Introduction to Ghost Hunting
This page is part of our free
Introduction to Ghost Hunting course.
REASONS FOR GHOST HUNTING
The following notes may help you understand your interests in ghost hunting, and set goals.
To answer a question
Do ghosts exist?
What happens when people die?
Where do ghosts live?
Are there other real things in the paranormal world?
Is residual energy real?
Think about the kinds of proof you'd need, to feel that you've answered your major questions. Also consider
how long you'll search before deciding that maybe there are no answers... not in this world, anyway.
Fun and entertainment
Consider your choices and start with one or two, such as TV shows, movies,
ghost tours, events and conferences, stage performances, paid ghost hunts, free local ghost hunts, etc.
Decide ahead of time how much time and money you're willing to spend. Stick to your budget.
Is it important if the entertainer is just a performer? Is it okay if some or all of it is just an act?
If it has to be 100% real, or mostly real, how will you know when someone's faking the performance? Go on a few
local, real investigations -- not paid, public investigations -- to see what real ghost hunting is like. Then
you'll know what's 'too good to be true' or exagerrated for the performance.
If you're looking for a 'good scare', keep safety issues in mind. Know what's fun, and when logic is
telling you that you're not safe. Always follow your 'gut feeling' if you think you might be in real danger.
Keeping a friend company
Find out what your friend needs, besides companionship. Should you be the voice of logic?
Tell him or her when it's getting late, or something seems dangerous, or too expensive? Ask!
If you decide to get involved with ghost hunting, set your own goals.
Just because your friend has more experience with this subject, don't assume that he or she is an expert.
Fame, fortune, power and popularity
If you want to be on the cover of People magazine or on the Forbes list of richest people, this isn't the best field.
According to Google Trends, searches for "ghost hunters" and "ghost hunting" have been declining since Halloween 2007. Searches for "ghosts" and "haunted places" have declined steadily since late 2004.
Market yourself to a niche. Pick one or combine them in your own unique way: Believer or skeptic, with a focus on science, psychic realms, or folklore, in a particular area or aspect of this field.
Select your PR and income opportunities: TV shows, radio, writing, events, your own tours, a membership website, etc.
Beware of scams and con artists. Check all of the person's credentials, not just one! The more impressive the
reference or claim, the more important it is to verify it. Never spend (or give, or loan) money that you can't afford to lose.
If the money is intended for a charity, write the check to the charity, not to the person who's
supposedly collecting the money for them.
Set a clear, achievable career goal. It could be money, number of fans, being on a particular TV show, number of
public investigations, etc.
When you've reached that goal, work towards a new and different goal. Complacency is
like the dinner bell for critics, trolls, moles and gossips. Always complete what you start, and then announce your
new, exciting project.
