One thing that APS is all about is research. We are more than a team that ghost hunts recreationally. Don’t get me wrong, there is a time for that. But when it comes to having a team, I wanted APS to be something that stands out from the rest of the groups out there. I want APS to be a group that facilitates research ideas. Why are there so many stories so similar to the “Woman in White” all over the world? Why is it believed that a child is haunting a certain location? Why do artistic people have more hits than other personality types with the Ganzfeld experiment? Why? Why does it all happen? To preface this post, I might have been the kid that took apart the family vacuum cleaner, and then got in trouble when I couldn’t put it back together.
We all have our beliefs, and there is a supernatural world out there that is as vivid as everything else around you. Making sense of the paranormal through exposure and research is the first step to uncovering these mysteries. I want to know everything, and I’m guessing you do too. Since you’re reading this blog and all.
I once had a team member describe APS as the nerd with their nose in a book. It’s why we don’t have a TV show, and it’s why I’ve written several books about the paranormal field. What drives me crazy is the spreading of misinformation. People are losing out on their hard-earned money buying “gadgets” that weren’t built to detect ghosts in the first place. People are throwing money at self-proclaimed experts and then disappointed when they don’t measure up. There are a seldom few people that I would even consider to be an expert in the field, Loyd Auerbach is one of them. Seriously, Google him and look at his credentials. Read his books. Take one of his classes. It’s worth it!
If you’re going to be a team that takes on residential cases, research is something you HAVE TO DO. How are you going to implement a solution if you don’t know what you’re dealing with? Residential casework isn’t for the recreational ghost hunter. Why? You are taking on an enormous responsibility that can make the difference between a family being able to sleep in the beds at night once again, or a family being torn apart from miscommunication, the pot being stirred, and potentially angering the presence in the home. At the end of the day, the investigator gets to go home, the client still has to live with whatever is in the home. In order to know what kind of solutions to implement, the investigator has to be able to research and comprehend the ins and outs of the situation. That includes… (*trumpet blows*) RESEARCH! Not only research, but you have to be able to present your findings in some presentational form like a paper, presentation, speech, etc.
Residential cases are not for your entertainment or amusement. The paranormal isn’t taken seriously because it’s not taken seriously. Stop being a part of the problem. If you’re a thrill seeker, don’t call yourself a researcher. If you’re a ghost hunter
In the event, you find a client who does want you to investigate and provoke for the purpose of collecting data for public viewing, that’s up to you to take on the case. Just be cautious that you’re not the monkey in the middle and you find yourself on the evening news.
Finally, if you’re a recreational ghost hunter who is looking for thrills and adrenaline rushes with a residential case, be 100% honest with your client. Give them the disclaimer that you might make things worse, but it will be great evidence for your YouTube channel. A great sacrifice right? Most clients seek a team for HELP. Respect that. If you’re not willing to do the work, research, field work, resolution work, that’s okay. Go do your thing! Just stay out of people’s homes.
Just stay out of people’s homes.
Instead of just bluntly say stay out of people’s homes for all good reasons and in fact reasons I have not done some cases why don’t you blog or post on where or how to do the research like web sites or info on best ways because you know thrill seekers will still selfishly go into homes just for sh)!;? And giggles.
You make good points but not likely will message be heard but if info on how to a better job was available then maybe you can save a few families from the thrill seeker paranormal activist.
You may have done this already and I don’t know but if you did I’d like to see it posted again.
Thank you
Hi Scott,
This is Alex (the author of this blog). I have actually written a “how to” book on how to do residential investigations that you can find at https://www.amazon.com/More-than-Ghosts-Residential-Paranormal/dp/1495948587. Also, if you browse through the blog, you’ll find discussion topics on different clients we have encountered and how to deal with it. Look for the topics, “All in the Mind”, “The Ghost Within”, and “Sleep Paralysis” to get started. Feel free to email us with any questions and such. Thanks for reading!
Alex
Very Good Advice! As a long term investigator (since the mid 1970s) I have dne numerous investigations into people’s homes, including “clean ups” where some wanna-be ghost hunter has convinced people of demons, ghosts, and just about anything your imagination can conceive has taken residence. Often the problem goes back to TV shows and what the client believes. The bottom line is that in most cases the investigator is going to face a client who has preconceived notions of what is going on. The last thing they need if looking for answers is some team showing up looking for ghosts! What they DO need is someone who is unbiased looking at all the evidence and ready to accept non-paranormal conclusions. The problem today is many investigators make that claim, but how many REALLY practice it?
Another issue is how committed are you to the client? If you aren’t fully ready to stand behind your investigation after 6 months, a year, or maybe 4 or 5 years or longer, don’t get involved! I can say from my experience I have cases that have gone years of sporadic activity, and as an investigator I need to be willing to provide support when asked. The trouble with many groups is simply they don’t last that long! Here today, gone tomorrow. How does that benefit a private client?
Normally I don’t get involved writing comments like this about a blog, but as an investigator this is a sore spot with me. I wanted to add my support to what was written here in the hopes that others may see what is wrong with taking on private clients when all you are is a hobbyist ghost hunter.