Is there anyone out there with experience in researching the paranormal?

Question

I would like to investigate around my town and other surrounding towns. I'm kind of afraid to ask older citizens, because it is a small town, and I don't want people talking about me being crazy, (which I'm absolutely not, by the way- I just have a real interest.) Any way, I can only do so much on the Internet, and I don't really know where to look. I'm not looking to get scammed or made fun of, I just really want some help, I have seen too many quacks when it comes to stuff like this, any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

i have some experience in this field.and pretty good accuracy on  knowing a house or building or place were i pass by i feel right away if something is there and sometimes can determine exact location.mostly ghosts,spirits,shadow people.and a hauntings.are what i have delt with.

Answer 2

Put an add out in the paper. Look for a club or course related to this subject. I promise, there are people out there just like you. Maybe, you can start up your own little club in your local area.

First, you gota find out, what expertise do you need. Computer, researcher etc, etc. Ask these people if they would be interested in helping you with an experiment to do with ghosts.  Those who get spooked, they are soooo interested, believe in ghosts but are scared they're get haunted. You kinda need people who are skeptic

Answer 3

First, if you care too much about what other people think you won't get very far. Would you choose not to become a medical doctor because I believe that girls aren't good at math and could never meet the requirements to get into medical school? I certainly hope not.

Second, if you take an open minded approach I think people in general (not everyone as demonstrated in this section) will respond at least politely to you. Just ask non leading questions and don't make up your mind until you have the data (facts, opinions, etc.)

Two good but very basic books are "How To Find A Ghost" by James M. Deem and "The Paranormal Investigator's Handbook" Eds. Valerie Hope & Maurice Townsend.

Also, anything on Urban Legends by Jan Brunvand (I like the first "The Vanishing Hitchhiker") might be helpful.

The first link below lists reportedly haunted locations.

The second link is to an Urban Legends page.

Answer 4

try a mail drop... put together a questionaire and put it in an envelope... and then get some friends to go and drop one through as many doors as possible...

Sure, those that think the paranormal is "whacky" may not reply, but you will get responses from those who are interested...

That way, you instantly get a percentage of those who are real believers, and those who don't or can't be bothered...

And any answers on the returned questionaires will answer any other questions you may have...

And best yet, you don't need to put your name to any of it... in fact it's best not to as even something like a name can influence peoples responses.

Just put a return address on it and if you can afford it, a stamped return envelope too.

Good luck!

Answer 5

It is tuff to get started. You have many questions I know. If ya try the site...meetup.com....you can find groups in your area. It will show you people in your area or close by. It can be helpful. Going out and asking you may not get the answers your looking for. I'm in Montana and am getting started myself. It takes time. Don't get to frustrated. There are people out there that will help. Just ask.......

Answer 6

I can understand your curiosity when it comes to the paranormal.  I had such curiosity too at a younger age.  I encourage you to explore your interest with an open mind.  Take nothing for granted and believe nothing until you have convincing evidence.

While you're at it, you might want to consider why people might see you as crazy.  More importantly, you might also consider why in your experience only quacks are involved in the paranormal.

Answer 7

people will think your nuts,

people will think your right,

people will think your brave for doing it anyway.

get some friends to do it with you, it will really help with finding places and with not being the "only crazy one"

never go ghost hunting by yourself, you may be entering a strangers home or a place your not legally suppose to be in, there is safety in numbers.

ask friends if they know of a haunted place, more older people have given up what others think, so they are sometimes more open to noticing and wanting it checked out.

it is really easy to look into every haunted place in a town, I gave up due to lack of places to go look.

Answer 8

Great places to get leads concerning the paranormal is with the police in your area.  They see alot and patrol cemeteries often.  If you are not comfortable doing that, then you and a friend just go to a cemetery during the day with a recorder and a camera and see what there might be to see and hear.  There will come a time when you will need to interview a person concerning events happening around them.  Practice with a friend.  Learn the right things to say and not to say.  Just remember, you're not crazy.  And if you are, you are in good company cause there are plenty of us just like you out there.

Answer 9

Approaching paranormal phenomena from a research perspective is often difficult because even when the phenomena are seen as real they may be difficult to explain using existing rules or theory. By definition, paranormal phenomena exist outside of conventional norms.

here are some links that you may consider useful,

best wishes in your enterprise!

http://www.paranormal-research.org/

http://www.the-atlantic-paranormal-socie...

http://www.paranormalresearchfoundation....

Answer 10

If you have a good book store in your town, hang out in the paranormal section and see if others are looking for books in that section.  Good place to find people with same interests. Just ask them if they have every had a paranormal experience.

Answer 11

I have had a lot of experience doing investigations both in private residences and in public buildings.

I understand that you do not want people to think you are crazy. I went through that as well, but the more I put myself out there, the more I discovered that people actually have a lot of respect for what I do and how I conduct myself - even those that don't believe in ghosts.

Also, there will always be some people who think you are a little cooky or even a witch - and so what? To each their own right? you know the truth- and that's what matters. :)

The most important advice I can give you is to never go do an investigation on your own unless you know the people very well. Bring a friend. Even if they only sit in the car while you do your thing its still safer than being alone.

One thing I strongly recommend for people just starting out is to check out their local or state/provincial ghost and hauntings society. They are usually free to join and they arrange investigations that you can participate in. Its a nice safe way to get your foot in the door. And you get to meet other like minded people - and that's always fun too.

Another option is to just let your friends and family know that this is something you are interested in doing, and ask them to mention it to anyone they think might be interested in having you come to investigate their place.

That is how I got started, and now I have been featured on 2 different tv shows so far.

I hope that helps.

Answer 12

I know what you mean..I also live in a small town. People here are very accepting though. I started by asking people in old hotels if they had seen or heard any "Funny Business" from ghosts.The response I was amazing. So i started going to cemeteries(be careful take a friend and go in the daytime)and just taking some photos. I got some results.Next I photographed inside old churches and hotels(with permision of course).I always found it helpful to say that I was just doing research for college. Then people don't think you are crazy. Of course for those of US who know these things are true, We love the adventure, So let me know how this works! I'd love to hear from you again =)