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!

Glad you made it over. Welcome. /smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':o' />

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!

Thanks Jilla! So glad you finally made it over. Post away! lol

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!

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!

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.

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.

So true Symp. That is the inherent problem with a field of study that is so elusive. As objective as I try so hard to be...I am still tainted by my own beliefs, and there is no real way to separate myself from those beliefs no matter how hard I try.

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.

Bryan, we have an article in the February issue of Paranormal Underground magazine from a new paranormal researcher. In her short time investigating, she has already seen the drama, the fighting. She advocates a unity between paranormal investigators because without it, advancing the field will be harder and take longer. We all do have the same ultimate goal don't we? Finding answers.

I'd like to say we all want to find answers - but I have found that simply is not the case. Many already think they have the answers and want to find proof to validate their preconceived beliefs. I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with that - to each their own - BUT it is often those types who get angry when those of us who are not so convinced question those who believe they already have the answer. I have run into to drama - NOT because I think I know it all or because somebody called somebody a name - the drama developed from uncommon objectives. I strive for absolute objectivity (though that is not really possible - but I try) and there are those who would call me a skeptic, cynic, non-believer etc. because I approach the presentation of data with a critical eye. But I do so not because I want to disprove what others believe - I want to know the truth, no matter how elusive that truth may be - and I don't want that truth tainted with subjectivity.

^^ I picture that scene in "Tropic Thunder" with Tom Cruise trying to bribe Matthew McConaghey...

I am in this simply to find personal truths. I believe proof is a personal thing, to each seeker. I just try to make sense of the things that I find and meet some great people along the way!

Andy

As I expected...many of us have a variety of reasons for studying the paranormal. So it isn't surprising that there is so much debate in the community. Many of us have different goals and therefore will have different approaches in obtaining those goals. This is something that I think many of us forget. While, as in any large community, there are certain individuals who simply want to make trouble - I don't believe that is the case with the majority. I believe that by large, most disagreements and conflicts arise due to different objectives. I think it would behoove us all to keep that in mind. I'm not saying this based on anything I have read in this particular forum - I'm speaking of the general discussions I have participated in, as a whole.

My answer is similar to Andy's. I'd like to find answers as to why I had paranormal experiences in the past. Why do some people have these experiences and others don't? Why do they happen in some locations more than others? Why, Why, Why!

Making sense of why, how, when, etc., things are happening intrigues me.

Bryan, we have an article in the February issue of Paranormal Underground magazine from a new paranormal researcher. In her short time investigating, she has already seen the drama, the fighting. She advocates a unity between paranormal investigators because without it, advancing the field will be harder and take longer. We all do have the same ultimate goal don't we? Finding answers.

DITTO! I have no problem of being thought of as lame. I have been called worse. Insatiably curious is why I chose the career I did and why I am an investigator and not a ghost hunter.

I also don't limit my studies to ghosts. I study everything considered paranormal to include everyone that considers themselves as part of the Paranormal Community and who posts their opinions, photos, etc on the internet. People to me are the basis for all things paranormal. That's where it all starts IMO.

I have to say however, that I can't group myself with the majority. I am not in it for any reason than my own selfish ones. Sounds cold? Maybe but it's honest.

NoWhammies said it very well, so I don't mind openly copying her answer, lol.

I study everything too and try to look at all sides.

I have addressed this in debates over EVP's and a few other areas in the past. Could our egos be hindering some of the work we do?

I think it may and in some cases our egos may even be guiding us in a direction away from the answers we seek.

Isn't that the truth? I know it is true for me. Ego and agenda are my two biggest blocks to objectivity.