In the news.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100906377

Story on fortunetelling as a good business these days, from US National Public Radio. She charges almost $5/minute!

I think when people are unsettled, as in a recession, they are more inclined to seek reassurance. When things are going well, they're not interested in what the cards (or tea leaves) will say.

I think her $4.99 a minute is for her Keen Readings. I live about 45 minutes from her and for the most part, the market in this area, is still around $20 for 15 minutes for live readings. You can charge more on Keen or Kasamaba...but those companies also take close to 50%.

I've seen Google news items over the past several months saying the same thing.

What I found annoying were some of the comments on the story that were posted... calling readers cons and frauds. I guess part of the problem is the word "fortune teller" which conjures up images of gypsies and such. I am always disappointed when the media chooses to use this term rather than others... it attracts attention.

Sheri