Word for Word: Psychic dos and don'ts

By MIKE WILSON, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 13, 2002

From the Web site of Buckwood Communications, which describes itself as "the largest recruiter for the Psychic Readers Network."

The Psychic Readers Network was long the home of Miss Cleo, the self-proclaimed shaman with a Jamaican accent who pitched toll-free psychic readings on late-night TV. But after the Florida Attorney General's Office and the Federal Trade Commission accused the network and its affiliates of misrepresenting the cost of calls, the company pulled the commercials.

Miss Cleo -- who is actually Los Angeles-born Youree Dell Harris -- is severing her ties to the Psychic Readers Network, according to her lawyer. The company is "winding down operations," Fort Lauderdale bankruptcy lawyer Michael I. Goldberg said.

But a Web site -- www.zyworld.com/majesticpsychics/ReadersGuide.htm -- still offers tips to clairvoyants interested in making $6-$11 an hour taking calls for Psychic Readers Network.

The site urges employees to "always say a prayer" before beginning work. Here are some things they are cautioned not to do.

-- MIKE WILSON, Floridian editor

Do not try to extort any money from a caller.

Never put callers on hold for any reason.

We do not talk to the dead, we let them rest in peace.

Do not answer questions pertaining to free minutes. The real answer is you don't know.

You may not discuss medical treatments, diagnosis or remedy to any caller.

No discussion of death, doom or disaster. Never upset a caller.

Don't talk about yourself with any caller, they are not calling to hear about you.

Never argue with a caller.

You can talk about God but you cannot convert any caller to your religion. Their opinions or beliefs may be different from yours.

We do not encourage evil behavior if someone has intent to hurt someone else.

Do not pretend to know the future.

Do not hang up on a caller, they are paying a premium.

You cannot give any counseling about abortion.

There shall be no use of Witchcraft on this line.

There shall be no casting spells on this line or any magic potions.

This line is NOT to be used for promoting evil.

-- Information from Times wires was used in this report.

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