A few years back, I attended a paranormal conference in Tulsa, OK. They brought in some heavy-hitters in the field who spoke at length and in a technical fashion about the study of Hauntings, etc… You could practically hear the collective yawn (and regret) from the casually interested for having plopped down their hard earned money for the admission. They wanted fun. The researchers wanted a quality lecture. It was tough for them to find a middle ground between mass appeal and respectability.

As a designer, I understand the need to communicate ideas and “sell product” but as someone intersted in the subject, I agree with you, Loren. It’s a shame that there isn’t a more dignified term.