"...It calls itself the First Evil and I have no way of verifying the truth or falsehood of that claim," he says. "It's known to have approximately the set of abilities I described to you: it is completely insubstantial and can mimic the voice and form of any dead person, but its impersonations are often flawed. Mr Mayer - he is well-informed about these matters - tells me that the best defense he's heard of is ignoring it until it goes away. Easier said."