Current State of Paranormal Research?
I have been in the field of paranormal research a little over ten years now. I have seen people come and go. I have seen ideas, theories and testing come and go. I have also seen the image of paranormal research simply go.
Starting out in the field it was a very small community. The internet was growing quickly. I recall the moment I was able to get rid of my dial up and got “high speed” internet service. As people were able to upgrade computer and connections researchers started building websites that showcased their work, theories and ideas. Back then, teams were not selling anything and honestly, it was taboo to even mention selling anything on a website. There were teams that tried to sell t-shirts and they would be shunned, mainly because this field was for research, not making a buck. There were teams back then, but there were no titles or an “image” to be found. Honestly, it was a community of people, coming together asking questions and allowing their evidence to get reviewed. The term “debunk” was in it’s infant stage, today, it’s a common word that even elementary school children use. Back in the day, if someone posted something for review, they actually wanted it to be explained away, before they made a fool out of themselves by posting it on the internet. Yes, you read that right. Researchers then actually cared what their peers thought of potential evidence. Today, not so much. In fact, it’s the opposite. Boy oh boy, do I miss those days of paranormal research.
Today, searching the net for a paranormal research team can be a daunting task. Not many are actually “paranormal researchers”, they have adopted the title of “Ghost Hunter” and the majority of them claim to be some kind of expert or leader of some sort. As people may need help with their unusual problems, I can only imagine the stress they deal with as they pick a team to come and investigate their homes and private properties. What they have to filter through is a lot of fluff, advertisements and narcissistic claims made by the team. They have to filter through team bio’s complete with semi-professional team “photos” and of course the drawn out history of why each member is involved with the paranormal. None of those things are important, but it seems to be the new thing as team are selling their image, not their skills.
I won’t get into the reasoning as to why I think Paranormal based TV shows are literally killing the field of parapsychology, as most of you are already aware of where I stand on that issue. But the lack of information, testing, ideas and theories have seemed to be neglected. To me, and many veteran researchers it takes more than a “cool image” to make a team reputable and rational, otherwise just good researchers. The word research has been replaced with “hunt”. Do people really want teams of people in matching t-shirts to come to their personal property and “hunt” for things that go bump in the night? Or, am I so crazy to think that these people actually want some answers, explanations and rational reasoning behind their unexplainable moments. The general public that watches these TV shows are entirely educated as today’s ghost hunter. They do not need any additional knowledge outside of what they have seen on TV. Why? Today’s ghost hunters are just mimicking what they see on TV, they do not have any upper hands or extended knowledge of paranormal research. Not to mention, the mass majority of teams today will enter these properties already assuming the place is haunted. Wishful thinking, from a hunter. Not a rational view from a researcher.
Back in the day, it was word of mouth as to how investigations were researched. As more households jumped on the world wide web finding help became easier for people. They could just send photos and explain unnatural occurrences via email. Today, there are thousands upon thousands of “ghost hunters” claiming to be paranormal researchers on the internet. Very few have any information posted for public view. Most of these teams treat their personal websites as some sort of infomercial as they try their hardest to get a potential clients attention. They boast and brag about going to haunted locations as seen on TV, as if that makes them bolder, braver and more experienced than the next team. These teams proudly sell items from t-shirts to bobble head dolls, all to which are to help them pay for their “expenses”.
Expenses in the field are limited and the general public should never donate or pay a dime for services. EVER.
What are these teams using the money on? There are several things they use the money on. Here are a few…
Toys- Somewhere people have confused technology with science. In reality, a team can base a very nice and scientific based investigation with nothing more than a pen, paper, flashlight and some sort of recording device, audio or video. Meters, thermal imaging and laser pointing temperature gauges are used to make a team appear to be scientific, in fact it’s just a bunch of people playing with overpriced electronic gadgets that make them look as if they are important. Technology and gadgets are not scientific. These people have not been properly trained on the thermal imaging camera they purchased used on Ebay. Does the item work properly is a whole other question. Nobody should ever donate money for teams to get toys for ghost hunting. If you are that free with your money, I am sure there are deer hunters, scuba divers and even treasure hunters that could use a nice donation. Besides, what they are hunting for has already been proven to be real… ghosts have not according to science. The real scientific world does not approve of the tools they use. Figure that one out. If a team needs to earn money for their “Paranormal Princess Lifestyle”.. they should raise it themselves with public events. But, remember public events are for fun and entertainment, just roll with it.
Travel- paranormal research is not a paid profession. A person can make some money, but it’s not a lot. If a team of fifteen people want to go to a place they seen on TV and pay hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars to have the place for a night, why would you pay for their vacation? Most researchers pay out of pocket for any travel destinations, especially if it is one that the team is just going to go have a good time at. How I can prove they are there on a paranormal hiatus is this way. Visit their site. See how they market that they are going. Check back and see if they actually did any “research” at the location. Chances are, they will have photos of dust bunnies, maybe some purported EVP’s they collected while they took the guided tour with about twenty other people. If a team does not have gas money to arrive to your location, please dis-invite them. The only thing a team should ever ask for is maybe use of the restroom and a glass of water.
Webspace- It is not the general public’s problem nor should they give a damn about paying for some ghost hunting teams website. If the team eliminated the bells and whistles, they could manage, operate and maintain a website for less than $100 a year. The team members should pay for this, not the general public. They will not go away if their site goes down. They will be forced to simplify and by the grace of God use the space to showcase what they do as researchers, not rock stars. Not to mention the free resources available on the internet, such as youtube and blogs.
Their Time- Ghost hunting is a hobby. NOT a career. Teams that charge for their time are nothing more than scam artists. They should be reported to the police and any other authority that will listen. It is a scam, I repeat. A SCAM. Their time is valuable, to them and nobody else in this field. They should have a day job or other means of income, there is no local experts worthy of collecting money for their services involving any type of ghost hunt or investigation. I can not stress this enough. If a team asks you for money, please let someone know so they can be turned in. If they ask for money to “Clear/rid your property of ghosts” please notify any other team in your area asap to get second opinion, even a third. do not pay anything until you have spoken with other teams in your area about the situation.
*** I can not stress enough that ghost hunting/paranormal investigations is not a paid service. Please report anyone to the authorities or heck, let me know. Just let people know. There are so many scam artists claiming to be ghost hunters these days. People need to be aware.
I’m not going to say that my way is the right way. There are good teams out there. There are good investigators out there, not all of them have commercials on the internet to help them look more official. Google the team leaders names and see if they are actually linked up with any type of paranormal research or if they just popped up in the past year and are all of a sudden claiming to be an experienced researcher.
I did a quick search on Youtube and found a great example of how teams are advertising their services. If you know me and this is your team, I do apologize in advance. But, I am not afraid to say that this is a very tacky and non impressive way to make you and your team look professional. What are you selling? The video is more scary and eerie than the unexplainable events taking place in peoples houses.
Here is the video advertisement for this particular team.
If people were not spooked before, I’m sure they are thinking they have some kind of demonic boogie man in their basement after watching this video. Marketing on peoples fears is the thing with today’s teams, nothing more. They will scare you to have a place to play. They will scare you so they can make a buck off of you. They will scare you and make you believe, what they want you to believe.
Paranormal research is not, nor should it ever be about marketing, commercialism and enterprise.
Agents, head shots and biographies- As you search the internet. See who has an agent, management service, head shots, biography that is similar to an actors. Are these people really doing research or are they just trying to make a name for themselves to be some type of celebrity?
That is the current state of the paranormal field to date. It’s no longer about research to most, it’s about recognition, competition and to see who can get on TV and make “big bucks” so they can live their dreams of overreacting on TV in spooky situations. If you are in need of a reputable paranormal research to help you make sense of the paranormal claims at your property please be careful as to who you have into your property. Ask for references from businesses that have not made money from the teams presence at the location. Google the leaders name, see how much they are really respected in the field. What they have written, research and who even knows who the heck they are. If you, the reader ever need a list of educated paranormal researchers to contact for referrals, contact me I can get you in touch with those that have earned a name for themselves with their research efforts and progress they have made in the field of parapsychology.
I am looking forward to your feedback.
Sincerely,
TonyaH
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Comments
Great article Tonya! I have enjoyed your posts for years. Even though I disagree on some of your views, I think it’s great that you aren’t afraid to be opinionated regarding your thoughts on some of these paranormal groups.
While we all had to start somewhere, it is scary to think of what some of these groups are telling frightened homeowners. To capture a photo of dust and proceed to give an unreasonable explanation of occurring events is outrageous, not to mention claimed ‘expert demonologists’.
I agree that when a ‘client’ is seeking a reputable or trustworthy team, it can be daunting. However, they have also indicated to us that they do read the bios to try and at least become somewhat familiar with the strangers entering their home for the night.
I know you have also mentioned your dislike for matching shirts. Personally, I think this goes along the line of a uniform and presenting yourself in a professional manner to the homeowner. business owner. Personally, I would rather see my mechanic, pest control, doctor, painter, etc. in some form of uniform then show up in the latest fashion. Since t-shirts are a bit too casual, our plans are to soon upgrade to polo style shirts since they can be worn by both male and female, making it easier to order in bulk.
While all of our investigations our free, we will continue to accept donations. We have had ‘clients’ (especially ongoing cases) feel obligated to give us something for our service,usually due the distance they are aware we have driven. We are very careful to explain to them that by simply letting us investigate their home or business, that they are actually assisting us as well.
* comment removed out of courtesy
I removed my comment because the issue was resolved with the team I had listed. It is very clear that many rumors float around about me, most of which are blatant lies. Please be aware that if you are going to attempt to bash me that you have your facts straight.
I respect a good debate.
I am in complete agreement with you Tonya. I got into the field over 10 years ago trying to research a personal experience I had. It led me into helping others which was therapeutic.
Through the years, I have had the opportunity to work with media and I have very few positive experiences. I have seen the change in the community and it has really made me cast a cynical eye on things. There are now too many glory hounds and media prostitutes that are in search of a big payday.
Tom, you are on that 10 year mark… you seen a whole different world in the field of parapsychology. Back then, we didn’t have to contact a persons “agent” to have them take a look at a piece of evidence, they did it, because that’s what they did. Ahhh, the good’ol days.
I do apologize for saying the things I did. I got caught up in my emotions. One thing I’ve always told myself is that I know an article or book is written well when I start showing some kind of emotion after reading it. I really do like reading some of your articles, but one portion in this article really insulted me. I just don’t see why its fair that you can call out a team. I do agree that those types of “Commercials” are bad for this field, but I did not see the point in having to post that specific teams video. Again I do apologize for the things I’ve said and I hope that our differences can resolve itself.
Mark
I didn’t call out the team. I just found the video and it was a perfect example of the point of my blog. I wrote most of the blog before the video was found. I did apologize in advance if me posting the example was offensive. But then again, they have it posted on the world wide web, for the whole world to see. They can’t expect everyone in the world to think their video is a grand idea. That would be arrogant.
I can find other videos if you would like. There are many of them.
Matt…Mark…El Idiota…whatever the hell your name is. How are teams going to learn they are doing wrong and bringing the field down if we don’t point it out? If we continue to candy coat things and play with kid gloves nothing will happen. People will continue to go through life oblivious to what is going on. Now if we call them out and pin them up against the ropes and show them what’s going on….that’s when things get accomplished. People talk about “paranormal unity” and things of that nature, but people seem to forget that there is such a thing as holding people accountable for their actions and how it makes the rest of us look, and that is all Tonya is doing in her blog, and I compliment her on it.
Sounds like Tonya has some insecurities. She has to go find dirt on other people to make herself look good. Very mature. What does Marks bio have to do with paranormal research? Sounds to me like you have nothing better to do than to talk trash about people who are trying to challenge you. Keep the argument about paranormal research not about somebodies bio and history. Seriously, you could come up with a better argument than that, can’t you? Or is it that maybe Mark is right and you couldn’t come up with a better argument. Think about what you type. You don’t make sense!
Stephanie. Seriously? Did you not read the entire blog? Can you not grasp simple concepts? Do I need to pull out the white board and dry erase markers and draw you a friggin’ picture? What this is all about is holding groups accountable in the field. Read the blog again and actually think about it this time.
Dear Stephanie…
I would debate Mark anytime he would like. In fact, I can get air time and we can go live on the air.
Would Mark, or you be interested in that? I can make it happen.
I am like this in person. I don’t have keyboard courage.
I welcome any challenge that is put before me.
Oh please do go live right now Tonya. It has been to long since you verbally a** r**ed a moron. I need my fix again.
Stephanie is my sister. I’m not trying to fool anyone. I apologized so can we please just drop this.
Tonya, these crazy comments are fine example of the exact point you were trying to prove. There is no working together because everyone wants to be defensive and not find the criticisms given as constructive. Kudos to you for bringing it to the forefront, AGAIN, and showing people exactly what you are talking about.
HI Tonya! Thanks for including me on your list. Great article! As you know, I am not a paranormal investigator, as I am interested in finding out history or helping with crimes, however I have been asked to help various teams over the years. Fortunately, the teams I have worked with have been reputable and respectful. However, I am asked repeatedly to come in to homes to clean up the paranormal mess which escalated out of control when some non-reputable “paranormal investigators” have come to explore. I’ve seen doors opened to places you would never send an invitation, all without any realization from the team doing it. This is my greatest concern because the typical person with a haunting can’t evaluate a team if they have no knowledge of the paranormal.
Hope you guys are doing well and I hope to see you soon!
Lainey
I could not agree more with your article. I long for the days when researchers were researchers and not media hounds and commercial entrepreneurs. With 32 years in this field, I am sick of the circus that the field has become. I am not now ,nor have I ever been a “ghost hunter”, I have always helped people with hostile haunts which has been my focus. I hate the ghost hunting craze, I find it to be shallow, sacrilegious, and an arena for self proclaimed experts, seeking media attention and their 15 minutes of fame. I have turned down two Tv shows because I refuse to join the dog and pony show, that has no resemblance to what really goes on in the field. Thanks for this article. I would love to post a link to it at my website, please let me know if I can. Visit my site, and let me know I hope more people read this and wise up about what is going on with the current Ghost hunting craze. thanks Laurie
This is great stuff! This is exactly why I’ve given up on even looking for real information on the paranormal. I have to wade through too much crap that anyone in grade school could debunk. not to mention out right hoaxes. I would Love to see some real research but there is just too much crap out there to even navigate through.
If you do have some links to real researchers I would love to see them.
So why is it “catty” and dramatic? Just because some folks do not like to stereotyped or clustered together does not make it not true. If they don’t like it, they probably shouldn’t do it. Also, if they get angry when someone offers a different perspective, why is it not possible that they are guilty?
Never should a paranormal researcher have an “agent” without a book or real talent.
why don’t you guys ever talk about anything else but your own social problems? this blog could be used to discuss all manners of topics, but it’s the same B&M. you are squandering an opportunity to discuss in an open forum topics that are the foundation of human distinctiveness and you complain about drama in the Ghosthunters world. please, for the love of God move on or hand this blog over to someone who actually cares about the sincere, comprehensive and authentic study of the paranormal (not an eternal cat fight).
(ps: your last post was in May, and your goofy “skeptic” counterpart was Aug. 22. I happen to like the Ghost Divas, but what an irresponsible waste of a media outlet!)
Hey William… if anyone in the state of Oklahoma was conducting any actual research, I would have more to blog about.
There are just a couple teams in this state (including my own) that are doing research. I will not use this outlet to showboat my research projects or talk about locations I am working in so the “trolls” can call them and harass them, spread lies and convince them that “research” is not as fun as “As seen on TV” types of investigations.
Please point me in the right direction of teams that are conducting research projects, I will be happy to blog about them.
My name is Laurie Champion and I have been a hostile haunts resolutionist for 32 years. I could not agree more, with everything you have said here in this post. The only paranormal field I see these days is the commercial one. I have done a lot of research and spend all of my time in the field. I have turned down 2 TV shows, as I want no part of the circus. I wish more people were as aware as you are of the current, sad state of what has become the “paranormal field.” What we are seeing these days are paranormal celebrities not real paranormal researchers. There are some people that will be upset by your post, but you are making a very valid statement here and I applaud you for the courage to tell it like it is. Laurie
This is a wonderful article and spot-on! Thanks for putting forth such commonsense. Too many ghost hunters and paranormal investigators are hacks and are simply imitating what they see on television. I’ve encountered several groups that even unintentionally–and intentionally–manufacture evidence due to their inexperience with equipment and “want of belief” in ghosts.
I would like to take the opportunity to encourage everyone to help me pay for my hobby and immediately donate money to my Paypal account. HAH! What a farce.
Being a hater and calling it like it is are two different things. I firmly believe that people should be held accountable for their statements. I found way too many times that the groups of people that are most likely to make misleading assumptions, mistakes in identifying potential paranormal phenomena, and promote themselves as paranormal experts are the least likely to engage in a open and honest dialogue about the subject.
Thanks again for a wonderful article. You are A1 in my book.
Bobby Elgee; Sights Unseen Paranormal
I remember those days and miss them greatly. I remember when paranormal groups had actual websites and not “fan pages”. Paranormal teams today are the equivalent of garage bands, very bad garage bands. I remember spending countless hours, looking at one group’s “evidence” then heading to the “LINK” section and finding another group’s evidence to check out. Every group had a link section and banner exchange. Even if they hadn’t worked together, the paranormal field was unified to some degree in that way. There was a lot less bickering and competition. The people in the field back then seemed much more genuine. It’s a pity what it has turned into. . .