ive always used paper towels on a dish in a warmish dark cupboard.
about 5 layers on bottom, and covered with a lid of 5 layers.

it works so consistantly well for me that ive never needed to consider any other method.

as long as is kept damp, ( it can catch you un-awares f you dont keep an eye on it and dry out) wet to the touch, but not wet enough for any dribbles to run off if you turn the dish on its side.

when they sprout, i put them the light, in soil, root down, but barely covering the top of the seed...somtimes the seed top visible in the soil.
ive yet to kill a seedling thats germinated...come close a few times but they are strong little buggers!