Here are answers to the most popular questions about Hollow Hill’s free courses:

1. Is this course really free?

Yes, it is. We firmly believe that more research can lead to better answers about ghosts and hauntings. So, we’re eager to provide basic ghost hunting information, free of charge.

Our basic ghost hunting course is delivered automatically, in four lessons, by email. Or, you can read the lessons and listen to the MP3s online at the Introduction to Ghost Hunting free course pages.

(Note: We hate spam as much as you do.  Your email address will not be given to anyone outside Hollow Hill, ever.  And, you can ask to leave the list at any time, by clicking on the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of every email.)

2. How long is the course and how often will I receive lessons?

The introductory course includes four weekly lessons.  The lessons are sent to you once a week by our automated mailing service.

(We use Aweber’s auto-responder services; they handle all of our mailings.  At Hollow Hill, Fiona writes the lessons.  Everything else is handled outside our office by the Aweber mailing service.)

You will receive lessons approximately once a week, but that may vary with our mailing service’s schedule, and can be delayed a day or two by holidays, weekends, etc.

The lessons are delivered by email with a link to a PDF file and an MP3 recording, but you will also receive a link to a webpage where you can view and/or listen to the lesson if that’s easier for you.

3. I didn’t receive a lesson (or any lessons, or the certificate). What can I do?

If you received the lessons but not the certificate, check your spam folder.  The certificate email is probably there.  The certificate is sent from the same address as the rest of the course, and — like the lessons — it’s sent automatically.  We have no control over it.

For all other course/email issues, here’s our reply:

Generally, the problem is spam blockers. HollowHill.com is so popular, it’s often spoofed by spammers. For a couple of days after each bout of spam, all HollowHill.com email can be blocked by spam filters. So, be sure that you’ve whitelisted the following address:

intro-ghosthunting@hollowhill.com

If your email service doesn’t allow you to whitelist individual addresses, add that address to your address book (or list) in your email. That generally lets emails through the spam filter.

If that still doesn’t resolve the problem, sign up for the course again, with a different email address. Different email services use different filters.

In the meantime, here’s the link to the first lesson:
http://www.hollowhill.com/courses/IGH/part1.htm

Sincerely,
Fiona Broome

4. My address changed / I missed a lesson / I need the lessons sooner.

First read response #3, above.

We aren’t able to change your address or rush the sequence of lessons.  However, if you urgently need the next lesson, you can usually click through to it at the website version of the course.

Because the course will take most people at least four weeks to complete — if they follow all the steps and recommendations of the course — the completion certificate isn’t available until after the fourth week’s lesson.

The link to the certificate is not at any webpage.  Unless you register for the course by email, you will not receive a certificate.

5. When and how will I receive my free certificate for completing the course?

A week after you receive your fourth lesson, you’ll get an email with a link to your free certificate. You’ll download the file, print it, and fill in the blanks.

You may fill in your name with any software that can modify a PDF. Or, you can print the certificate and add your name by hand, or in calligraphy.

We recommend that you print the certificate on high-quality, parchment style paper. It can be an impressive addition to any display of credentials.

6. Will there be more courses?

Yes, Fiona is writing a couple of new online courses right now.  However, while some worksheets are free, most of additional in-depth courses will require a small fee.

Fiona’s books also include more advanced information. After the Introduction to Ghost Hunting course, we recommend Ghost Hunting in Haunted Cemeteries: A How-To Guide.

7. Can I attend Fiona’s courses, offline?

Because Fiona is busy conducting on-site research and writing books, she rarely teaches offline.

In the future, Fiona may teach individual workshops through shops and at events.  However, except for her annual Dragon*Con workshops, and supplementary classes for past students, she has not scheduled any new classes for 2009 and 2010.

8. Can I go ghost hunting with Fiona Broome or Hollow Hill?

Generally, the Hollow Hill research team is an informal group of Fiona’s associates and some former students.  Those investigations are by invitation only.

However, from time to time, Hollow Hill sponsors open events to meet new ghost hunters.  They are usually free and there is no waiting list; watch HollowHill.com for announcements.

Fiona also accepts invitations from ghost hunting groups, including newly formed groups, when her schedule permits her some free time.  Use the Contact form above to invite her.

Do you have other questions about our free course? Use the Contact form, linked above, to ask us. Thanks!