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Investigative Guidelines
There's not much training needed for effective ghost hunting, but here is a summary to provide a few pointers for the rookie ghost hunter. Hopefully, you can learn from our past mistakes without having to repeat them yourself. Most of these tips are based on the assumption that you will spend most of your time in old graveyards and churches, two of the "old reliables"' when you have no leads.
Senior citizens often know folklore about their area, and can be great sources of information. Follow up on everything you hear. Historic sites are often centers of paranormal activity. You might waste lots of time, but sometimes you'll hit the jackpot, too.
As long as no signs are posted prohibiting your presence in an area, then you are not trespassing until and unless you are asked to leave the property. If asked to leave, you should do so quickly and politely to prevent yourself from being charged with criminal trespass.
Police officers' will often pay attention when they see someone wandering around an old cemetery in the middle of the night. As long as you're on public property, and are breaking no laws, there should be no problem, but you should always anticipate having to explain yourself.
It is highly recommended that you do inconspicuous investigation in rural areas. While we have no experience with spirits physically attacking one of our investigators, stories regularly circulate involving the death of an observer. We recommend you use common sense as well as common courtesy.
It's hard not to be excited or nervous when starting an expedition, and many people have strong beliefs for or against the paranormal, but these are things that will color your observation. The spirits can feel your intentions and may or may not make themselves known in the face of doubt.
Search for conventional explanations for any phenomena you may witness. One well-documented, legitimate event is far more satisfying than convincing yourself that each and every site is haunted. And no investigation has ever benefited from team members jumping about in Halloween masks to terrorize their fellow researchers.
A few people may be tempted to jump on the bandwagon if you share your experience immediately, and independently recorded accounts are far more convincing. We've noticed that when we immediately discuss an event, our individual accounts get jumbled and everyone starts to question or forget their own impressions.
Shorts, sandals, or high heels could lead to disaster in an overgrown cemetery, where unseen pitfalls can twist an ankle or wound a leg. When investigating an inhabited haunted house, however, appearing on someone's doorstep in combat boots and SWAT attire won't likely inspire confidence in your scientific credibility. Dress conservatively and fittingly for whatever situation you are entering.
This not only provides records for future reference, but also is much more convincing than, 'One time I saw...' Even the most amazing encounters can quickly become unclear in one's mind without documentation. Photographs are more effective than even the most eloquent description when trying to give others an idea of the appearance or layout of a haunted locale. Another handy tool is one of the handheld dictating voice recorders that you can use to record you experiences immediately and can document when it is more convenient.
That quaint country church or secluded backwoods cemetery can become unexpectedly treacherous with nightfall, and a twisted ankle is even less fun than usual while passing through dark and unfamiliar terrain. Remember, too, that even the most reliable vehicle is capable of breaking down, and a long walk down a lonely country road in the middle of the night possess very real dangers. If you find yourself motivated to venture out alone, we recommend you bring both a portable phone and a legal means of self defense.
Every piece of equipment has its own idiosyncrasies, whether it's been in the field for years or fresh out of the manufacturer's packing. Relatively simple equipment can be difficult to operate at times, typically due to poor design. Take the time to become familiar with each piece of equipment you obtain. Shoot a few rolls of film in your new camera or record an hour or so of audiotape with that microcassette recorder you found in the closet. One piece of equipment you are intimately familiar with is infinitely more valuable than one that fails because of operator error. If and when the crucial moment arrives, you must be prepared to act out of instinct and experience. Sometimes investigative conditions can ultimately be less then ideal because of environment or temperamental spirits so be prepaired.
Some individuals are commonly perceived as more or less credible witnesses, based strictly upon their appearance, demeanor, or station in life. While these sort of instincts, gut reactions, and first impressions have some degree of validity, they are largely influenced by learned societal stereotypes. It is critical that each individual account be evaluated evenly with respect to corroborating or conflicting testimony or physical evidence. To be sure of accuracy during and interview, try to record it for later corroboration and review.
Copyright 2000 By E-Info Media
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