II. Are You A Serious Investigator?

PAGE TWO

In our minds, this answer is no. No one is an “expert” when it comes to areas of the paranormal. There are definitely different levels of experience, but as yet, the world of the paranormal is still full of mystery, intrigue, theories and opinions. Nothing, that we are aware of, has been irrefutably proven and written in the ghost hunting textbooks. Thus, the need for investigations to gather more and more evidence AND the need for fresh minds, ideas and innovative research methods must continue.

So, are the two people in scenario one any less serious in their investigation than the ones in scenarios two, three and four?

We believe not. All are attempting to gather data for purposes of further understanding areas of the paranormal, even if only for their own peace of mind. Each person or group has a different manner of recording this research as well, but with every investigation, they are adding to their cache of material and knowledge for further study.

In our view, there are only three requirements for being considered a “serious” investigator.

1.     RESPECT for the deceased, respect for people’s property, and a respect for what you are doing each time you go out on an investigation.

2.     HEALTHY SKEPTICISM when you view and listen to data you have collected – always allowing for the possibility of an alternative explanation.

3.     AN HONEST SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH AND ONLY THE TRUTH to these mysteries as you save and gather data.

This is not to say that those just starting out should not have respect for the work that their more experienced colleagues have put in. These people deserve this respect, especially if they were amongst the pioneers who took the chance to embark on an area that was not fully accepted (nor is it yet), but that respect must also go both ways. These experienced investigators started somewhere and were not always experienced. We can learn a great deal from their experiences, but there also needs to be room to expand on the theories and opinions they have formed to reach further heights of possible understanding of an area that is shrouded in mystery.

Remember, we all have the right to pursue areas of interest that we enjoy or are just plain curious about. It’s not the amount of equipment you have, whether you have made a name for yourself, or whether you have a website that makes you a serious investigator. It is, in fact, the three items listed above and that NEED inside of you that calls out in such a way that it is impossible for you to ignore it.

Christina M. Schumacher