Paranormal Reality Check

In the ever growing and evolving field of paranormal research and investigations, the schools of though and philosophies can differ quite a bit from person to person. Healthy debates and dialogs have been opened between teams and individuals, in hopes of trying to better understand each others methods of finding answers to the unknown. But sometimes these conversations become heated which leads to animosity and pointing fingers of who is right and who is wrong. Having such a wide array of personality types, from the completely skeptical scientific minds, to the religious and spiritual practitioners and everything in between, these disagreements are bound to happen. Seeking answers to the details of the unknown is like posing any other question. Would it be correct to assume there must be a right or wrong answer? If so, who do we believe, and who holds the answers?

The first and greatest realization all those involved in the field should have is that no one has all the answers. We have no experts, and even the most experienced individuals in the field cannot provide us with definitive answers. In no way am I saying we should not trust the wisdom the greatest experienced members of our community can pass on to us. As far as research methods, techniques, and experience their are different levels from person to person. But in overall understanding and answers to what we are all seeking, we are all on the same playing field. So why argue over what no one can possibly answer? We are all novices in a sense, regardless of time spent investigating. We should always share what we have learned without fear of ridicule and compare with one another openly and objectively. In supporting one another we can advance much farther and faster than working against one another.

What methods are good for the advancement of the field seems to be a topic of great controversy with many different views. Some believe we can only advance through scientific means, others through spiritual, and some a combination of the two methods. How do we know which direction we should go to get closer to the answers we seek? The short answer to that question is that we do not. Personally, I wonder why it seems so difficult to simply experiment with any methods we choose to try. Even if something seems unorthodox why not try it? This is how discoveries are made, by thinking outside the box. All current methods used today, whether scientific or spiritual leaves us with mixed results at best. Why use the same equipment over and over, or the same techniques everyone else is using? Wanting to conform or out of fear of ridicule... Being on an even playing field with discovery, we all should have the freedom to openly experiment with the methods that interest us as individuals.

The diversity of individuals in the field is extremely extensive, and some question who should and should not be involved. Young people seem to take the brunt of this way of thinking, but I feel there are a few things that should be considered. Because of the popularity of paranormal TV shows, some young people and others are said to only be emulating what they see on these shows and nothing more. Which is frowned upon greatly by the majority of paranormal community. Because of age or not knowing anyone in the field, they choose to venture on their own or create a group of their own to experiment. Excluding those that vandalize, trespass, are disrespectful and other unethical practices. What harm is in that? It's important to remember that this is a field where no one is getting paid, with no regulations or restrictions. It is in fact more of a hobby than anything else. So who can say who should or should not be involved in a hobby? Would it be better for these young people to be involved in unsavory activities many other young people find themselves in rather than something constructive? Other than obvious frauds and what not, instead of laughing at what we see as mistakes these young people are making, why not try and pass on our wisdom. We are all on an even playing field, even with the young people. But we can share our experience to help them along the way. Here is an example just to show how even the playing field is: If you were to send "George", a 30 year veteran of paranormal investigating into a known haunted location with an audio recorder, have him perform an EVP session then leave. After, send in "Billy" to the same location, on his first investigation ever knowing only what he's seen on TV to do the same thing. Because of experience, is it a guaranteed fact George will capture more EVPs than Billy? Of course not... everything right now is by chance. Capturing evidence is at the forefront of this field, but as human beings we have very little influence as to if, or how much evidence we can capture.

The entertainers of the paranormal field and those that want to become entertainers, seem to be a huge target by the majority of the paranormal community. Terms like "fame seekers" and "just looking for your 15 minutes of fame" are throw around and considered some of the most vile insults one can say to another. The connotation that paranormal TV is ruining the field is a widespread belief that is openly professed. I think the community as a whole will agree that these shows have brought the paranormal to the mainstream making it easier for people to talk about experiences or seek help if the need it. Other than that, all of these entertainers are seen as glamorizing the paranormal and involved in fraudulent activities to make money. My question is, how do we really know what motivates these people or what goes on behind the scenes? I take into account that being on TV they are in fact entertainers, and with that said, their shows need to be entertaining. Does that mean that anything and all that they do on or off camera in the paranormal field is faked or exaggerated? What happens in the editing room is often out of the control of those who appear on TV. So putting all the blame on those who appear on screen doesn't seem entirely fair. But the biggest problem everyone points out, is that the TV craze has sprouted copycats wanting to get on TV too. This is similar to garage bands trying to make it big, but a million to one will only play small venues. My stance on this is let people dream... Even if someone wants to become an entertainer, that is completely up to them. The problem lies in those who use underhanded means by promoting fabricated and acted out scenarios to gain attention. But I also wonder, if they are not getting involved in residential cases that involve families, how much harm are they really doing? These people only want to become entertainers, and when questioned about the authenticity of what they do you will likely just be ignored. More importantly, do you think a family needing help would see one of their videos and think they should be called in to help? We all know when the TV fad ends all the entertainers and those that want to become entertainers will leave the field completely. In the mean time, if you do not agree with these people it's probably best to just ignore them or simply change the channel.

It's quite puzzling why so many groups and individuals point fingers at one another claiming the other is damaging the field. Why is everyone so worried about everyone else? It seems that it's almost come to a point of being political, where teams and individuals feel they have to walk on eggshells to maintain a good standing reputation. Disagreements can range from having to do with evidence to direct personal issues. But how and why do these disagreements turn into what is good for the field and everyone else? It really makes little sense, and if we are watching each other for chances to ridicule rather than to learn, what good is that for anyone? One thing to consider is that most teams handle either commercial, public, or benign residential cases. As long as teams aren't engaging in illegal or immoral activities, what harm are they doing? So the watchdog mentality really is counterproductive and serves little purpose other than an individual's agenda. The only instance I can see a teams moral standing should be questioned, is if they handle residential cases in which a family is frightened and needs help. Which is a very rare occurrence, and that family would likely seek help through clergy, reputable word of mouth, or the most tenured and experienced team they can find. Do you think they will care who is most liked in the paranormal community or who is fighting on Facebook or any other internet forum? Why not focus on what you are doing or can do in the field and make friends instead of rivals? We're not all on opposing teams which seems to be the mentality for many. We are all segments of the same team.

The clash of people and personalities will always be an issue in everyday life and in every field on this planet. The ego and the competitive nature of people is something that will never go away, so we might as well except it for what it is. Except the veteran, those new to the field, and even the entertainers as people just doing what they enjoy. What's important is that we stand true to who we are, and allow others to be who they are as well. In this hobby profession, we are all on an even playing field as far as finding answers to the unknown. No real professionals and no experts... Focus on yourself first, and place absolutely no limit on what you feel compelled to experiment with.. Who with absolute certainty can say what you are doing is wrong? Most importantly, stand up for what you believe, but also be open minded to really listen and learn from what others have to say. That is how this field and we as individuals can truly grow and evolve...