Matt Haas

Reality vs paranormal

June 14, 2008 |  0 comments
Image Credit: Image After Are you a Ghost Hunter? Do you run your own Paranormal Research Group? Then you know what it takes to become a good Paranormal Investigator. Although, there are people out there who think it’s just about taking a photograph and pure luck at catching something in a picture. If you think that's all it takes, think again.I know I speak on behalf of a lot of other P.I.'s out there in that me and a bunch of you have a ton of passion for this field. I've been in this field for 11 years. I've seen a lot happen. I've dealt with a lot. I have worked with all kinds of people in our field as well as many kinds of clients. I have learned from my mistakes. Every day in the Paranormal Field, everyone is still learning something new.

I don't care if you are a skeptic or a believer. We all know there is something out there that you cannot explain. Our greatest ancestors have been studying the unexplained for hundreds of years. That includes such great scientists as Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton and the list goes on. So there have been P.I.'s since the dawn of time. Still to this day we cannot claim to be an expert. However, the one thing that will always remain and never change is the reality of our field; dealing with expenses, travelling, hotels, clients, as well as competing with other Paranormal Groups that might be in your region.

Are things going to get better or worse? That is the question. Gas prices are sky rocketing. 95% of groups in our field are a non profit organization. We do not make money doing this. Money comes out of our hard earned income. Some of us work two jobs, maybe even three. Clients have to realize that there's a lot involved. Not just clients, but scientists and skeptics who do not believe. We work damn hard to get where we are. There's a lot to deal with and much responsibility. It’s no walk in the park by any means.

Let's start with equipment. An EMF detector can range from $40 to $90 if you are buying an analogue or digital. A hand held video camera with decent night shot ( Night Vision ) can cost anywhere from $300 to $500. If you are lucky you might find an old Hi-8 Video Camera on EBay for around $80.

A small DVR System costs around a few thousand dollars. You might find a good deal and get it for $400 to $900.

The cheapest equipment is your audio. Audio can range from $40 to $150.

Any other devices can run anywhere from $40 to $100.Then you have to consider travelling expenses. The way gas prices are soaring that can easily run you between $40 and $60 a week. You'll have to book a hotel. Luckily you can find good hotel deals because there are a lot of different hotels. You are looking at $80 a night to $100 a night. If you are travelling out of state, don't forget about those tolls!

Now let's talk about responsibility.

Before you take on a client, be sure to have written permission by the owner or proper authorities to that location or establishment. If they wish to remain anonymous, please respect their wishes. Cover yourself by giving your team members a confidentiality agreement form to sign and understand. You might want to consider writing a liability waiver for both parties if you do not carry insurance. Cover your own butt and protect your clients’ interests. Most of all respect them as people and respect the environment you will be investigating.

It’s fun to Ghost Hunt, but keep in mind that customers or clients, ( whatever you prefer to call them ) are relying on you. As a P.I. you are responsible for diagnosing the problem, whether there’s a natural reason behind their claims or ghostly activity. You’re there to solve that mystery. You cannot guarantee your clients removal of a ghost permanently; nobody knows how to get rid of them.

Before you investigate, people outside the field must realize what it takes to organize an investigation. Team leaders have to contact their investigators, have meetings and prepare for the case. It can be simple for some groups if your group is small, but if you have a large group to maintain it can get complicated. You have to know who is doing what. Interview your clients or perhaps their neighbours if they can help validate your clients’ claims. Be professional at all times whether your client is right or wrong.

It is extremely important to diagnose the case correctly. Paranormal Activity can play a big factor with psychology. It can really screw with your mind even if it’s not paranormal. There are health risks depending on what is going on. This is why it is best to debunk or disprove. Make sure there isn't anything causing medical harm or health risks. Safety should be the number one priority. It is really important to do right by your clients. Ghost Hunting can be fun as long as the most important things are considered. The key things that make a thorough investigation and a client happy is organization, professionalism, communication and honesty!

Happy Ghost Hunting!

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