Many people — including me — think the Salem Inn is one of the best places for ghost hunters to stay when they’re in the Salem area.

Cheerfully, Fiona

I have been to only one ghostock and, from here in Virginia, was surprised there even were such events (that’s how out of the main stream I’ve been as I don’t watch much TV and instead was interested from my own experiences). And to be honest, the most recent little amateurish stuff I’ve done all on my own in places that I was visiting, often for other reasons, left me a little “spooked”. It was this May–stayed in a very haunted place In Rye, England (orbs and energy everywhere but by morning, camera disc wiped out) — but got a BAD, sickish feeling. Husband had nightmare.. (Have also had pleasant ghostly experiences so don’t mean to say I think it is always bad energy). But that told me this isn’t such a simple little “past-time” but something going on to be taken very seriously. Still, what I enjoyed about the Ghostock was gettting to hear some of the speakers as well as being with others of a more open mind. (None of my friends nor my husband have any interest if even any belief in any of this.)

Anyway, I hope to run into you when and if there is some day a serious-minded gathering of this sort once all the dust settles, and thanks again.
Dee

Thanks for asking! I can’t speak for Patrick, but here’s how I see it:

Like many ghost conferences in 2009, I’m pretty sure that the numbers did not make GhoStock a profitable event. (In fact, many of us appeared at that event, free of charge, to keep the overhead low.) I liked the relatively small crowd, because I had a chance to talk with so many people… but events cost more than most people realize, and attendance is vital to at least break even.

I’ve seen many events canceled at the last minute, since then.

The financial issues are partly due to the economy, but also because there have been a glut of ghost-related events, and ghost hunting is not as trendy as it once was. Many people are moving on to vampires, etc.

There have also been credibility issues. To meet the demand of an increasing number of ghost-related events, entertainers entered the field… and they weren’t always honest about whether they were genuinely psychic, or even very experienced in professional-level paranormal research.

Frankly, I find that even more chilling than any ghost encounter I’ve witnessed. When people pay hefty prices for event tickets, they deserve authentic experiences and advice that will help them with their own research.

Oh, some people — especially those who’ve been visible in this field since before the “Ghost Hunters” TV show launched ghost hunting to extreme popularity — have always been honest, and — like me — they’ve tried to avoid (or even expose) the frauds in this field. But… sometimes we’re fooled, along with everyone else.

So, as much as I enjoyed GhoStock and other events I’ve appeared at, I’m a little relieved that the industry is shifting gears. As the field regroups, I think it will re-emerge with higher quality events.

When fame & fortune stop being incentives for people to misrepresent themselves in ghost hunting, you’ll see the real researchers are still here… while everyone else reinvents themselves to appeal to the audiences (and wallets) of whatever the new trend is.

I don’t mean to sound cynical. This is a normal cycle of fads and trends.

I’m really looking forward to events where everyone is serious about this work, and we can exchange information about our research and what that means about ghosts and ghost hunting. But, until that happens, I think you’ll see fewer events.

Thanks for asking! The Salem Inn keeps a special guest book for people who’ve encountered spirits at the Inn, and they can tell you which are the best, most haunted rooms. It was my first time in the Inn, and it’s a combination of houses, so I’m not sure where we walked as we went up stairs, along corridors, etc.

It’s a wonderful place to stay. I was delighted to find it, so I can tell others to stay there. The location is relatively quiet (important when the Halloween crowds can be boisterous at night… similar to Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter), elegant, and really conveys a sense of the history of Salem.

I’m sure you and your family will enjoy your visit!

Cheerfully, Fiona