By the way – I don't want to be misunderstood as saying that I don't believe unity can be achieved, because I do. But I don't believe it can be achieved by assuming that we all have the same goal – in fact I believe that unity can only be achieved by recognizing the fact that we don't all have common goals – and that's okay. I believe that the chief source of conflict in the paranormal community is the absolute lack of respect for others' goals. I heard many people state that the only way we can move forward is to stop debating certain issues. In other words, we must succumb to other's beliefs or ideas in order to make any progress. In fact, this idea is absolutely antethetical to progress. Laws are formed – scientific discoveries are found – all through debate – questioning what the best course of action should be – arguing ideas – dispelling illogical assumptions…these are the seeds of progress… not submissiveness. It's diversity of ideas and opinions, and hashing those differences out that form truths. Rather than taking offense to constructive criticism (arguments for an idea or thought – not slanderous remarks toward a person's character) we should thoughtfully consider opposing arguments and allow all information available to us mold our conlusions. That's how, as a community, we will be unified and move forward.

Im curious. I'm not quite sure that I'm studying the paranormal, but maybe reading, listening to the idea of what others think the paranormal is.

I have no idea, and seeking a definition and factual scientific data on the paranormal. I'm someone who needs the facts, and don't really care about what the answer is, just looking for the truth.

I don't deny other people having an experience, I just have never had one. I think a paranormal question to people could have a million answers, as unique as the individual.

As far as the paranormal community coming together, I don't think so. Once you rule out the money people, and get people who are truly interested, they appear to go off on their own, and continue their research. I've just read about too many investigators getting burnt, and I can't blame them.

Then you have beliefs, and I think that will always be in the back of ones mind when looking for the truth.

It's human nature.

I thought the other day, maybe to be sheltered from every thing we know of, gods , death, ghosts, and paranormal.

A person who would have no idea what these things are. So to speak a paranormal virgin.

I wonder what they would ask, if invited on an investigation. I wonder what their view would be on the whole process.

I couldn't agree more with this point- everyone has a different reason and typically self-serving cause. And there's certainly nothing wrong with that.

In all honesty, I don't completely understand the desire to prove the paranormal to non believers. It's like trying to convert someone to your religion. They'll either find it themselves or they won't. Or they'll find something else completely.

I know that my life has been filled with experiences that are undeniably paranormal. And some of these experiences have happened with a non-believing friend present. Even when it's in front of their face, or sitting right next to them(literally!)they would not accept it. Dragging non-believers along with me did nothing but add more to my own resume of experiences.

To me, it's always been about trying to not be afraid. Trying to somehow make sense of something completely arcane- trying to wrap my mind around something obscure that has effected me in some way, on some level.

I honestly don't think that what science we have can help explain much about ghosts other than possibly track their presence. What is far more amazing than that is that our own bodies can sense, hear and track them without mechanical functions- and often with far more intensity and accuracy. Ultimately it will be the existence of spirits that will help us understand a little more about the science behind our universe. Not the other way around. And if I remember correctly- there were many people that believed the world was flat. But people not believing didn't stop others from sailing around it anyway.

Thanks for sharing your opinions Jilla and welcome to PUG!

Thanks so much! I've been on the Ghost Hunters forum for awhile and was encouraged to sign up here by NoWhammies- so I finally did it! Better late than never! This place is GREAT!