I am asked many times to speak or write something about what I do as far as the paranormal and have always found myself declining. My reasons for the most part have been because my ideas and methods don’t seem to fit in with the main stream and people in this field seem to have thin skins for the most part and get offended when people don’t agree with what they have learned. People also tend to forget that when you follow someone blindly, you are limited to that persons way of thinking. Blind Faith should be reserved for religion. I always keep in mind this quote when I feel stagnated.
Any intelligent person can make things bigger and more complex... It takes a touch of genius --- and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction. Einstein
Also remembering a theory called "Occam's razor". In a nutshell it says: The simpler version, will explain it to more people. Always remember, simpler is better... So, I try not to over complicate things with gadgets or theory. Do you remember the KISS method? (keep it simple stupid) Well I changed the last word to Sherlock since people want to be investigators.
It also seems that most everyone these days, that has either read the books, watched the TV shows or both, has started a group of their own. Now on the surface a lot of people see this as nothing more than people parroting what they have learned from what they have seen. This is fine if they are approaching it as a hobby or social event to have fun. However, everywhere you look people are getting away from the term Ghost Hunter and labeling themselves as Paranormal Investigators, researchers or dare I say… Parapsychologists, which I have explained earlier.
I guess this is to be expected as they do have a more professional ring to them. However, like with anything, if you don’t or can’t live up to your label, it can backfire on you and will undermine or destroy your credibility. Like calling yourself a Parapsychologist without a degree in Psychology. Sure you may impress the novice but what happens when the people with Psychology degrees question your background? I could call myself Dr. but I can assure you, one day it will come back to bite me you know where as it has with others recently.
So, I have classified those in the Paranormal field into 4 major categories for my own personal reasons. Just what I label people, you may call yourself what you like.
1. Ghost Hunter – A person or persons who, for reasons of curiosity of the existence of spirits, pursues proof of the possibility by random means. i.e. Taking random photos, recordings, etc., in the hope of obtaining an anomaly by accident anywhere they go. Mostly in abandoned buildings, cemeteries, and popular places frequented by persons with the same curiosity.
2. Paranormal Examiner – Pretty much the same description as a Ghost Hunter with the exception of having a serious interest in all things paranormal. (UFO’s, Crypto zoology, Ghosts, etc.) Many of whom will document their findings in case there is something found to investigate.
3. Paranormal Investigator – Here is where a big gap in procedure occurs. Paranormal Investigators follow a set procedure and guidelines and who set standards for themselves. This involves a lot of interviews, paperwork, and follow up all of which is physically recorded in a case file. They do not investigate for one evening or night by taking photos in the dark hoping to catch something. Investigations take a long time and do not stop with the obtaining of an EVP or questionable photo. Those are not necessarily evidence anyway but clues to be followed up on. The investigator will evaluate what others do before investing time for a formal investigation.
4. Paranormal Researcher – The simple definition being : The search for knowledge or in general, any systematic investigation to establish FACTS. A Paranormal Researcher researches everything, not just ghosts! They interview people, research all the gadgets, people, etc., out there past & present.
Now this is one label that a lot of people use because people think it really makes them look like they know what they are doing. However, in truth, Einstein had it correct when he said; If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?
I will admit that I took Einstein’s quote into account when naming my group as a Paranormal Research Organization. I find no shame in being truthful and will be the first to admit that we do not know what is happening on the other side or if there even is another side. I also have begun refraining from using the word “investigation” in exchange for the term “Examination”. There is a lot of wasted time investigating nothing, so now we examine until we find something and is why we mostly investigate documented paranormal activity.
However, I do call myself a Paranormal Investigator. Not because I investigate reports of paranormal activity but because I have years experience as a detective and formal education in Criminal investigations. This has given me a certain discipline in being able to set up and perform investigations that I have adapted to the paranormal.
With all that said, I would like to share some of my ideologies, methods of investigation and beliefs of how I think things really are in the paranormal world based on many years of Paranormal Study & Research. Now, take what I say with a grain of salt as anything I may say is meant as what I have found or believe and not to be confused as saying that anyone else is wrong in whatever they may believe or that what I say is fact. If it IS FACT I will make that clear.
Ghost Hunting is just what it says and the key word is hunting. Just going somewhere and waiting for something to happen. Just like any hunter. You look for a place that might harbor your quarry and then go look for it. It is very simple and anyone can do it but it is NOT investigating.
Paranormal Investigations IS an exact science if you (as you should) follow investigative procedure. There are procedures, methods and protocols to be followed to do it right not unlike investigating anything. Everyone who labels themselves as such should all be following the same procedures if their work is to ever be accepted by the masses and taken as serious to show proof of their efforts. The problem herein is that most people don’t want to share nor do they want to follow rules.
So, next blog, I will go through an investigation step by step but not too detailed. No this is not a 101 class. lol Just to give people an idea of what is done in an investigation and why I feel it is important for everyone to follow the same methods. It’s not that hard and many already do it. Just for those who are interested.
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