Hey all,
I'm a ghost hunter myself and I have a lot of respect for the Atlantic Paranormal Society. If you've seen "Ghost Hunters" then you'll know who I'm talking about. I genuinly believe that these guys are honest and have caught some of the most convincing evidence I've ever seen. I think it's their whole method of debunking that makes them so credible. After so many hoaxes making the field a jokee, is TAPS finally giving it some credibility?

Exactly. Thats why Paranormal State sucks so bad. They believe everything is paranormal.

I have one thing to say..BOOO YA!

Hi, I am probably one of the few on here that is not a TAPS fan. I mean, I like the show and watch it every week, because I am fascinated with the paranormal which most of us are. The debunking of a water faucet, or pipes in basement etc is honestly a great way of explaining certain things to the clients. But I feel they go in, not believing and high five each other once they find nothing. When they state "As you know, we listened to your claims, we set up our equipment, and investigated in order to DISPROVE you claims." So what they are saying IMO is, "we didnt believe you, but we investigated anyway." They seem to have personal experiences, very similar to the home owners, but rule that out. I have heard EVP's that Jay shrugs off. One time there was a huge glowing orb that flew past I think Steve, and again Jay said it meant nothing. I was highly disappointed last episode when they went to the house with the 4 year old girl, who knew the spirits names, wouldnt go upstairs to play and couldnt sleep. On the way, Grant already felt it was she wanted to sleep with Mommy. I think they should spend more time, talking to the spirits, asking them to come out, instead of walking around with EMF detectors saying 1.2 2.0 opps back to .02 or whatever. During that time the cold spot could have been a spirit, but they walked right thru it or by it and never got to see or hear it. As far as the little girl, I feel they should have left a DVR in her room, for a day or more, to see what might just be seen. Four year olders dont usually name people who scare them, this little one did. Lastly during every show someone has explain what an EVP is. I actually feel they are giving true Ghost Hunters a bad name. Just because they dont find anything, doesnt mean there isnt something there, and "lets go home." I would want a team with a fully open mind and find what can be explained and what cant. Its almost like they somehow sabotage the investigation before they get there. A spirit doesnt show, when people are checking EMF's and going from room to room, and having personal conversations between them, as opposed to asking the spirit to please give them a sign. So with all that said, I disagree..But that is just my personal opinion..JN

LOL

I love TAPS, can't stand Most Haunted and am sick to the back teeth of it.

What I love about TAPS is that they will walk away if they find nothing and say so, they don't feel they have the fabricate stuff (which Most Haunted definantly does).

Also, some of their evidence has been astounding, some of their EVPs and even apparitions.

I've never seen Paranormal State though, we don't have that over here in the UK.

Did anyone see Dead Famous? I liked that show two, it only ran for two series though.

Don't mistake what you see on TV for how a person or group really is. None of these shows are reality TV regardless of what they want to be seen as. Even when the participants are genuine the production company does a hatchet job with the raw footage.

((((MP)))) Nice to see you again. I agree, none of them depict what respectable PI teams are all about..JN

True. But mostly at the end of the investigations and reveal what they found, or anything for that matter, they usually say just because it didn't happen when it was here, doesn't mean that this place is haunted.

They've never really gone and flat out said to any of the customers "Oh. This place has no activity and we don't believe you whatsoever."

Jason himself said in responce to someone asking if they ever fake anything. Jason said no BUT sci fi only lets you see what sci fi wants you to see. Which leads me to believe everything on that show isnt 100%.

I agree with that, but they rarely find evidence and there has to be a reason for that. Now on GHI its entirely different, every place is haunted. Donna is always touched, Brian who I cannot stand, always sees shadows that no on else sees and Robb is boring, and a bit too straight. Shannon has no personality with a bit of an attitude. Of course they dont call them liars, but they allude to it. I simply dont appreciate their approach, and alot of their investigative time. Its mostly spent using equipment, instead of turning on the equipment and asking nicely to show themselves. Provoking is just plain wrong, and one of these days they will find out just why. Calling a spirit a coward, or likes to pick on children etc is not going to allow a spirit to come forward, because with all that, I do believe they hide. I love good ole ghost hunting, and IMO it works with the right approach and the right people. Lastly I get so tired of the drama between Brian and everyone else, and they discuss it while in a location. I say save it for after the investigation..Thats just my take on it..Thanks..JN

I like GH based on the fact that they don't assume everyplace is haunted and do go in with the approach of "debunking". That's my personality. I do believe, but I always try to find a nonparanormal explanation first, and then when there is none, then I'll be like "ok, this is probably paranormal".

With that being said though, I also think they should give more time to each case. It seems like they go in in the evening, check it out for a few hours, then pack up their stuff and go home. I know there's a time limit on the show and they all have regular jobs, but I think it's hard to go into an unfamiliar place, search around for a bit, and then make a decision. I think alot of cases could have a lot more evidence if they investigated longer.

If thats the case, they should show some investigations that include evidence, in order to keep the public interested..JN

I totally agree with that, the people and energy/relationships within the team have to be excellent for things to work well, high energy encourages activity. I also agree with your point on name-calling and provoking spirits, I felt the repercussions one night after a colleague in our team was calling a spirit names to provoke it, and I was the peace-maker, trying to pacify the spirit. In the end up he got in my car with me and as i drove home he threw screws and things that were lying around the car, I nearly went off the road with things hitting the windscreen... from the inside!

WOW Now that is a classic example of provoking any spirit, or calling it names. Even if it happens to be a grounded human spirit, what right does anyone have to call it names? Thats just wrong!! All it takes is respect, and talking to it, there is no need to provoke or resort to words like coward. I am waiting for the day Brian gets his butt kicked to a huge degree, he's got it coming. Who is HE to say "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to show yourself?" There is no need of that either. I had a PI team out here last April, and they stayed all night. They talked to it, as did I and it was all done with peace and a calming effect. When I asked it questions it actually tapped once for yes, two for no, then made the candle dance. That happened to be a human spirit, NOT the evil one hiding. We all did automatic writing, while sitting in a circle with a candle lit. Every one of us wrote the same exact name, it was pretty cool. As you can see on my avatar one of the mediums had a ball of energy in her hands. They never sent me all my evidence or photos, but thats another story LOL..Im glad you are safe..JN

I have spoken at length with Jason, Grant and others (current and former) TAPS investigators and I do believe them to be sincere and genuine in thier wish to seek the truth and help people.

As I said before, what is actually filmed raw and what the post-production editors string together isn't always the real picture of events.

I love TAPS too and for the reason, they don't think every bump in the night is a ghost. They look for other explainations first, to rule out the explainable. Then the leftover stuff is much more exciting in imo. I can't stand Most Haunted with their "psychics" that give you detailed descriptions of who is there, why and how they died, etc. BS of the highest order. They are what drag these groups down in nonbelievers eyes.

Hey sweetness- Yes I remember you telling me that all too well when it happened! ((glad to see you here)). Be safe. ♥♥

With regards to the OP: Is TAPS bringing credibility back? IMHO- No, not if you have always believed; or NOT believed.

I will only feel it will gain credibilty, when Brian gets his butt kicked..Now THAT would get my attention lol...JN

Remember "The Atlantic Paranormal Society" comes with a diferent approach, a scientific and skeptical approach, and that changes all odds.

Alot of it depends on how much " personal evidence " they decide to use in making their final haunted / Not haunted determination. If there is abosulutely no video or audio evidence, only personal experiences, can they give a client a certain yes or no verdict ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9HPCQZSsLk...feature=related

That is real

I have to admit , I loved that part! Big ,Strong, mans screams like little girl!

I like watching the dvd's of TAPS-Ghost Hunters my sister has sent me.
WhaT I don't like is when they see something and the audience doesn't.I know alot has to do with editing and such by the SCI-FI Channel which makes me mad.

I think provoking any spirit human or otherwise is just stupid. It's disrespectful. I know sometimes when I go visit my parents at the cemetery,I'll sometimes say hello to the people buried next to them. Even walked around a few old cemeteries near here in the country during the daylight only,when out for a drive,and done the same thing.
There is an old church out near Kingsbury,north of Seguin,TX where I have picked wildflowers and walked around the grave yard and told them now pretty the graveyard looks with all the flowers growing.Know it sounds crazy,but i don't think they mind much.

They are right to debunk some stuff,but you can't always explain away feelings.It just might be they need to comeback to some places and do a re-investigation,if they don't catch anything the first trip.

LOL I remember that, and its hilarious..Thanks..JN

in one word"NOPE".

I like the show... But I don't know if I really believe it 100% or not. Let's face it - the temptation to do something spectacular must be very great. Add to that the fact that the debunking that goes on sometimes feels a bit to easy and I have my doubts.

That's not to say that it is a complete fake - it's just that it needs to be taken with a pinch of salt...

True, but the unedited version is rather boring and I think we both can agree that the TAPS production crew does not add any fake ghost footage. I have seen at least 15 episodes where they found no evidence at all.

You can see raw footage of them on youtube, behind the scenes stuff and directors cuts. They joke around a lot which is something you hardly see on the show, and their personalties aren't as polished. They are good people though even when unedited.

TAPS has done more for paranormal investigators than any other group. Ghost Hunting is becoming mainstream thanks largely to them. 5 years ago when I would tell people I hunt ghosts, they would look at me funny. Now the most common reaction is "oh, kinda like that TAPS show?".

Hi CP!! From all the folks I speak to in real life, some watch it and some dont. My DIL likes that kind of thing, but she gets bored and asked "why are they televised if they never find one piece of evidence, yet the family is going thru a nightmare?" Its out right boring IMO. I watched PRS last evening and I found it to be interesting, and they spent 3 days at the location. They also debunked every claim, and really found nothin but possibly a lady who is grounded there, NO negative entities. They struggled on exactly what to tell the owner, but ultimately they didnt believe there are much there, but that lady did, but she made herself feel better, so they didnt have to lie to her, or validate her experience. IMO that is more humane, honest and fun to watch..I know I am the only one who even likes the show lol, but I would rather watch it than TAPS, at least I dont doze off lol.JN

TAPS is by far the most professional paranormal investigation team I've ever seen, on TV or elsewhere. They have the attitude that every aspiring ghost hunter should have. Even the episodes where they don't find anything have their interesting points. They walk into every investigation as a skeptic, but keep a very open mind the entire time. Most of their good evidence is 100% solid. To answer the question, YES. TAPS is absolutely bringing credibility back into this field. Shows like Paranormal State and Most Haunted are impossible to take seriously because of how amateurish their shows come off, reguardless of how long they've been in the field. Paranormal State is so acted-out and cheesy that it's laughable.

Did anyone see PRS this week? The "Knickerbocker" (sp?) case?

IMO that was very realistic in terms of how the client (Peg) behaved.

I did watch it MP, she was whacko..Even Ryan made faces LOL..I was watching her say "do you hear me, do you hear me?" Ryan said "yah I hear ya" LOL..It was good, and they were totally honest with her, for whatever thats worth, she didnt believe anything except whats in her mind. Have you been there MP??

TAPS is by far the best paranormal investigation crew out there. They bring credibility to because they go in as skeptics. Yes they say they want to DISPROVE and that is the smart thing to do. If you can't disprove it then there must be something going on. They aren't calling people liars JN they are actually trying to help them as best as they can. They go in trying to disprove everything in hopes to either put the client at ease or give some volume to the client so they know they aren't crazy because TAPS found something or they couldn't disprove something.

I see what you are saying JN with the 4 year old but they went in there with the right mindset and found a liable solution. Also KNOW this for a 100% fact, if things ended up picking up in that house and that little girl was in danger it would only take a phone call for TAPS to be back there to help. They believe in the paranormal, but they also believe in misconceptions. The best way to investigate something paranormal is to first investigate the normal, what you know. What is logical, if nothing comes up well then it can be paranormal and if a piece of evidence is caught while not being able to disprove it, it solidifies the clients claim. Which is what the client wants. They are model paranormal investigators and no one can honestly deny it.

P.S. Paranormal State....sorry I just threw up in my mouth a bit.

Boo ya.

LOL I wuv you Eric..BOO YA!!

LOL Thanks for the visual. I happen to like PRS..I disagree Dear with TAPS..I honestly with all my heart dont think they are model investigators or plumbers lol..Thing is, they didnt find a solution with the 4 year old little girl. I do not believe they are the epitomy of Ghost Hunters, I think they are so busy debunking, and talking, and arguing and using their stupid EMT detector, they miss what is really going on in a home. I have yet to see a show, watched its entirety and after said "WOW good show." The only one that impressed me was when they saw a black shadow coming up the stairs. However that was supposed to be a woman who died of Cancer and her daughter lived in the house with the woman's sister. Human spirits rarely scare and scratch loved ones left behind, nor do they haunt them continually. I think the video was great, but it wasnt that woman IMO..I would love to know what happens after they leave and things get worse, or dangerous? Sorry Hun, I can honestly deny that..((HUGS)) JN

I actually think Taps are bringing some credibilty back . and it was much needed after the whole "most haunted, Derk Achora farce" here in the UK especially . I really like the way they investigate and if i had to choose out of all other groups i've seen on tv which would be welcome to investigate my home . They would be the top of my list .Simply because I want someone who is going to be honest with me . not someone to tell me what they think I want to hear . I would just be looking for the truth as they find it .nothing more nothing less .

I actually thought they did a good job with the little girl . they found high EMf on the basement which could be affecting her and anyone else who occupies the living area above . they showed how easy the door is manipulated by slight breeze/touch . They also figured out how the surroundings in her bedroom were being incorporated into the imaginings of the girl regarding the butterfly on the dress . . and i also liked how they advised the mother to deal with her by not allowing her into her bed anymore and try to get her back into her own room . Anyone who has kids knows how cunning and clever they are . and if they think they can play you with a sob story and get in your bed they will . It could very well have been just that. Then again it could be more and taps left the door open for that too with the offer of always being on hand if needed . pretty much job well done i thought

~lycos

Agreed

I have said it before on numerous threads about this topic (T.A.P.S) that i enjoy the show and never miss one, its not fair to put taps up with paranormal state because they are different by far. My only tiff with TAPS is that i wish they would spend as much time at there investigations as Paranormal State does...

PS: Paranormal State is just a bit boring because they leave to commercial right after something happens or a sound is heard or something is seen...

LOL They are two entirely different kind of shows. I mean they both are ghost hunters, but each have different approach. Its just when I watch a show about the paranormal I like see SOMETHING..I agree PS stays 3-4 days sometimes investigating and researching. Obviously Jay and Grant cant do that due to the fact they work as plumbers and have families, so then they went with GHI..That didnt impress me either, and I would love to smack Brian side the head LOL...JN

I think we all want to smack Brian upside the head. Pretty sure that's why he got sent to GHI, I think Jason and Grant got fed up with him! rofl He's funny as heck though.

LOL He is by far, the most annoying person on this Earth and he should stay overseas, all by himsef LOL..His voice makes me cringe and my son gets up and walks away, and says "I cannot take this moron." ..JN

Why is he considered a moron?

EDIT: Double post.

I have no qualms with Brian. He used to be kind of a douche, but during last season, everything seemed fine between him, Jay, and Grant. The only reason he took a break from the show is because of his baby. But that makes me wonder why he up an left for Europe for GHI... But he's a good investigator, no doubt. GHI didn't impress me much, either, though. Barry and Brian would see shadows in almost every episode that, of course, we didn't get to see. And they only ever came up with audio evidence, albeit usually pretty good audio evidence. The show was just really repetitive. Old castles are cool and all, but they get old pretty fast, since that's virtually all that's over there, haha.

TAPS does tend to leave out a lot of the interactions they have with the client. I didn't watch PRS, how would you describe the clients reaction?

I don't mind watching TAPS, but I have to say a resounding NO when it comes to the fact that they lend credibility to the field.

Granted, I think they have found some creepy stuff, but that still proves nothing. Are we any closer to proving ghosts exist than we were before TAPS aired?


And they do debunk more than the confirm, but really, isn't that in the best interest of building the show? If they find ghosts at every turn (like that goofy UFO Hunter guy finds 'extraterrestrial evidence at every turn) then the show will lack crediblity.

To be honest, I don't think they are critical enough.

I agree CP..As far as the client on PS, she was ummm hyper, manic, and hell bent on what she "Knows" and what she sees. She had a personality that most found quite annoying, and odd to put it mildly. She felt there was a dark entity there, but no one else did, and they brought in CJ, who is a fantastic medium. All they could really find was a woman who is grounded there, and wears a white gown. But the client felt that the dark entity pushed people down the stairs, and scares everyone etc. They debunked the stair issue and never heard anything dark. CJ had told her to just cast out the dark entity, tell it to leave. As she did (which we didnt see) the lights went out. Well, once they researched it, the lights always went out lol..She felt that her words caused the blackout and that it was her sign it was gone. Ryan struggled as to what to tell her, the truth, or that she was right. So he told her that if SHE felt it worked and was a sign, and that made her feel better, then its ok. Then she looked up at him and said "Are you hearing me, are you hearing me?" He said "umm ya I hear ya." LOL..She hugged him and then they left..She was totally strange no 2 ways about it. She was not playing with a full deck LOL..JN

I have run into a few "lonely" people who get you to investigate their home because they want attention. People like that usually exaggerate and you end up with no evidence (usually morbidly obese women for whatever reason..lol).

On a related note I have noticed that my bedroom has started to get cold when I watch TAPS recently. The first few times it happened I didn't really think anything of it because I had a window open a little. It happened tonight right as TAPS was asking a ghost to drop the temperature in the room they were investigating. When they asked that, all of the sudden my bedroom dropped down to 57 degrees. My furnace works perfectly, and this time my windows were shut and the temperature in the rest of the house was 71f. I said out loud "a little colder please" and grabbed my thermometer. It went down to 53 and the hair on my arms and neck started to stand on end...hehe

My house isn't haunted other than the occasional straggler that follows me home from a investigation, and they usually leave after a few days. It appears something unseen likes watching TAPS with me though, and keeps coming back for more. It only happens when I watch the show.

LOL Actually the lady on PS was not obese and had a family, and a lovely place. She was just a whacko. Her family discussed a few things but only like feeling like someone was behind them going downstairs, but Ryan debunked that, but not sure he dared to tell her..She is the sort of neurotic PITA..Thats weird about your temp dropping during TAPS but I assume because those guys are demanding things, the spirit you have, follows their commands, thats pretty funny. I have had that happen during shows on "A Haunting" if they perform an exorcism or my demonologist is on there and speaks, I get FREEZING..Something doesnt like him. Its funny how spirits react to things they hear, and they probably have no idea who is asking it. You certainly got more evidence than TAPS LOL..ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ..Do you watch PS or A Haunting? If not, try it and see how the temp changes, its freaky....JN