Tips For Selecting a Paranormal Investigation Team
Let's be honest: There are a LOT of paranormal groups out there. Ever since the popularity of the "ghost hunting" programs on television, everybody and their brother has decided to try their hand at becoming a paranormal investigator. Some are very good, and some... not so good. Regardless of who you choose to investigate your location, please keep the following tips in mind in order to select the best group for your needs.
Things to look for:
- Member Experience - Groups come and go. Members change teams or form new ones. More important than the age of the team is the experience of its members. Look for groups which have at least one or two veteran investigators who can share their experience with both the other group members and you, the client.
- Relevant Professional Experience - In addition to having some experience as a paranormal investigator, it would be a good idea to locate groups which possess members who have relevant professional experience. People with professional experience in the sciences, law enforcement, or other fields which regularly involve objectivity and research are ideal. Those with construction experience, psychology/social work experience, and similar types of training and professions can also help ensure a well-rounded, professional team with valuable and relevant knowledge. Don't hesitate to ask about the individual members' backgrounds.
- Objectivity - Some groups state that their goal is to "prove" the existence of paranormal activity, and others may state that they endeavor to disprove it. Obviously, the believer's point of view and that of a skeptic can both be beneficial to offset one another. However, groups who set out to either prove or disprove something are inherently biased. This, in turn, could result in a group who may be indiscriminate in submitting dubious evidence without thoroughly researching it (the believer group), or outright dismissing too much without actually finding a mundane cause (the skeptic). A group with both which acts as a checks and balances system may be preferable. Also avoid those who seem to only do this for the "thrill." They generally are not really interested in helping you as much as they are doing investigations.
- Professionalism - Would you want some group of people in your home who dress like they're heading straight from your home to a rave? How about a group that doesn't establish guidelines regarding how their members should act, what they should do, and how they should appear? If a group isn't willing to conduct themselves professionally, then should they really portray themselves as investigators? Ask if they have any established policies on conduct, privacy and confidentiality, and on review of evidence. If they don't, maybe you should look elsewhere.
- False Promises and Claims - You may come across some groups or investigators who claim to be "experts," "certified," or who claim that they can solve your paranormal problems. Unfortunately, anyone who claims to be an expert in the paranormal most likely isn't, and those who are "certified" paid somone a lot of money in order to get a worthless piece of paper and a bogus title. At the moment, any person can create a "paranormal certification" course which is going to be as valid as any other. Furthermore, anyone who states that they will solve your paranormal problems is likely either a scammer or an egotist. As no one really even knows what the paranormal is, how can they expect to confidently solve your problem? Instead, look for those are honest and acknowldge that their techniques may or may not work. Whatever you do, DO NOT pay money for any trinket, gadget, or gimmick that alleges to get rid of the paranormal. It will likely not work.
- Fame and Fortune - In the course of our operations, we have come across groups who desire to become the next great star on their own paranormal television series on network television. We wish them the best of luck. However, we also urge you, the client, to use caution when selecting a group who acknowledges this endeavor. The reason being that some of these groups who are trying so hard to get on TV do so at the expense of their integrity. Instead of giving you an honest review of your investigation, some (but definitely not all)groups may resort to manipulating the evidence (falsifying it), or making something explainable seem like it is in fact paranormal. Use caution.
- Availability After the Investigation - A group which conducts the investigation should get in contact with you, the client, in order to explain their findings. Furthermore, the group should be willing to answer your questions and address your concerns (within reason) after the investigation is completed. Of course, the client must understand that most people do not do this fulltime, and may not always be available to answer your calls or return them immediately. Some patience on your part is necessary.
There isn't any hard and fast rule for determining if a group is a good one to select. Hopefully, these tips will be a guidleine to help you in your search. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and always remember that when you request an investigation, you are ultimately in control of what goes on in your home or other location to be investigated.