HOPPS Ghost Hunters

I have said this often, and to every group that I have ever encountered, "I don't know everything because nobody knows everything".  It's a claim I'll stick to until the day I die because it holds true in everything I've ever learned or done.  There is always more to know, and if you think there isn't, you need to look harder.

Why do I say this to beginners?  There are no experts in doing paranormal investigations --don't let anyone tell you otherwise.  There are no wrong methods of investigating, but there are ways to use your tools incorrectly. 

I remember back to when I first took martial arts 1980.  My instructor had some physical limitations due to age, so he couldn't do every move as well as he could when he was younger.  He knew the moves, could demonstrate them in teaching, but he could not apply everything he knew because of the possiblity of hurting himself.  I, of course, being young and defiant, asked him what he would do if he needed to use a move he couldn't physically do?  His answer was simple and applies to many things in life as I have learned over the years:  "I know all the moves, and can therefore anticipate having to use something  that I can't do, and will compensate.   Knowing 100 moves to get you safely out of a knife attack is not nearly as valuable as knowing one move very well."    The same applies to using your equipment.  Read about it, understand it as well as you can, then use it.  If you don't think you're using it correctly, have someone who knows how to use it show you!  Don't be afraid to ask, we all had to learn sometime!  I have yet to meet anyone who seriously seeks out the paranormal, who will not help you. 

Why then do I say this?  I read.  I read all the time on other websites, trying to understand what I'm doing and why it does or does not work.  I'm not afraid to be wrong, and sometimes I am.  My suggestion for beginners is to do what I do all the time.  I reach out to other groups, meet other people who do this, ask questions, look at their data on their websites and keep re-analyzing what I personally do when I'm out with my group. 

Our group name, Heart of Pennsylvania Paranormal Society, has one key word we should all focus on.  The word "society".  The definition from Wickpedia for society is this; "A society is a group of humans characterized by patterns of relationships between individuals that share a distinctive culture and/or institutions".   We all share a common goal in the paranormal research field, therefore we are a society.  Societies prosper by establishing bonds (networking, collaborating, etc.) and that is what we do at HOPPS.  We work for the public, not for ourselves --keep this in mind as a beginner, as competing and getting upset about another group getting some really "cool" stuff or "stealing" and investigation from you will only make you an outsider.  If you really want to just see cool stuff, go to Disneyland, I hear they really have some good ghost effects down there.  My point is always be open-minded, don't shut out another person's suggestions if they're in the same business, and if you think someone is hijacking something you lined up, contact the other team, I'm sure they'll invite you along. 

I'm proud that my group has associated themselves with other groups in our local community, and the groups have open communications between each other, either through direct contact, or just letting each other know we're around by a simple email, a posting in a guestbook, or by seeing someone use an idea you've posted on the interenet with success.

Beginners --The steps are simple: 1. Read and educate yourself, 2. Understand your equipment and what it's really telling you, 3. If you don't know, seek someone who may know. 4.  Network, be friendly with everyone, and be willing to do the same when someone asks. 5.  Never forget, you'll never be an expert!!

Just my philosophy, take it as you will.

Here's another thing to think about when you begin investigating:

There are a lot of people who don't believe in ghosts or the paranormal.  Being loud about it in public places will garner you looks and the wrong type of attention.  Be aware of your surroundings when speaking in public.  If you start getting looks, move away from the area you're in, or simply be a lot less conspicuous in your words or actions.  While this doesn't seem like much and you may be proud of what you're doing, you need to remember other people's feelings and beliefs may be affected.

A good example is when you go to a cemetery.  First, there are other people there with relatives they've come to pay respect to.  If you're disrespectful and conduct your investigation in front of them, they may question your intent, and sometimes even believe you're up to no good.  They don't want their deceased relatives subjected to what they see as a sign of disrespect.  Simply wait for them to leave before conducting any activity in a cemetery, day or night.

On the subject of cemeteries; Most caretakers do not want you there.  That doesn't mean you sneak in when they're not around.  Respect their wishes and look for another place to investigate.......there are plenty of them.  The reason the caretakers are so reluctant to give permission is many fold.  1. They are responsible for seeing there is no damage done to the property.  2.  They attempt to keep the sanctity of the sight in tact.  3. If too many people find out there is something out there, it becomes a circus and draws the cemetery bad publicity in some cases.  What I suggest is getting together with other groups in your area and do this just one time.  This gives you a chance to meet other groups, show the caretakers of the property you're organized and serious, and may even earn you some respect, as you took the time to plan this out and  minimizied the inconvenience for the caretakers.

If you are told "NO", that is the only answer you need.  Thank them for their time, but let them know you may come back in a year to ask again.  Leave them your card if you have one .......sometimes they may change their mind and call you.  Don't be pushy, if you don't go see them in person, only call or leave a message once.  Wait at least 10 days if you don't hear from them, and make a second attempt to talk to them.  If you get no response, you probably won't and the answer is "NO".

These are lessons I learned from experience, either my own or seeing others in action.  I'm trying to save the newer investigators a lot of time, heartache, and possible fines by allowing you to know how our group operates.  I won't tell you what to do, but this is time tested information I'm passing on free of charge.  Use it or don't, but don't say you've never been taught differently!