To me, I think it matters because, despite all their fallacies, these shows tend to be the only form of paranormal investigation that the public sees. Thus, they equate their actions with those of all groups. I would like to think that most people are informed enough to know that these types of shows are for entertainment only, but sometimes it seems like every client views you as TAPS or at least that is the standard by which you are judged.

The average client appears to think that every investigation will bring the same results as the heavily edited tv ghost hunts. They sometimes perceive a lack of exciting evidence to be a deficiency in skills of the investigator, and generally won't acknowledge that their residence is not haunted or has a perfectly explainable reason for the "haunting". Real investigation is like watching paint dry, and about as exciting. For clients expecting thrills, spills, and chills like they see on GH or other paranormal shows, this is frowned upon. A trend I have noticed lately, is that it becomes quite popular with friends and neighbors to have your supposed ghosts hunted, and be the talk of the neighborhood association. With pressure like that to produce evidence, I am sure those types of clients don't care about the authenticity.

Fair enough. Do you think that without paranormal shows, people would be less likely to seek confirmation of a pre-conceived bias such as you describe above?

That is a tough question. If they are at their wit's end, and in genuine need, I think so. I guess what I am wondering is that in a world without paranormal shows, would it be as "fashionable" to have your home investigated and receive the bragging rights associated with such. There would still be folks like that, I think. The need for attention was there before the popularity of ghost hunters, but it was less socially acceptable to admit or say that your house might be haunted.

Interesting debate

Andy

Y'know – it's funny – I never even considered the whole bragging rights thing. Especially when it comes to resale value. I remember about 15 years ago a house in town that had had a horrific triple murder many years ago. Of course the house was reputed to be haunted. The good news for the owners, who tried for YEARS to sell it was that it was along a street that eventually became zoned for commercial use, and they sold it so that an Albertsons and attendant mini-mall types of businesses could be built there. When it was up for sale as a home, no one would touch it. So that is really interesting to contemplate how much it has changed!

Ryan and Julia – you both make really good points, as well. I'd be interested to hear from someone who doesn't believe it matters.

Hehe, y'know my wife was thinking about going into reality just so we could get an inside track on properties with problematic pasts and reputed hauntings. Always been my dream to own (not necessarily live in) my very own research site..

Here's a question for debate. Does it really matter if paranormal television shows fake evidence? I'm not saying they do or they don't, and I'm not saying that it matters or it doesn't. I'd be interested to hear from those who think it matters and why they feel that way, and I am interested to hear from those who don't think it matters and why they feel that way.

Discuss. Politely, please. /smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='^_^' />

My thoughts on this are simple. If you put yourself out there as "real", tell the truth. If you put yourself out there as entertainment, then entertain. Just be up front about your purpose.

I'm sad to say that sometimes I do have my cooking ingredients all pre-measured in little bowls. I find that mise en place helps me when timing is an issue. If it isn't, I just dump…

Big meals it's great, holidays and such. I just normally dump.

I did 2 loads fo dishes today from cooking, I get into anti dish moods. /laugh.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

My mom gave me some old recipes from my grandmother when I was young.

The chocolate cake recipe comes to mind. Two glasses of flour, a half a glass of water, and so on with glass measuring.

When I was young and made the cake, I asked my mom, what's up with the glass measurement.

Her answer, old country we were poor, not fancy shpancy. no measuring cups. Just grab a drinking glass. Mom, I have all different sizes. She said, see your too fancy. /laugh.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

I've sort of adopted this style, grab and throw.

My mother never measures a thing. Amazing cook.

Hope your foot feels better. Half my butt is turning green, once a month someone elses horse manages to kick me.

I'm hitting the pain meds. /wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' />