HOPPS Ghost Hunters

I had the misfortune of being told local radio stations were running some kind of series with local amatuer ghost hunting groups taking turns speaking over the airwaves.  I say this because they really don't understand what's going on, but get on the radio and spread bad information.  That's OK, the radio is for entertainment.  One of the groups talked about Allison's Grave once again, apparently having no inclination to do research first.  I typed it as a Google search and lo and behold the top five articles have our included research and findings on them.   Here's just one example:

http://sites.google.com/site/hauntsandhistory/poconosi-80east

The research step is the most important, followed by analysis, then the hunt itself.  Anyone can be a ghost hunter, but not everyone can be a paranormal investigator. 

I really try not to be critical, but when I find other groups out there trespassing, thrill seeking and just overall not having a clue as to the possible consequences of their actions, it's upsetting.  This tends to taint how people feel about what the real investigators do, and sometimes will preclude the serious groups from access to sites at future times.  I look at it this way;  If 50 groups come to a place to investigate but only one has the equipment, knowledge and tenacity to do things correctly, the other 49 have already set a pattern of mannerisms that sometimes forces the property owner to just say no to everyone. 

If you belong to a group, please at the very least follow these steps so others can be welcomed at a later time.

1.  Get permission to be on the property

2.  Have the equipment to do the investigation

3.  Research your subject matter and the area you're investigating prior to going

4.  Be respectful to the property, the owner, and anyone you come in contact with at the site

5.  Don't taunt (spirits) if you don't want to deal with the consequences

6.  If you're in over your head, call for help from someone who may know a little more about what they're doing --ther'es no shame in not knowing, only shame in allowing it to become a way of doing business

7.  Remember, there are no experts, don't pretend to be one.

Just my two cents as I'm easily offended by attention seekers.