What the real experts in the field of paranormal studies think of these TV shows.....

I think we got called wannabees, by association. What a @(#*

Oh dont you worry....we got our S@*#" together....they can't classify us in the Wannabe section.....We're awesome!!!!!!!!!

I hate to say it but I liked those shows they mentioned...
Sightings in 1997 and The Other Side, and
Unsolved Mysteries

I have to agree i don't care much for the new shows either they have listed...
this one in general! World's Scariest Places, although Haunting Evidence I saw that once seems to take place in England and well there is all sorts of things there....

But all in all I agree with the programming issue and how they have just put these experts on the back burner too bad too.. I think everyone could learn a lot... this group does have their stuff together though I can see that :)

Tsk, tsk. This is the stuff that really dissapoints me. I don't understand why this Steve guy has to be so mean. He is, of course, absolutely correct that there are many frivolous and unrealistic "paranormal investigation" shows that have been unresposnsibly produced today, but there are others that are just as credible as the ones that used to be on cable. And maybe I am wrong here, but when did "Unsolved Mysteries" ever shoot an actual investigation? If I remember correctly, weren't the stories just snips of recreations based on actual events?
I have always said, and still stand by my belief that there is too much competition in this field. Anyone that knows me knows that I truely believe that all GOOD groups should collaberate to help people who are in need. Our friend Steve talks about how all of these shows enlist para-professionals instead of having the real McCoy, but who is he to distinguish who is qualified? Christopher Chacon may very well be a seasoned professional in the paranormal field, but does that mean that he should be the only one who is called in to be on these shows? The poor guy would be exhausted! Knowledge may come with longevity, but it also comes with experience and a combination of crystallized and fluid knowledge.....I am sure that the astute Mr. Chacon is not the only person on this planet to have retained a plethora of knowledge. The wording in Steve's article fosters the ugly monster that is competition that many of us, as he puts it, "wannabe's", are trying to combat. And I am almost positive that Mr. Chacon was a para-professional at one point....hell, he had to start somewhere. So why all the smack about the new wave of self-proclaimed professionals? they could turn out to be just as good as the professionals that Steve has so lovingly put up on a 600 foot pedestal.
What it comes down to is this....the paranormal field has yet to be submitted as an actual science. Regardless of who has been doing research for how many years or how many investigations one has been on, we as a whole are ALL responsible for promoting our passion and supporting it's eventual acceptance into the scientific world. People like Steve, who write his articles and throw around names, do not help our cause any. Also, it might not be a bad thing that there is such a diversity of paranormal shows out there, it gives the world a chance to see what we do from all sides, and decide for themselves what is real and what isn't.

P.S.-Sorry to everyone that we haven't been on alot, we have both been extremely busy with wedding planning, work, kids, volunteering, etc.etc.. We hope that everyone is doing well :)

Well said! I agree that not every show out there represents the field well (I'm looking at you, Ghost Adventures) but who gives this guy the credibility to determine who is and who isn't qualified to move beyond "wannabe" status. I'm sure a wannabe but I know that anyone with even a passing interest in the field, whether on a show or on the MGHS team or in my neighborhood for that matter, has something to teach me. It's not a field of science like medicine, like you mentioned, where there are national standards of competency. Even then, there have been times when I've received medical advice from the cashier at Rite-Aid that rivaled anything my own doc could share with me. I think you're right, Mandy, everyone starts somewhere!

..... and we certainly can NOT understand your being busy! You have no excuse! ;)

While this article did a lot of name dropping, I do not think that was the point of this article.  What I took from this is that what we see on T.V. isnt even close to what paranormal investigation entails. It is a watered down, "easy" version, of how to conduct an investigation causing an influx of people who think that they can just go out and take some pictures and gather some audio and that makes them a paranormal investigator. What they dont show is the enormous amount of energy and time it takes to become respected in the paranormal field. The commitment and dedication required is tremendous as we all know.   It takes many hours of gathering, researching, reviewing, learning.  The shows on T.V. today don't delve into the history of paranormal research and the people who helped bring it to the forefront. Which, in the paranormal sector, was NOT Jason and Grant, but the many hard working paranormal investigators who took the time to research, document and share their findings with the world.  I think this is what had our friend "Steve's" panties in a knot, not the fact that there are people interested in paranormal investigations, but the fact that there were people interested in paranormal investigation prior to TV.   At least that is how I took it from his article.                  Welcome back and stop being so busy......

LOL I can't help but be busy...I'm a glutton for punishment :P I'm gonna make it my goal to get back on Summer's good side, though :)

I definitely agree Lisa, it was not just about name dropping. And there are many out there who call themselves paranormal investigators now. I definitely agree with his point there. I just think that my problem in that respect is that his article was filled with a bunch of negativity and slander. No matter what field you encounter in the world, there will always be a diversity of people who are at different stages in their quest for knowledge.....or people who just like to spout off at the mouth and act like they know what they are talking about. These are the people who make us look bad in our field. I just don't quite understand why he insists on throwing everyone who has been investigating and researching the paranormal since the mid-90's into the same category. As I said before, a persons level of knowledge about a specic topic isn't just contingent on the amount of time that they have been studying it. There are other factors involved. And even people who have been studying any field for a significant amount of time can still be ignorant to it's many facets. It's not always in how much you study, but rather how much you absorb through your studies. I could get a doctorate degree in my field, but still pale in comparison to someone who has a masters. It's like Summer said, she has gotten some of her most accurate medical advice through her pharmicist rather than her MD.

I agree with some of the things he said, I just feel that he was being way too judgemental, and close-minded.

Oh I agree too that there has to be a great deal of open mindedness in this field. I think that a lot of what we learn is up to interpretation. I guess when I first read this article I was not so overcome by his being stuck in the 90's as I was by the point that in order to be respected in this field you have to have much more than just the ability to be able to use the equipment, so to speak.  And I also agree wholeheartedly that just because one person says it is one way does not make it necessarily so.  We have seen this with psychics who can walk into a room and sense things seperate from what the other senses, it does not make one right over the other, but merely shows that one might pick up  information on a different level than the other can tune into. I don't think anyone can truly be an expert in this field because there are too many variables. I also don't think that in order to be a good investigator you have to be famous........lol...........

Very true, and the fact that the paranormal phenomena is not yet a "legitimate" science probably has alot to do with the fact that there are not many exact certainties, everything is, like you said, open to interpretation.
As far as fame not being one of the requirements to being a good investigator, you are absolutely right. In my opinion, if someone gets into this to try to reap the rewards of fame and glory, they are sorely mistaken about what their expectations should be!

  In my opinion, if someone gets into this to try to reap the rewards of fame and glory, they are sorely mistaken about what their expectations should be!

-louandmandy

Cough (Ghost Adventures) Cough

Very true, and the fact that the paranormal phenomena is not yet a "legitimate" science probably has alot to do with the fact that there are not many exact certainties

-louandmandy

Yet quantum physics uses the term theory like the catholic church uses the word faith. In the late 1800's and the early 1900's science did what it could to disprove the etheric field,and both times was successful. Then it came back into fruition in the late 1950's and since "legitimate" science had "disproven" it they decided to recognize the field, but call it the zero point field. Hypocrites.

Cough (Ghost Adventures) Cough

-summertulip

Haha!!! AMEN

You are absolutely right Jim, they are hypocrites. They come up with these terms that attempt to make the field appear as if it is emerging, but yet in reality, they are just trying to cover their asses and avoid admitting that they may have judged prematurely.
As far as Ghost Adventures goes, the only reason I seem to watch it lately is for the comic relief. However, at least they aren't as bad as "Most Huanted Places," or whatever that one is with the brit chick. My God, she really bugs me.

Ghost Adventures is hillarious though the history they gather intrigues me indeed.. and you are right if I had to watch that Most Haunted with Evie I think I would puke!
I think the only evidence those people actually got was when a spirit was actually walking behind them looked like it came up through the floor I found that really amazing that they actually got a clip like that.. was very intrigued..

And Lou, Mandy, Kaspr I have to agree they don't have the Paranormal as a Legitimate Science, but I wish they did, I think more would take it seriously and more of these wanna be groups would have to disappear..
To me the Paranormal Fields should be a legitimate science, you study something in all sciences.. not all sciences have a positive foundation or proof of existence all the time.. not all.. they are still working on that hence a science.. I think Paranormal should become in that category as well.. and be a legitimate science.
I think as more and more college professors and other Universities and schools though start probing more into the study of the Paranormal making it into classes and groups of studies in the Universities and such.. I think that it will eventually in the short comings become just that a Science and I feel it may be soon that it does.
To me it is a Science. The study of why the Dead feels they need to keep on living after death, here on Earth..
Or in the case of Kaspr's field Demonology and the study as to why there are demonic entities and how they arrive or pick and choose a spot or home or why...that is another study in my opinion and it should be more open to a legitimate science.. just my opinion but the way I see things going.. I think it will be that way sooner then later.. there is becoming more interest in this both in the communities and as well in many Universities to bring that about..
Just my opinion.. :)

The biggest problem with it all, or at least this is what I see, is the fact that religion is so tied up with the field. Even the term "supernatural" means of divine power. For years that was the term for anything out of the ordinary. It could just come down to using different terms for certain things, like the movement away from supernatural to paranormal. Maybe calling Angels and Demons by different names or coming up with other terms besides Ghosts and Spirits....I don't know. But there may be a way with sub atomic physics to bring everything full circle. Or at least "theoretically" there is.

I totally agree that religion needs to be seperated from paranormal investigating.  You dont have to have a certain religious affiliation to know that spirits exist around all of us.   Angels and demons are religious totems given these names to differentiate between good and evil, and if someone doesnt have a religious belief these forces still exist. I think you are right that in time you will see the research of paranormal phenomena come into its own as a studied science rather than just a spiritual belief.

I agree with more and more religious churches and denominations refusing to help families with paranormal events i don't know why they bother to be in the middle of it anyways.  as most of the times when i speak to people who have tried to go to churches even there own for help they get turned away.. and no help given to them...and these paranormal groups seem to be more for fame and what they can get out of it then helping the people with the real problems they are having and trying to resolve them to get them out of the house.
and all... So i totally agree.. it should be claimed more as a science then as a religious thing and the religious factor be separated, granted sometimes you need religious aspect to help with an investigation to rid of the problems but that is rare and sometimes only needed.
but in my opinion should be a scientific thing and for those who have the skills and knowledge to deal with it all that what they find.. this may get some of the paranormal groups out there for a fling and an adventure to cease existing..did you know in Ohio alone there are at least over 1000 groups up there that have spread and opened that claim to be paranormal groups in the last 6 months!
To me that is a little ridiculous and you and I both know they cannot be all credulous.. probably more lookie loos looking for adventures which is a shame when you have a family in desperate need of help...

 I agree with Lisa and Lynne.  I do hope that this field will eventually be classified as a science with no religious affiliations. It's my belief that religion should be separated from many things (POLITICS, especially!!!!)
 
I believe that it will take a long time for this to happen.  I mean, look at the past 2 presidential elections.  Back in TN at my cousin's church.....the pastor actually said "If you don't vote for George W. Bush, then you are not a good Christian. You will have to deal with the consequences."   Same with the arguments for the pledge of allegiance, same-sex marriage, war, abortion, etc.  Many of these issues have been justified by religion. 
 

This is something that we have encountered with homeowners.   The vast majority of homeowners that have called us harbor strong religious beliefs.  They believe “orbs” to be “angels.”  They want to make sure they do not have “demonic” activity.  Much of their information comes from faith-based texts like the Bible or other Christian-themed books.  We have even had some investigations fall through because of a husband or wife not believing our team’s work to be “godly.”  

Pardon this post rambling on and on, I just have strong beliefs on this.

It’s also difficult for me as well.  I believe it’s safe to say that most of us here believe in good and bad and in light and dark.  Without one, you cannot have the other.  It is a balance. 

For me, I believe in ghosts. I’ve seen one myself.  The field of demonology has fascinated me for YEARS, but it frustrates me that the only information on it comes from the Catholic Church.  The names/ranks of demons are based on Catholic studies.  An exorcism, whereas performed by many different religious sects, is most prominently known as being done by Catholic priests.   I just wonder HOW or WHEN these topics could be separated from religion into its own legitimate scientific field?  I know that has done extensive studies and actually offers a Parapsychology degree.  

The movie “The Entity” with Barbara Hershey is partially based on a true story that happened in the 1970’s.  A woman was being raped and tortured by an unseen force.  Finally, a group of parapsychologists from a local university assisted her and tried to set up a home setting in the gym.  They decided that if this “unseen force” was able to manipulate physical objects, that it had to have some type of mass.  They tried to freeze it with liquid helium.   I’m not quite sure what the outcome was.

In ANY case…..the fact that religion is holding this field back is deeply saddening.  I also know where the author of this article (get back on track, Robin!) was trying to go, and what point he was trying to prove.  It’s extremely frustrating that groups like Ghost Adventures make it on national TV and make us look like a bunch of crackpots.  I believe that many small, independent groups like ours do make a difference. After all, we want to help homeowners and that is what we are all about.  Just because we don’t hold doctorates in this field does not necessarily mean that we aren’t competent enough to gather and analyze evidence and propose our theory on the activity. 

I hope that eventually this will be a legitimate science.

LOL I can't help but be busy...I'm a glutton for punishment :P I'm gonna make it my goal to get back on Summer's good side, though :)
I definitely agree Lisa, it was not just about name dropping. And there are many out there who call

-louandmandy

Goal achieved, Mandy! LOL