What do you think of those who claim to be investigators of the Paranormal?

Question

How many of these investigators running around on YA do you think are legit and how many do you think are doing thinking it makes them look cool to others? How many do you think seriously look for proof, and how many do you think are thrill seekers with little or no experience what so ever. How many do you think would pee their panys if confronted by a real entity? Just curious, what do you guys and gals think?

Answer 1

Anyone can claim to be a paranormal investigator - there's no training course or college that teaches that beyond courses in psychology, physics, logic, and critical thinking - and critical thinking is often lost on people who would rather believe they are investigating actual paranormal experiences, rather than, say, a settling house, mice, and bad wiring.

Answer 2

Well as in any other field when something comes out on television there will be an influx of people drawn to it. And of course the scam artists look to fill their niche with any thing that they can.  There are many legitimate groups out there, and it is a shame that their reputation suffers because of the scams and the thrill seekers. But this is so in any profession. There are those who are spiritual and passionate about their feilds and those who wish to exploit it.

Answer 3

Since your question asks about what we think as to the legitimacy of the self-described paranormal investigators here on yahoo answers, I suggest that we don't know with any surety what to think!  There is too much room for posturing and fakery, and motivation galore for attention seekers.  Since the recent the popularity of television featuring "ghost hunting" it is anybody's guess if even ANY are legit.  As to their motivation, whether thrill seeking, status seeking or seriously looking for proof it would be difficult to even take a guess.  Especially since this is an internet forum and it would be impossible to substantiate the claims of the contributors...

As to whether they would have courage upon confronting an entity is anyone's guess.

This is just my view as a NON paranormal investigator.  No offense intended to those who are legit and in it only for the sake of indisputable proof, required to satisfy our natural curiosity of "unnatural" happenings!

Answer 4

I think there are definitely both, the thrill seekers and those who really want to be systematic and investigate. It's hard to say who is legit, though, since there is no real certification or training for being a ghost hunter. I know that some paranormal organizations are offering their own certifications, but that seems rather arbitrary to me.

Answer 5

Nuff, that is hard to answer.

If some of them actually was faced with a "real entity", yes they would most likely pee their pants.

Some of them that think that every speck of dust is a ghost or every sound is a haunting.

I see some of them acting like none of this is a big deal.  That doesn't settle right with me.  I see some of them getting free advertising while on here.  Then there are the self proclaimed "know it all's", suggesting that "I" need to study up on the paranormal & open my eyes.  My eyes have been opened since I was a child.

Some of "us" are in this because of an experience that we may have had & are trying to search for some "reasonable answers.

I have more questions than answers.  That is just the way it is.  If I had all the proof & all the answers, then I wouldn't be here, thats for sure.

There is nothing cool about this field, especially if you go into it blind & cockey.  This can be dangerous for your self & others.  Not to mention people who seek some kind of desperate help for answers.  

I just ignore the petty ignorance of some, you have too.

Answer 6

Ive often thought this to myself..Id say most of them lately all want to get into it, because its becoming popular on TV, and they find it exciting, and thrilling.. Bit like a fantasy. And yes i really think most of them would pee themselves if they were ever confronted by an entity.. Then there are a few people that are really serious about trying to understand it better, and do their best to get evidence. I would say i think those people know who they are. And then there are people here just with experiences, and trying to find answers, and other peoples opinions and try and relate their experiences with others. Then there are just the people that have an interest in the subject....

Answer 7

The 'looky-lou' will be weeded out fairly soon, and should never be brought on a serious investigation! This isn't Halloween hi-jinks, kiddies--there's some very serious science to be dealt with and the squeamish are invited to NOT attend. If you are skeptical to the point of debunking everything, why should we even bother with you? We are here for God's truth and answers, not to look 'cool'. After you've had some real experiences and are serious as a heart attack about real knowledge, in an area that begs answers and not speculation and mis-information and ego-trips, then you may be invited on a 'hunt'. End of sermon.

Answer 8

Even though I cling to this section like a static charged sock - I'm not an investigator. Hopefully I don't come off as a poser or wannabe - I just like to give an outsider's viewpoint. I've never been on an investigation, but I have experienced stuff - some mundane but still weird and at least one terrifying event. I may try to join a local investigation group here in my new hometown when I free up my night time schedule.

As for the claims of others, I have to leave it up the the experts to weed out the phonies (I can't tell). I think the real investigators can stand up to the pressure brought on by the skeptics in here.

I say let the phonies play - sooner or later they'll trip themselves up.

Answer 9

scam artist

Answer 10

If they find a place in society and can make money doing it; BRAVO. I don't think we need proof of what we see. Just knowing there are many things beyond what we have a grasp on is discomforting. Why is there a doubt of the existance of paranormal entities? It is a bit frighening to believe in otherly things...Other than "God". If so many people believe in God or whatever; Why do they believe in a nonvisible being from a place called heaven that is "up there"; why not poltergist etcs? In the Bible there are many stories of beings coming in Chariots of Fire from the sky and the like. Wasn't it Lazerus that went into the "heavens" in a chariot of fire? Moses...Burning bush, pillar of fire. God spoke to him and gave us the laws for living. Hmmm..demons, dragons, ghosts, angels, what is the difference? I want to ride a unicorn into the fabric or time and chase dragons...(LOL Not chase the dragon...) People believe so many things they do not know or have proof of; Yet they want concrete proof of paranormal things... Is the step to accept that there is a different reality too steep for them? Show me how not to believe is all I can say.

One more thing...The Nazca Lines...explain that one...Oh let me think...there were surveyors on Earth that had really great vision and stood on the opposing mountains and sent word of where to carve up the hill in the shape of a man in a suit with a helment, mask and pet monkey and spiders and lines that go on for many miles almost perfectly straight ...yes, that is it he stood there sending messages in real time from miles away...yeah right: I don't think so...somebody was flying...

Answer 11

I'm not even going to guess about the other groups, but one thing I find hilarious is when we bring along a skeptic and something unexplained happens, it is them that screams or jumps.  Seen it happen on several occasions