for a long time now and I developed an extremely thick skin, however I have also developed a desire to continue fighting for my research and personal reputation. I will not allow propaganda to cloud the overall goal and intentions of this research.

1. Why are you marketing it and exploiting Wisconsin’s paranormal past for your own benefit?

- I have addressed this question too many times to recall. First the term “marketing” tends to be perceived as making money off of something. The idea that paranormal researchers (myself included) are getting rich from this research could not be more off target. The time, energy, equipment, travel, loss of personal time etc… justify themselves.

2. I hope you can cope with the spirits you've pissed off in limbo

- If spirits or ghosts do exist, then I am pretty confidant that they have other
more pertinent issues to deal with than me “pissing” them off.

3. Is your plot, to "make people believe in the paranormal?”

- My “plot” is to present my research in an academic format that will hold up to intense scrutiny. If you opt to believe or disbelieve in something based on my research, that is your decision.

4. You have to get other people to find out what happened for you.

- I would like to know what specific information is on this website that was
not gathered by Terry Fisk, Myself, or the few other people that help with
the research. The research we have on our website was gathered first hand
by our research team. We have even gone outside of what is considered
appropriate research protocol by listing where the lead came from.

[ha]

I'm pissing you off ;D, I just thought I could share my opinion with out ridacule, open minded I disagree. f**k u and your stuped "research." " oh well I know how to spell so my word is better than any one elses."
f**ken piss ants
-medicine lynx
ps why the hell would I want to call my self hardcore, f**k your stuped assumptions. You want my f**king oppinon f**king ask me not some nut who thinks that history matters to the people of today.
did I piss yoooooooou of agone, miss spelled, sorry
ha!

[Your hardcore]

grow up man....*shakes head*

[Terry Fisk]

First, the next time you claim to know how to spell, you might want to first consult a dictionary to see how "stupid" is correctly spelled. You also might want to look up "ridicule," "without," "anyone," "opinion," "myself," "off," "again," and "misspelled."

Second, you are welcome to express opinions and dissent on this message board, but when you present false or erroneous allegations against Chad, he certainly has the right to defend himself and to set the record straight.

Third, why would you call yourself "hardcore"? I have a better question: Why would "MedicineLynx" and "hardcore" both have the same IP number? Are you averring that you're two people of similar maturity, intellect, and writing skills who happen to share the same computer?

Fourth, you made a reference to some "nut who thinks that history matters to the people of today," but from the context of your post, it's impossible to know who or what you're even ranting about.

Fifth, are you capable of composing any type of well-reasoned argument, or is this puerile behavior of spewing forth profanity and insults while cowardly hiding behind multiple pseudonyms the best that we can expect from you?

[Craig Le May]

I agree with Chad. People such as this truly want to believe everything they hear without really looking into "what may be the real truth."
Whenever someone tries to seek out what it really may be, others will say that that person is trying to steal the show and debunk everything.
If this person doesn't believe in what Chad and Terry finds out, prove differently. Nothing is set in stone, and if you truly believe that what is researched is wrong, do some research of your own.

[skeeter]

Hey Hardcore, what is your malfuntion? If you don't like this site then get off of it! You obviously have some personnal issues that need to be dealt with. Either tell us your story or get off the pot!!

[phoenix]

Well hello, first time here and I just feel like there are some questions for you. Have you even been to the light, how long did you stay, and how many times. See I have been there about 20 times and I dont know about anyone else but I dont need A telescope to tell me what the difference is between a car in the distance and a freakin light that sways back and forth. All your rational thought does not mean a thing. We all know what happens when we get scared of something. We have to rationalize it as quick as possible so we can sleep. Frankly you remind me of a scared 8 year old who is coming to terms with puberty. Why cant you just be comfortable in the fact that you may not be able to explain something. It isnt your job to explain it ,obviously. This is seriously THE WORST BY FAR EXPLANATION I HAVE EVER HEARD. It is not because I beleive in it so much that I will sacrifice my pride to defend it. It is because You are so willing to to sacrifice yours to prove it rational.Grow up and admit that the head light tail light idea seemed cool and hey maybe you believed it, but to everyone else who has been up there and seen it and know the difference between head lights and a bobbeling, shaky back and forth moving, dim to bright, bright to dim, see it from the bottom even though your buddy who is at the top cant see a d**n thing light . Take your evidence to another web page and get your junk of the paulding light name.

[Terry Fisk]

www.chadlewis.com/files_anomalies/paulding_light.html

First, if you've read our web page, then it should be obvious that Chad and I have, indeed, visited the Paulding observation site. However, the fact of the matter is this, after dark we did observe a light, and although several people claimed that this was the actual Paulding Light, what we distinctly observed through the telescope were the headlights and taillights of cars driving on a hill north of Paulding on Hwy 45. This is a verifiable fact--not a theory or opinion or belief.

Second, you sound just like the church officials who refused to look through Galileo's telescope because they were afraid that what they saw might refute their cherished belief system. It's been my experience that when it comes to the paranormal, people fall into three categories: believers, cynics and skeptics. No amount of negative evidence will ever convince close-minded believers that something is not true, and no amount of positive evidence will ever convince close-minded cynics that something is true. Chad and I are skeptics. As we've said many times before, we're attempting to have an open mind, but not so open that our brains fall out. We're going to follow the evidence wherever it leads.

Third, we've never presented any theories or explanations concerning the Paulding Light. What we presented was an observation. What we observed through the telescope were headlights and taillights, and that fact can be verified by you or anybody else who has the courage, like Galileo, to simply peer through a telescope.

Fourth, other researchers concur with our observation. A report by James Seal, Lisa Lombardi-Rice, and William P. Rice concludes: "We have identified the source of the Paulding Lights. They result from vehicle lights seen at a distance of six miles originating from a section of Highway 45 near Johnson and Erickson Lakes. Street lights in the town of Paulding enhanced by atmospheric conditions such as mist, contribute to the effect."

A second research team consisting of Prof. Don Petzold, Micah Zeitler, and Ezra Zeitler from the University of Wisconsin--River Falls also came to the same conclusion after observing the light through binoculars. They explained that the headlights and taillights appear as one large light because over a six-mile distance the lights converge because of refraction and temperature differences in the atmosphere.

Fifth, Chad and I also observed the apparent "bobbeling [sic], shaky back and forth moving, dim to bright, bright to dim" behavior of the light that you mentioned, but what we observed through the telescope were unquestionably headlights and taillights. The bizarre movement and appearance were caused by the refraction of the lights in the lower atmosphere. This was also verified by Prof. Don Petzold who happens to be a climatologist.

Sixth, you mentioned that you can "see it from the bottom even though your buddy who is at the top cant see a d**n thing," but what you don't understand is that this is an optical illusion. The elevation of the observation site is 463 meters. Topographical maps reveal that when you walk north towards the light and cross to the opposite side of Bluff Creek, you are actually at a lower elevation of 443 and your view of the lights is blocked by Big Rock which has an elevation of 456 meters. The source of the lights is beyond Big Rock, 6-7 miles to the north on a hill with an elevation of 442 meters.

Seventh, if you've actually been to Paulding "about 20 times," it's rather surprising that you're not even familiar with a researcher who is there almost every night. Her research is funded by biophysicist W.C. Levengood of the Pinelandia Biophysical lab in Michigan. Had you talked with her, she would have also explained to you that what people are currently seeing and referring to as the "Paulding Light" are actually headlights and taillights. According to "Planet Janet" (as she's affectionately known), the authentic Paulding Light has not been seen in over three years.

Eighth, we have interviewed people who did witness the authentic Paulding Light over three years ago, and it is not our position that these lights were headlights and taillights. At the present time we offer no explanation for what the authentic Paulding Light may have been.

Ninth, Chad and I have been to some of the scariest places in the state of Wisconsin. We've visited locations where UFOs, aliens, crop circles, ghosts, Bigfoot, werewolves, and vampires have reportedly been seen, and often we visit these places after dark. Trust me, we're hardly afraid of a little light shining in the distance.

Tenth, it would be ridiculous for us to take our evidence elsewhere, as you suggest, since this message board and web site belong to us.

[chad lewis]

I just have one addition to add to Terry’s comments. If you are striving for accuracy, please be accurate. When you state that I remind you of “a scared 8 year old who is coming to terms with puberty” you are once again spouting misinformation. The American Medical Association (AMA) states that puberty begins at the ages of 9.5 -14 years for boys and if occurs any earlier it is considered precocious. Precocious puberty is 10 times more common in girls than in boys. The AMA also states that the average age of puberty for males is between 11.5 to 12 years of age. Puberty striking girls before the age of 8 would also be considered precocious, as the average age for female puberty is 10-11 years of age.

However if you wait several more decades your information may become correct as in North America the age at which women reach menarche(Menstruation) decreased by three to four months each decade after 1850, and in 1988 the median age at menarche was 12.5 years among US girls. Some developing countries report the age at menarche appears to be decreasing even faster than the U.S. It should also be noted that Sexual development may begin at any age and pregnancy has been reported at 5 ½ years of age.

If you wish to have a discussion about the “Light” we can do that, but when you make personal attacks, use faulty logic, and present your personal opinions and beliefs as the truth, Terry and I will correct you.

Best Wishes,
Chad Lewis

[Scully]

For those that have to criticize Chad and Terry, please remember that the education and experience of these two gentlemen, should speak for itself. When they do the extensive research and contact authorities in paranormal reams, they are doing an "investigation."

Which is something that anyone who is studying the paranormal should do. If you want to believe everything you read or see, go ahead, but a true "investigator" asks questions.

[Einstein2]

Chad, I am glad that you demand repect for the work you do..because we as human beings are always persuing interests of the unknown.1. For axample if a doctor found a deasease that could kill the human population... he would try to find the antidote ect..would he not?I sure would..2.The police are always going against odds of finding the killer or criminal and doing the impossible to get the bad guy..I would also..We look for clues to why life really exist right?Now if we where God we would know why..We go by our instinks and a lot of historical information..looking for hints clues in the ground..Everywhere...Some find the answer ect...and some go on to be a legend or a myth.
The bible is a question we will never really answer it is a feeling a belief of the heart ect...in many different ways.Right? That is why ...I keep an open mind to all because if we don't... then it is just a real lonely life your having I like to beleive life is that... Our question to keep going and looking ...It is a no-brainer unless of course you don't think your brain is up for the challenge.I like the challenge who wouldn't..Thats how are world has survived through our strong beliefs and our belief in God whom we never seen!! A ghost?well try to figure that one out.I know something or someone is out there.And my faith in him has given me the strengh to go on.So do what your heart likes and don't let anyone make you feel less because they are wrong.
I hunt meteorites and watch for lights in the night sky.People have gotten rich for finding them and thats not a fantasy or dream. Thankyou for the stories and information also.

[rvqueen57]

Chad I became a new member today. While laying down and watching TV I came across't The Hauntings, and was watching The haunted cementary in Wisconsin.
And Witch Road. When it mentioned your name and website I imediately got up and began web searching which was easy as it seems once Chad Lewis was typed into the search engine your name was everywhere. As I am not a fan of scary movies I do find shows such as the Haunting, International Ghost Hunters very interesting. I will look for programs likes yours every day and night hoping for a hit on the tube! Keep doing what your doing ! I belive in hauntings ghostly contacts and reincarnation. I'm always looking for things on those website web cams! Thanks for this site!!

[Einstein2]

I want to say that Chad and Terry are good friends of mine...I have myself have been visiting this site for many years now and all his information is done with the best technical advance and his expertise is excellent. He gives very interesting talks and digs into the information as a way to help people understand what they are seeing and or hearing. Many questons still go unexplained and his sight does not try to prove what is or is not and as with many other sites, he too only wants the truth and some day we will all know the truth but until then we have the right to ask and investigate the issues at hand. I believe as he has said many times: he leaves's it up to those who come to his shows and read his books as to use thier own opinions.I congratulate Chad and Terry and who works with them for the excellent work they have done. He is well known by many a community and through-out the world for the work he does. I can only congratulate them for the outstanding work they do, in the paranormal field we know today.

[Yeti]

I wouldn't get to worked up about this persons un-intelligent posts. Just another Internet troll hiding behind a guest/false name. Every forum has them. They eventually get bored and go back to their PETER PAN fan site forums.

[byrd]

Ah...a debate, I love it.

And I quote "The places listed in the book have neither been proved nor disproved to be haunted. Their inclusion in the book is based on the anecdotal reports we have received from numerous individuals. This book is for reference purposes only."
*The Disclaimer taken from the Preface at the beginning of 'THE WISCONSIN ROAD GUIDE TO HAUNTED LOCATIONS'

Another direct quote taken from the same section of the book..."Although we have made every effort to be certain that this road guide is reliable and accurate, things inevitably change and errors are made. We would appreciate it when readers contact us so we can revise future editions of the book."

OK...I am quite aware that, judging by the way Chad Lewis and Terry Fisk carefully choose their words in how they communicate, they have no great need for us, their fans, to jump into their defense. However, I can not help but jump in here.

I am not even quite sure what this debate is all about. But, I will say that debates do tend to get heated; obviously. However, there is never no need to get so nasty to the point that you have to use such a demeaning approach in an attempt to get your point across. As stated by another member, if you don't like the forum, the topic or the discussions then get off the board. What are you here for if not for the general interest in the paranormal whether or not it exist? This is not a place for personal attacks and this forum has always seemed to be quite open to the diverse opinions of all members. So, there really is no need to be such an A**hole (ironically, she writes with a smile).

One more thing before I sign off. To the person that is doing all the name calling and ranting in regard to the said research...do you have any idea what it takes to write a story let alone numerous books? Do you have any idea how much time, energy, dedication and discipline that is involved? Dude, you won't even take the time to do a spell check and you might want to pick up a Thesaurus...a writer's best friend when you are at a loss for descriptive words.

To Chad and Terry...you go boys...don't sweat the small stuff. You two have nothing to prove; you have already proven you talents. Keep up the good work! And, thank you for this site and for the books.

Some people simply cannot match wits (she smiles again).