GO ON...


We have been around since 1997. We are the largest and oldest group in the State of New York. Since starting the group in 1997, 20 organizations have popped up in New York. Now we personally don’t know all of them, but know many of them. Many people complain that groups do not work together; I’d like to take a moment and explain why.

Every person has their own belief system and that goes for paranormal research. We often have varying theories and investigative techniques. We respect the differences and invite varying techniques. We have problems with people or groups that often fake their credentials. For example, one person claims he is a "Demonologist". Another group in Central New York all carry credentials as Certified "Ghost Hunter", "Paranormal Investigator", "EVP Specialist" or (hee hee) "Certified Grief Counselors to the dead".

These people can claim anything they want and it doesn’t mean it is true. Let’s review the facts then you decide what’s real and what isn’t:

1. There is NO accredited University or College in the United States that offer Parapsychology as a major. Many do research, but none offer it in a degree program. There are a few legitimate Parapsychologists out there (Loyd Auerbach for example) he was able to tailor the program with a University.
2. The paranormal is the unknown. No one person has the answers, even Parapsychologists. The theories floating around are conjecture and speculation.
3. People claiming to hold a PhD in Parapsychology most likely bought their degrees from a "degree mill". I personally have real problems with people who claim to hold such degrees and 1) Can’t even spell "Parapsychologist" and 2) haven’t completed the hard work it takes to obtain a PhD.
4. Any person with a printer can deem another a "Ghost Hunter", "Paranormal Researcher", "EVP Specialist", "Grief Counselor" or any other title. The people who hold these credentials are fools who parted with their hard earned money. They paid some self-proclaimed "expert" to certify them. This expert bought his PhD and decided to dupe people into paying him for a home study course. This home study course is nothing more than the equivalent of what is found in a Fate magazine article, ghost hunting handbook or research based knowledge. Don’t believe these claims. No one has the answers. NO ONE! That’s why it is the unknown.
5. We all seek answers to the unknown. But let’s stop running around screaming and yelling what is a ghost and what isn’t. Most of the evidence presented claiming to be paranormal in nature is poor. No one knows for certain that "orbs" or "ecto" or "vortex" is anything paranormal in nature. It could be atmospheric, geological, dust, pollen; moisture etc…These anomalies caught on film could have very logical explanations. Start using common sense and stop promoting ignorance.
6. Just because you hang out your shingle claiming you are a "Demonologist" doesn’t make you. The term is ridiculous. There are a few out there who can legitimately call themselves one, but they have had years of education, experience and contacts with clergy and religious institutions. It isn’t a "calling". Why is it that the new breed of "Demonologists" out there are in their 20’s, have no experience, or claim to have worked with Ed Warren, John Zaffis or other respected researcher out there. You can’t read a pamphlet or book and proclaim yourself an expert. Get the education, experience and know how first. You wouldn’t claim yourself a M.D if you didn’t earn it would you?
7. Many groups out there promote and foster their beliefs on people wanting their help. Why would you do this? Every person must work within their own belief system. No religion is better than the other, because everyone’s relationship with their God is theirs. I actually heard of one group who prompted a client to conduct rituals involving their children to rid their house of spirits. They never visited the house. Again, it is the unknown and why are they promoting their beliefs and involve children! This same person became a Demonologist overnight! No education, experience or contacts! BEWARE OF THESE SHYSTERS!
8. Many complain of rigid standards and control in Ghost Hunting Groups. Why wouldn’t you want that in a group? Do you really want a group that looks at a tree and scream that it’s a ghost? Do you want to see a grown woman look at black picture and proclaim that it contains many ghosts? Do you want a group to post a picture of "orbs" while you see them standing there with umbrellas? Groups have been forced to compile rules and protocols because of frauds and scam artists who run around showing their ignorance (many of them get television deals too!) It’s about time we have a uniform set of rules and standards to get rid of these frauds and charlatans!
9. Stop proclaiming you have been a Paranormal Investigator since your conception. I have been investigating haunted locale since I was 19, but never told anyone I did. I formed my group and started investigating in 1997. Why is it that all these people you never heard of have been in the field forever? Get real, you know how long you have been doing this and investigating your crib and potty chair doesn’t count!


Here are a few sites I invite you to look at. I am not the only one who feels the same way. For those of you still believing you need to see "credentials" go visit Fiona’s site at:
http://www.hollowhill.com/ghost-hunting/parapsychologydegree.htm

For those of you who think the dust rising from your rug is the spirit of your Aunt Matilda please read this:
http://paranormal.about.com/od/ghosthuntinggeninfo/a/aa112706.htm

So there it is… I may personally pissed off a lot of you, but I offer no apologies. It’s time we separate from these "Reality Show Wannabes" and watch them crash and burn. Let’s get back into the reason we all started doing this, because we search for the answers!