by Karen Frazier, Managing Editor
Paranormal Underground Magazine

I think I’m getting cranky in my old age. I watch the debates surrounding the paranormal field, and to me it often seems like a case of same old shit, different day. Here’s the deal. Different groups have different goals, varying investigative styles, disparate philosophies and often different motivations. That doesn’t mean anyone else is wrong. It also doesn’t mean that what they are doing is “as seen on television.”

Yes – we are all aware that there is a new breed of ghost hunter out there – the TV wannabes. Still, even those who got into the field by watching television can contribute in their own unique ways. I’ve seen groups who saw something on television and thought, “Hey – I’d like to try that!” and then as they began to explore the paranormal, they educated themselves by talking to others and finding new ways of investigating.

I have to say – I’m a little more laid back about investigation than many. I’m an absolute neophyte as far as investigation goes, of course. But I’m in it for the ghosts. I want to meet them, get to know them, form a relationship with them. Because of that, I’m not a fan of guerilla ghost hunting. I believe that if you wouldn’t treat living, breathing human beings that way, why would you treat dead ones in such a manner? Still, it isn’t my place to judge how others choose to pursue the paranormal. I’ve never really talked with guerilla ghost hunters, so I don’t know what motivates them or drives them. And it isn’t my place to judge.

I tend to be a little bit of a shining eyed idealist. I’d like to see the paranormal field filled with people who respect what others do and see that we can all work together towards common goals. I don’t worry so much about what others are doing. I figure that they are adults and can police themselves. I didn’t sign up as the paranormal cops, and differing styles and focuses can bring diversity to the field. You just never really know what’s going to work.

This is all my long windy way of saying this: It’s a big field. We don’t know much. There’s room for everyone – regardless of how they choose to investigate. Let’s stop worrying about one another and try to work together. And if we can’t work together, let’s just leave one another to our own devices. I’m looking for paranormal utopia so that I can put my rose-colored glasses back on.

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