The concept of hidden observer is one of the most controversial issues in hypnosis research. Green, Page, Handley and Rasekhy (this issue) approach it by using an ideomotor task which has not previously been used in association with the hidden observer. We regard their experiment as interesting; however, there are conceptual and methodological problems that hamper the impact of their study. In our commentary, we take the opportunity to point out some problems in their paper as well as to stress the importance to integrate concepts used in hypnosis research to mainstream cognitive neuroscience and consciousness research. Copyright © 2005 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.