We shouldn’t judge anyone, but we all do in some capacity. It’s human nature. I try not to judge, but I’m a very flawed human being; I will be the first one to admit that. Truly, everyone in the paranormal community is a bit judgy, we just don’t want to admit it. Others are a bit more subtle…but we see you.
It’s okay, we’re all human. It happens. Sometimes people just need to vent, while others may be planning elaborate schemes to “takedown” another person. I also hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if someone is gossiping and trash-talking to you about someone else, it’s only a matter of time before they do it to you.
Now that you’re totally paranoid and side-eying your friends, here’s a list of things that we all judge paranormal investigators for doing. Some of these things are just natural things to do and we need to stop judging people for doing. Other items on this list are problematic and toxic traits that just need to stop.
Boycotting investigators for petty reasons
This one is warranted if the investigator being boycotted was caught stealing, harming others, etc. But if an investigator is being boycotted for what they wear, their orientation, sobriety, their religion, their gender, their day job, etc., that’s petty. If you’re leading a boycott movement based on how an investigator looks or dresses, guess what? You’re being judged.
Allowing religious bias to taint perspectives
While the majority of the paranormal community seems to follow one mainstream religion (Christianity), not everyone aligns with that faith. There are thousands of other people who are pagan or follow another line of faith. When you have someone putting a Christian spin on everything in the field (like demons), there may be some judging happening, especially when the person they are communicating with doesn’t follow that faith.
Paraunity
I confess I judge people who are diehard for paraunity. Mainly because, well, I don’t believe in it. Do I support the idea behind paraunity? Definitely. Who isn’t on board with treating people with respect? In my personal experience, the ones who are shouting “paraunity” the loudest are the biggest offenders who cause the most division. Some of us are lone wolves and don’t want to work with other people. With the amount of backstabbing that happens in this field, some folks are really cautious about who they work with. Yet, these are the people who get the brunt of the paraunity hate.
Looping other people into their drama
This one drives me mad. I have enough of my own problems to deal with on a daily basis, I don’t need anyone else’s. Since about 2019, people have tried to loop me into their drama and asking me to be a bulldog for them. Here’s the deal, after all my years of toxic friendships where I was willing to be the bulldog, it only made me look bad in the end. Unless there’s clear black and white evidence that someone is being wronged, keep in mind that you’re only hearing one side of the story. Be careful about getting involved in other people’s drama.
Getting mad when the ghosts won’t speak to them
Oh, this one is my favorite. Just because you pay $100 to investigate a location, it doesn’t mean that the place isn’t haunted. If a ghost doesn’t want to talk to you, and they want to talk to your team member instead, that’s okay. This isn’t the zoo when someone who (willingly) paid money to go to a location expects the trained animals to perform. Hello, welcome to the paranormal field where you pay hundreds of dollars to sit in silence for eight hours. Spirits are not circus animals.
Completely dependent on equipment
Don’t get me wrong, paranormal equipment is great…ish. But it’s not going to prove the existence of ghosts anytime soon. I see people burning bridges and destroying friendships because they believe in a piece of tech SO MUCH that their entire paranormal career depends on it. Becoming too dependent on equipment can be harmful to any paranormal investigator. Actually, being hooked into just one area of the paranormal isn’t good, especially if you’re someone who wants to spread their wings and fly in this field.
Asking the same question over and over again
I didn’t think this was a real issue until I saw it firsthand several years ago. It’s one thing to repeat a question for further validation, but I don’t think it’s necessary to ask a spirit the same question a dozen times. Especially if it’s, “Uncross the rods if there’s a heaven”, “Cross the rods if there’s a heaven”, “Stand on your head if there’s a heaven.” Okay, I made up that last one. But think about it, wouldn’t you get annoyed if you were being asked the same question over and over again while doing multiple tricks? And we wonder why the spirits eventually stop responding?
Provoking
Yep. I will judge you for provoking, especially if you know better. Enough said. If you didn’t know provoking was wrong until this moment, now you know. Go and do better and be an amazing paranormal investigator with empathy!
Only following one person’s journey
There are so many facets to the paranormal community. There are also some brilliant people in the paranormal community who all come from different experiences and walks of life. That being said, you shouldn’t be depending on one person to feed you all of your entertainment and education. We all have our own personal bias when it comes to “ghost theory”, and it’s good to branch out. Then, you can take what you’ve learned from all of these people and figure out what works for you.
Worshipping paranormal celebrities
Going off of my previous comment, the same goes for paranormal celebrities. The talent you see on TV is just as human as the rest of us. Just because they are on television and have a massive following doesn’t mean that they are better than you. They may have more experience, but they are still learning about the field. Also, be gentle to the TV talent. They are people too.
Refusing to learn more
Oh, this one drives me nuts. There are paranormal investigators who are so set in their ways that they won’t even entertain the idea of learning about other theories, stories, research, the list goes on. If there is anything that you need to take away from this blog, it’s never stop learning. Once you become stagnant in your knowledge and practices, the paranormal field will be even more difficult to navigate. Keep pushing forward!
What silly thing do you judge other paranormal investigators for doing?
For decades, paranormal investigators and ghost hunters have been exploring the unknown. Storytelling and research are part of the process. We learn about the legends and lore behind haunted locations and other ghost stories. These elements go hand-in-hand like peanut butter and jelly. Or, chicken nuggets and barbecue sauce. And, now I’m hungry.
Our minds are powerful tools. Is it possible to simply manifest your own thoughts with a self-fulfilling prophecy, or completely create your own entity? For the sake of sanity and keeping track of my own thoughts, let’s move forward with the idea that spirits exist in some form.
Stories, Legends, & Lore
We need the stories and the historical context to better understand what’s going on behind the reports of alleged hauntings. Is it be possible that as more people learn the stories, all of that energy collects and creates a haunting? This could very well explain activity from the ghost of a person who never existed. Let’s consider popular locations that host investigators almost every night of the year. Each night, we tell the same stories. Perhaps that expectation is what is actually haunting us instead of a spirit?
Take Gettysburg as an example. People visit the battlefield, and history is on repeat. From reenactments to films to paintings to ghost walks to museums to even just sitting in a restaurant, Gettysburg’s story is on repeat. That energy has not had a chance to just rest in over two hundred years. Could it be possible that the apparitions that we see are merely from our own minds?
Manifestation & Intention
The manifestation of thoughts and intentions is becoming widely popular these days. On social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok especially, there are creators providing exercises and meditations for the manifestation of intentions. While paranormal investigators aren’t necessarily going through this intense process, many do set their intentions ahead of time of what entities they want to engage with. They may picture specific people in their heads or just a general idea of who they want to interact with.
Thoughtforms and Tulpas
Several years ago, I want to say 2011, I was made aware of the theories of thoughtforms and tulpas. I actually covered this subject quite extensively in my book, The Haunted Actor, where I theorized that hauntings come from people, especially emotionally powerful people like actors. To put it simply, all tulpas are thoughtforms, but not all thoughtforms are tulpas. Clear as mud, right?
This is where I derail the idea that hauntings are tulpas. Tulpa is Tibetan word for a being that was created by mental discipline. It takes intense thought and concentration to manifest an entity. There is a specific intention behind a tulpa, and its creation is not an accident. I’ve also read that tulpas are created through dismantling one’s own psyche. Meaning one creates a tulpa together by piecing together parts of yourself to create this being. Essentially, a tulpa is your own creation from parts of yourself.
Thoughtforms seem to happen with a similar intention but seem to be more accidental. Also, there doesn’t seem to be parts of yourself being used for creation. For example, a bunch of people investigating the ghost of little Sally at the haunted asylum may be unintentionally creating Sally herself. Sally could very well be a real person, but her spirit isn’t what is haunting the asylum since she crossed over decades earlier.
Fun fact: I’ve also read that elementals are thought-forms. But that is a discussion for another time.
The Phillip Experiment
The Philip experiment was conducted in 1972 in Toronto, Canada by Dr. A.R. George Owen and the Toronto Society for Psychical Research (TSPR). The experiment was to determine whether subjects could communicate with fictionalized ghosts through human will. According to Dr. Owen, he believed that “Ghosts have an objective reality, but they are created out of the minds that see them.” Dr. Owen, who is a mathematical geneticist, lead the experiment while it was overseen by a psychologist named Dr. Joel Whitton.
The idea of the experiment would be that participants would make up a fictionalized ghost, and then try to make contact during seances. In case you’re wondering, yes, the 2014 film, The Quiet Ones, is loosely based on the Philip experiment.
The Participants
The participants of the experiment included eight participants, one of them being Dr. Owen’s wife Iris Owen. Other participants included:
Margaret Sparrow, former chairperson of MENSA
Andy H., industrial designer
Lorne, Andy’s wife
Al Peacocok heating engineer
Bernice M, accountant
Dorothy O’Donnel, bookkeeper
Sidney K., sociology student
All of the people who participated were members of TSPR.
Creating Philip
First, the group had to agree on a backstory for their ghost. They decided that the ghost’s name would be Philip Aylesford, and he would live in the 1600s during the time of Oliver Cromwell. He was an aristocrat, married to a cold woman named Dorothea, with whom he had a daughter. One day, Philip rode by a gypsy encampment and fell in love with a woman named Margo. He brought her back to secretly live in his gatehouse, and they had an affair. Eventually, Dorothea found out and accused Margo of witchcraft.
Afraid of losing his status and possessions, Philip did nothing. Tragically, Margo was sentenced to death and burned at the stake. Burdened by guilt and remorse, Philip committed suicide at the age of thirty.
Contacting Philip
The group started meeting weekly starting in September 1972. They would have informal gatherings where they discussed Philip, meditate on him, and visualize him. This went on for about a year with no results. However, it should be noted that the room was fully lit. Sometimes, the participants said they felt a presence in the room, but there was nothing extraordinary that would make them think it was Philip.
Then, the group decided to change the dynamics of their atmosphere and recreate a traditional seance environment. Dr. Owen dimmed the lights. They sang songs and pictured where Philip would have lived and what he looked like. Also, they managed to get antiques from the time period.
This seemed to have worked. Philip made himself known through a distant rap on the table. In traditional seance fashion, the group had Philip rap once for yes and twice for no. Eventually Philip was able to dim the lights on his own, create a cold breeze, and other incredible psychokinetic phenomenon. The group even did a demonstration in front of 50 people, and Philip delivered. However, the group was never able to make Philip materialize.
Continuing the Experiment
TSPR was so impressed with their results with the Philip Experiment, they attempted the experiment a few more times with different spirits. They managed to create and contact a French Canadian spy named Lilith. Instead of taking over a year to make contact, Lilith made herself known in just five weeks. The group also created a man from the future named Axel as well as a medieval alchemist named Sebastian.
In Australia, a group conducted what became known as the Skippy Experiment. With six participants, the group created the ghost of a 14-year old girl named Skippy Carmichael. According to the group, Skippy communicated mainly using raps and scratching sounds.
Final Thoughts
Even after all this, I’m not 100% certain what we’re communicating with in these haunted locations. Are we truly talking to a sentient beings created from our own minds, or are we talking to the souls of those once lived? Thanks to the Internet, these stories are more readily available than ever. This means that we will continue to read, meditate, and regurgitate these stories until we join the other side.
Even if we set up our intentions, could it be possible that we’re creating our own ghosts? Given that I can’t manipulate a K2 meter or a REM-Pod with my own mind, I have a hard time believing this. This is why I find equipment so faulty. If it is our consciousness that is manipulating the equipment, how come we can’t do it right now when we’re alive? What changes once we leave our physical body?
It’s February, which means Valentine’s Day is on the horizon. Even though I’m in a committed relationship, I still have funny feelings about this holiday. Yet, it happens every year with a plethora of pink, red, balloons, flowers, and chocolate. But you’re not here to listen to me rant about how Valentine’s Day is problematic!
I’m not sure my partner realized what he was getting himself into when he asked me out for our first date. Since we got together in 2015, it’s been an adventure of cemetery visits, me being behind a computer doing research, and calming him down when he sees something he can’t explain. If you have a non-paranormal partner, you know it’s definitely an adjustment!
Let’s talk about what happens when you fall in love with a ghost hunter! This list was made in good fun. I hope it brings a smile to your face.
1. You’ll be asked to do it again, but louder!
2. You have unexpected spirits coming home with your ghost hunter.
3. Your loved one randomly knocks once for “yes” and twice for “no.”
4. You find random crystals around the house.
5. No outlet is available the day before an investigation
6. They yell at the TV while watching paranormal shows, “That’s not how it works!”
7. Your partner wears a lot of black.
8. They talk to someone that isn’t there.
9. They get into flame wars with other paranormal people on social media.
10. There will be light up electronics all over the house.
11. You’re never short on batteries.
12. They ask you about a random relative that passed away.
13. Your animals will stare at things that you can’t see.
14. There’s a collection of old books that only grows by the day.
15. You spend a lot of time at cemeteries now.
16. The travel budget is quadrupled.
17. Life is a constant road trip for new investigations.
It’s important to say that this was compiled based on my personal development in the paranormal over the years. I have learned something from every person on this list. I’ve made some connections with a few of these folks over the years. This is me talking about who inspires me. Perhaps, a better description of this list is it’s a thank you letter to the people who have influenced me in this field. When I’m asked, “Hey, who should I be following in the paranormal?”, these are the people I send them to. There are hundreds of influential people in the paranormal, and these thirty are ones that resonate with me.
I’m always curious to see who other people are following, so I’ll ask the paranormal community. I’m grateful that I also asked the community for their thoughts as well because I discovered some truly AMAZING people doing incredible work. Now I have new heroes to follow! Also, everyone at the time of this blog’s publishing is alive. This was intentional. This doesn’t mean I don’t love and respect the greats who have left us. I just want to put the spotlight on those who are alive and working today so you can check them out, see what they’re working on, and interact with them.
How & Why This List Was Created
I compiled this list based on my own experience with these people, as well as common mentions when I was polling the community. These folks are the ones who resonated the most with me. The order does not have any particular meaning, as I feel funny ranking these amazing folks. I did number them for the sake of my own sanity in making sure I listed 30. You think making this list was hard, creating a specific order would be insane! Does everyone in the community contribute something to the field? Yes, I agree that everyone contributes in their own way, whether it’s their expertise, willingness to listen, or even just having connections. With that being said, will there be multiple parts to this topic? Definitely!
1. Alexandra Holzer
I first met Alexandra Holzer in 2013 when I interviewed her for Paranormal Insider Radio. She is true paranormal royalty, as she is the daughter of the late Hans Holzer. You may recognize her from the show, The Holzer Files. What I really appreciate about Alexandra is that she is tirelessly working to preserve her father’s legacy as well as making her own contributions to the field. I highly recommend her book, Growing Up Haunted: A Ghostly Memoir.
2. Loyd Auerbach
I would not be where I am today had I not taken a class or two from Loyd Auerbach. He is one of the most respected people in the world of parapsychology and the paranormal. Loyd is also one of the few folks who holds an MS in Parapsychology (John F. Kennedy University, 1981). He has written several books about paranormal investigations, psychic development, and more. You can check out his books here. I highly recommend them!
3. Kitsie Duncan
What can I say about Kitsie Duncan? She is a true delight, and she is one of the hardest working women in the field I know. She had a successful show on Amazon called The Oddity Files, she has several podcasts, and in all the “free” time she has, she also wrote a book! I find Kitsie’s approach to the paranormal field so refreshing, and I wish more investigators took on her approach. You can listen to my interview with her for The Spooky Stuff podcast here. I promise you’ll see what I’m talking about when I tell you how fabulous she is!
4. Kenny Biddle
I have always believed that all paranormal researchers should have skeptics in their circle. Or, at the very least, keep up with skeptical publications like Skeptical Inquirer. One of my favorite skeptics is Kenny Biddle. He is a former believer in the paranormal and now a passionate skeptic. He manages to keep his knowledge at a high level and can explain things in a way that empowers you with education. Kenny also makes himself accessible to anyone who has questions. You can check out his Facebook page here.
5. Sharon A. Hill
Sharon Hill is…incredible. Where do I even begin? She is brilliant, and she is able to back up her scrutiny of the paranormal with her background and education. One of my favorite articles from her basically debunks the Stone Tape Theory, and since she has a degree in geology, she has the credentials and credibility to make the claims. I also appreciate her feedback on various paranormal pop culture hot topics, books, and others. We need accountability in this field and Sharon gives it out in large batches. She is definitely someone to check out.
6. Richard Estep
You might recognize Richard Estep from several TV shows like “Haunted Case Files,” “Haunted Hospitals,” and “Paranormal 911.” He is from Great Britain and he is a paramedic and paranormal investigator who currently lives in the United States. When he is not traveling the world collecting ghost stories and investigating haunted houses, he’s writing about those very same places or having fun writing fiction with a distinctly supernatural theme to it. Richard has been a huge inspiration to me, as I’m a huge fan of his books. You can visit his website by clicking here.
7. Stormy Daniels
Stormy Daniels is a force to be reckoned with. Like any woman trying to make a name for herself in this field, she was met with animosity and doubt. Not that it even matters, but naysayers keep bringing up her other career and dealings with a certain orange Cheeto. But Stormy looked at all of them and keeps doing what she’s doing without flinching. As someone who has investigated with her, I can tell you with full confidence that she is legit. Seriously. She’s incredible. I admire her for her resilience and perseverance. She’s making big contributions to this field!
8. Sam Baltrusis
Where do I begin with Sam Baltrusis? I first interviewed him for Paranormal Insider Radio back in 2013 and back then I was completely captivated with his work. He has written several books about hauntings and legends in New England and Massachusettes, and he has also made several television appearances. Sam is also the host of Paranormal Rewind, which is a fantastic radio show featuring amazing folks in the community.
9. Dr. Rachael Ironside
Dr. Rachael Ironside has her Ph.D. in her research exploring social interaction and paranormal experiences. She completed her studies at the University of York, and since then has dedicated herself to continuous study. I also love that she has a keen interest in society’s interactions with paranormal tourism and strange events that happen in empty spaces. You can check out more of her research here. You can also follow her on Twitter here.
10. John G. Sabol
John Sabol is one of the most brilliant minds in the paranormal field. He has a background in archaeology and has come up with one of my favorite methods of investigating the supernatural; Ghost Excavation. This method is far more intensive than your traditional reenactments. It brings historical context to the spirit and brings them something familiar to them with scenarios. I have found this to be an exceptional method for getting the ghosts to speak. His partner, Mary Becker, is also an amazing powerhouse too.
11. Beth Darlington
I appreciate Beth Darlington for so many reasons. I interviewed her for my podcast not too long ago. When it comes to Beth, I truly enjoy her passion for learning and her mission to make education more accessible in the paranormal field. She encourages people to ask questions and dig deeper! You can check out her website and courses here.
12. Dave Schrader
Dave Schrader has been a huge influence in the paranormal for quite a bit. It’s only fitting that he is making waves now with his show, “The Holzer Files.” I’ve been following Dave ever since I discovered Darkness Radio many MANY years ago.
13. Caroline Watt
Here’s another brilliant woman in the field of parapsychology. She’s the holder of the Koestler Chair of Parapsychology at the University of Edinburgh. She literally wrote the textbook on parapsychology. Yeah, she’s a big deal. What I really appreciate about Caroline Watt is her ongoing conversations with the skeptic community. She really encourages everyone to think critically when it comes to paranormal claims. You can check out one of her books here.
14. Joshua Cutchin
Joshua Cutchin is one of the smartest and most eloquent guys I know. I first met him at ConCarolinas a few years ago and I’ve been an avid follower of his work ever since. He has authored several books about cryptids, fae, and other paranormal topics. I especially enjoy our conversations and he has certainly challenged me to become a better researcher.
15. Dr. Ann Winsper
I first learned about Dr. Ann Winsper from my friend Dylan Jones (who you’ll meet in a moment). I honestly wished I knew about her much earlier in my life! She’s freaking dynamite in the world of the paranormal and parapsychology. She’s the co-founder of Para.Science psychical research and investigation. Not to mention she’s also studying the psychology of EVP.
16. Robert Murch
I appreciate Robert Murch on so many levels. I’ll admit that when I first started to become curious about the Ouija board, I was nervous. But Robert’s research and presentations have really been a breath of fresh air for me. If you’re curious about the Ouija board and want to learn more about its origins, how to
17 & 18. Anne Rzechowicz and Renata Daniel
I’m going to combine two people into one entry because these amazing gals are a packaged deal. Anne Rzechowicz and Renata Daniel are incredible ladies in the paranormal. They are passionate about history, education, ethics, and making the paranormal accessible to everyone around the world. Their podcast, “True Hauntings”, is also at the top of my playlist. I’ve also interviewed them for my own podcast and it was a true delight. If you’re not following them by now, be sure to check out their Facebook page and dive in head-on!
19. Mike Ricksecker
Mike Ricksecker is a true powerhouse in the field. Not only is he an accomplished author and YouTuber, but he also runs a publishing company called Haunted Road Media. I’ve been inspired by a lot of his work for my own YouTube channel and blogs. Also, I really appreciate how he’s elevating others in the field with HRM, especially women!
20. Dr. Susan Blackmore
Photo by Adam Hart-Davis 2020
I appreciate Dr. Susan Blackmore on so many levels. She’s a psychologist as well as a skeptic. Her research into consciousness and anomalous experiences are worth looking into. The parapsychology section of her website is like a treasure trove for researchers like me. I’m so grateful she has made her research available to us, and she has definitely inspired me to dig deeper.
21. Dylan Jones
Dylan Jones is a UK-based parapsychologist who is currently working on his Ph.D. in the paranormal and media studies at the University of Aberdeen. The knowledge he has on not only paranormal history but also the media’s effect on the paranormal community is nothing short of fascinating. Dylan is also a passionate investigator of the paranormal and he surrounds himself with some of the most brilliant minds in the UK.
22. Tina McSwain
I met Tina in the convention circuit in North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. She is the founder of Charlotte Area Paranormal Society (CAPS), and she is truly one of the legends in the field. She’s been investigating for over 20 years. What I find most impressive with her is that she isn’t stagnant. A lot of investigators who’ve been doing this for a while tend to get stuck in their ways. Not Tina. I have had amazing conversations with her over the years and she is also willing to help you in anyway she can.
Whenever I think of Courtney Mroch and Haunt Jaunts, I just feel joy. A smile comes to my face and I’m in awe of everything she does in the paranormal. She blogs, she runs virtual cons, and she makes significant contributions to the field, no matter where you are in your journey! Courtney is truly the embodiment of positivity and inclusivity, and she is living the dream!
25. Brandon Massullo
Brandon Massullo is the author of one of my favorite books, The Ghost Studies. He’s a clinical therapist and a parapsychologist. He has a graduate degree in parapsychology from the University of Edinburgh, under the supervision of Caroline Watt. His approach to supernatural studies is not only refreshing, but it’s accessible. Meaning, I don’t feel like an idiot when I read his book. I had the pleasure of meeting Brandon in person a few years ago at the Ghost Excavation Conference, ran by John Sabol.
26. Robin Pyatt Bellamy
This lady means the world to me. I first met Robin Pyatt Bellamy back in 2013 when I interviewed her about Mothman for Paranormal Insider Radio. Did you know she’s a Mothman witness? We became fast friends after that. Not only is she knowledgeable about cryptozoology and all things spooky, but she is a genealogist. She is the reason why I started incorporating genealogy into my own process of investigating and researching the paranormal.
27. Lesia Miller Schnur
Lesia Miller Schnur is another person I look to for research knowledge. She’s a former librarian and she integrates her research expertise into her paranormal investigations. Lesia is a part of Archer Paranormal Investigations. She has a blog called The Haunted Librarian, which is one of the Feedspot’s top paranormal blogs! What I really love about her work is that she works hard to integrate the history of a historical location and brings together the context of the reported haunting!
28. Amanda – Spook Eats
Amanda runs the blog, Spook-Eats, which combines my two favorite things; ghosts and food. Anytime someone puts a paranormal spin on hospitality and travel, you know I’m going to pay attention! What I absolutely love about Amanda is that she rates each location based on not only their hauntings but also their food! So, if you love traveling to haunted locations but also need a place to eat and rest your head, Spook Eats is the place to be.
29. John E.L. Tenney
You may recognize John E.L. Tenney from a few different major paranormal projects like the show, “Ghost Stalkers.” He is one of the few “TV people” that I absolutely love to see in the media and frankly, he needs to be just as famous as some of the more mainstream paranormal stars. He’s one of the most highly sought after investigators and researchers in the world of ghosts, UFO, and the occult. He’s a wealth of knowledge as well as one of the most gracious and nicest guys I’ve interacted with.
30. Adam Berry
I’ve always enjoyed Adam Berry because he’s also a theatre person. Anytime someone in theatre is also in the paranormal, my ears perk up and I pay attention. Adam is also one of the few [out] members of the LGBTQIA+ community that’s on mainstream paranormal television. I can’t tell you how much that means to me as a queer ghost hunter.
If your favorite investigator isn’t listed here, does that mean that they’re NOT influential? Of course not! If you think there are folks missing from this list, please, by all means, include them in the comments.
You don’t have to dim someone else’s light for yours to shine.
Recently, I was nominated for Best Blogger for a small paranormal-centric awards site. It’s one of many award movements that have happened over the last twelve months. You see some of the same names throughout the different ballots, while others have some new faces. Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with awards, especially when nominations are determined by votes. It gives people a chance to acknowledge someone whose work they enjoy. People nominate for their friends and then vote to determine the winner. No judgment from people on the side.
The Award Trend
Honestly, I’ve never been one to get too excited about award nominations since I usually don’t win. Just the acknowledgment of “Hey, someone thinks you’re doing a good job” is nice, especially when I lose motivation to continue The Spooky Stuff. There have also been times I haven’t been nominated. While disappointing, it isn’t the end of the world. Truly. The names I’ve seen on these various nominations lists have had people who are kicking butt in this field and working hard. There’s a time to bow out.
Of course, there have been some harsh criticisms with these paranormal awards. The whole idea of awards can invoke strong, emotional reactions. There are some fair questions to ask, like who is on the panel that decides who is nominated? Anyway, I think there is room for criticism and constructive feedback. But, some of the criticisms against these awards seem to stem from bitterness over being left out, or even feeling threatened (not sure by what). Sadly, it’s hurting the people who were nominated and now they are feeling less proud of their accomplishment, which is a shame. In this blog, I’m going to dissect some of the more problematic statements and offer a solution.
Problematic Statement #1: We’re All at the Same Level
I’ve seen this comment hundreds of times just this past year since Higgypop announced their award nominations. I vehemently disagree with this. Why? When I look at folks like Loyd Auerbach or Dr. Rachael Ironside, they are absolutely not at the same level as the rest of the paranormal community.
And some hard truths…the ones who most often say, “We’re all at the same level” are the ones who are floating by in the field. Sure, they’ve made friends and have great connections. But they’re not writing, they’re not researching, they’re not creating content, they’re not studying or experimenting, they’re not teaching, they’re not questioning data…should I stop now?
To say, “We’re all at the same level” greatly diminishes the amazing work that major contributors have put forth. Also, if we refuse to embrace the diversity in this field, we will continue to be stagnant and not make any progress in the field of anomalous research.
Solution: Acknowledgement
Instead of putting everyone at the same level, acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of others. It could be a degree, the discovery of a new investigation method that everyone has adapted, a new book, a new podcast, etc. There are folks in the paranormal field who are working harder than others. That’s truly a neutral statement.
Problematic Statement #2: We’re All the Same
Again, this is like saying, “I don’t see color.” We are not all the same. Everyone comes into this field with different experiences, different thoughts and ideas, and different motivations. This is a blatant refusal of embracing and acknowledging our differences. This mindset is exactly why people get so mad when someone disagrees with them. When someone has a differing opinion, differing method, differing thought process, people get so angry. This also might be why the paranormal community struggles with peer-reviewed studies and classes because of the lack of acknowledgement of expertise, background, and experience.
Solution: Embrace Differences
Embracing differences of opinions, thoughts, and backgrounds would really make the paranormal community thrive. Saying something as simple as “I disagree” seems to trigger such animosity. Not everyone is going to agree, and the best way to manage it is try to disagree with as much grace as possible. Even if the other person ends up burning that bridge with you, you can rest easy knowing you tried to embrace the difference instead of pushing back.
Problematic Statement #3: In the Field for the Wrong Reasons
Actors win awards, are they in it for the wrong reason? Scientists win awards, are they too in it for the wrong reason? I don’t think it’s a bad thing to get kudos for your work. This is especially true for researchers who want to get their work out there. Teachers get awards too! Are they in education for the wrong reasons? No. People get acknowledged for their work.
Do they get attention? Sure. Isn’t everyone on social media for some kind of attention? Do you not have a YouTube channel for views? Do you not have a website for views? Hey, guess what? When you post a status ranting and having your friends comment, that’s all attention. When you post an emotional status, you’re expecting a response, right? That’s attention-seeking behavior. Everyone does it to a certain extent. That’s just life. Seeking attention for your work (in a healthy way) isn’t a bad thing.
Solution: Check Your Motives
Why are you here? Ask yourself why you’re here in the paranormal community. Do you want to meet like-minded people? Do you want to find proof of spirits? Maybe you want to visit as many haunted locations as possible? Or, are you wanting to become famous? Write a New York Times bestseller? None of the things I listed here are bad things. Focusing on your motivation and what drives you in the field is a great way to keep yourself in check. It will help you evaluate what really matters and whether you’re getting upset over nothing.
Problematic Statement #4: It’s Not a Competition
Um…it absolutely is. Every day is a competition of some kind. This is based on my observations outside of the context of awards. But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Also, I’m constantly in competition with myself to do better next time. A little competition and motivation to step it up as has never hurt anyone. Many facets of our lives include a competitive environment like work, volunteer organizations, family, etc.
I’ve seen so much back-biting, social media drama, and just high school level temper tantrums that all come from the fact that the paranormal community is a competition. It’s a competition for friendships, it’s a competition for likes and follows, it’s a competition for interviews, and it’s a competition for a television show. If someone hasn’t grown up in a competitive environment, they may not recognize the signs. Also, they won’t know how to handle it.
There’s even competition to be a speaker at a convention. Even in academic circles, there is competition. In the scientific world, there is competition. These other communities have managed to embrace it and use it to their advantage to further their respective field. Why can”t the paranormal community do that?
Solution: Embrace Abundancy
To counter myself, because that’s fun, competition can also be a toxic cesspool if people don’t know how to handle it. Which, let’s be honest, the paranormal community can’t handle it. I do believe that we can eliminate this thought of competition by replacing it with a mindset of abundance. There are enough likes, follows, TV opportunities, locations, book deals, etc. for everyone to have a piece of the pie. You can still believe in abundance AND competition. What does this mean? Celebrate others when they receive recognition. Know in your heart that your time will come because of abundance! There is plenty of room for everyone to succeed, whatever that means to them!
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the people who are getting hurt from these words are the folks who were nominated. There are many folks out there who are not part of the popular paranormal cliques on social media and they got nominated. Many of these folks often are underappreciated and not acknowledged nearly enough. Sadly, I’ve seen a few of them want to drop out because they’d rather not deal with the negativity and the hate. That’s incredibly disappointing.
To me, this is worse than the awards themselves. It’s one thing to criticize the awards, but to devalue the nominees is awful. Frankly, it’s nearly crossing a line over to bullying. This is not “para unity”, and it is only creating more dissent in the community. Why not offer your own solution to the issue? Saying “No one gets a trophy” is just as bad as “Everyone gets a trophy.” If someone wants to start an awards page to acknowledge their favorite people or market their own platform, it’s okay. Live and let live. We can acknowledge folks in the community. Someone getting nominated for an award doesn’t devalue or diminish what you’re doing in the field.
Celebrities are people too. Just like the rest of us regular folks, they too need a place to live. They need a place to settle down and rest their heads. Okay, maybe they have mansions and luxury accomodations. But they are just as vulnerable to experience a haunting like the rest of us. Spirits and ghosts don’t discriminate just because you’re a celebrity.
With this in mind, there are countless celebrities who have had paranormal experiences. Some have even encountered the supernatural in their own home. Here are ten celebrities who live (or have lived) in haunted houses.
Cate Blanchett
Actress Cate Blanchett is the latest celebrity who reportedly lives in a haunted house. The story is even in Vanity Fair, which isn’t known for covering spooky topics like this. However, the cottage isn’t going to be up for long. After Blanchett bought the property for $6 million, she plans on tearing it down. The Crowborough, East Sussex estate, known as Highwell House, was abandoned for years. Built in 1890, it is originally known as Potters Manor or Steep Park. You can imagine that tons of urban explorers and ghost hunters went to the property looking for spirits. Blanchett’s plans for demolition were initially put on hold because a rare colony of bats was found on the property. The situation has now been resolved, so the cottage will be knocked down. An office, studio, and meditation room will be built in its place.
Jennifer Aniston
Before Jennifer Aniston got her big break as Rachel Green in “Friends”, she was living in Los Angeles and trying to make it as an actress. In 2018, she told James Corden about how she lived with a ghost. The stereo would turn on at full volume, the coffee maker would start by itself, and the dishwasher would turn on. For Aniston, it was a terrifying experience. She hired a psychic to intervene. The psychic used frankincense and put it in a dish. Aniston said that the ghost apparently didn’t like her roommate. Instead of trying to get the ghost out, Aniston ended up moving out. She simply couldn’t handle the situation.
Miley Cyrus
It seems that the Cyrus family might be a magnet for the paranormal. In November 2020, her father Billy Ray Cyrus revealed that he believes in UFOs and had his own experiences. When it comes to the famous singer, she rented an apartment in London during her European tour. The apartment is across the street from Harrod’s, and it’s very haunted. Like Jennifer Aniston, Cyrus had a truly terrifying experience. Her entire family, even her beau Liam Hemsworth, had an experience. Her sister had the water switch to hot while in the shower, meaning the knob turned by itself. Cyrus said that she thought she was being watched by the little boy. Windows and doors were opening and closing by themselves. Cyrus found out that the apartment building was once a bakery, and it was owned by a father and son. They moved to the SoHo Hotel after that.
Kendall Jenner
Maybe this is more appropriate for Kris Jenner, but it was Kendall who is convinced that her mother’s house is haunted. Kylie Jenner has even reported hearing footsteps in her mother’s house while no one was walking. The shower in Kris’s house would also turn on by itself. What is also interesting to note is that the Kardashian daughters used an Ouija board at one point while they were growing up. So, one has to wonder if that gave them the impression that they opened a door to the supernatural in their lives.
Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage is the former owner of the LaLaurie House in New Orleans, Louisiana. The history of the LaLaurie House is one of the most disturbing and turbulent stories in history. Madame Delphine LaLaurie is known for torturing and killing the slaves that served her and her husband, Dr. Louis LaLaurie. When you have a history that includes the brutal torture and murder of an oppressed group, you have the recipe for a turbulent haunting. Nicola Cage, who is a big fan of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, was thrilled to own the LaLaurie Mansion before he lost it due to foreclosure in 2009.
Bella Thorne
Bella Thorne seems to have had experiences with the supernatural. Her family home is built on a Native American burial ground. Thorne claims that her parents had some crazy experiences like hearing chains and shackles and other noises that couldn’t be explained. Her family would also hear stomping around the houses, including the second floor. The stomping would even go up and down the stairs. Her mother thought it was Thorne’s brother, but that was quickly debunked. Finally, Thorne alluded that the activity pushed her family out of the house because they couldn’t take it anymore.
Matthew McConaughey
Alright, alright, alright! Matthew McConaughey is no stranger to the paranormal. In fact, he claims his Los Angeles home is haunted by a spirit named Madame Bleu. What is funny is that he believes that Madame Bleu enjoys seeing him in his birthday suit, and that’s why they get along. McConaughey claims that he has seen his resident ghost and has sensed her ever since he first moved in. Madame Bleu didn’t seem to like Matthew at first. But he stood his ground and said he wasn’t going to leave. I mean, if seeing him in the buff is what keeps the supernatural peace in the home, I guess that’s more effective than a smoke cleansing!
Adele
Adele’s Sussex, England mansion is a former convent, and apparently very active. The 10-bedroom, 25-acre mansion is huge, and Adele said it gives her the creeps. She hired a bodyguard to stay with her in the mansion, as well as two additional security guards to stand at the gates. Adele claimed that she heard strange sounds at night that she couldn’t explain. If I were her, I wouldn’t want to sleep alone in such a big mansion, either…even if it did have two pools!
Demi Lovato
In 2013, Demi Lovato revealed that she goes ghost hunting. They also confessed that their home is Texas is haunted by a little girl. Lovato also grew up in this house and interacted with the little girl a bunch of times. Their mom reported that a young Lovato was often seen talking to themselves and saying that they were playing with their best friend. Lovato’s mom ended up hiring a psychic to take a look at the house, who believes that the little girl’s name is Emily.
Bella & Gigi Hadid
While supermodel sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid were growing up, they were sure that they had a ghost in their home. More specifically, they claim the spirit of an old woman was in one of their closets. They even brought tea to this spirit and talk to her as well.
One of the most common questions I get is all about the types of hauntings. To be honest, I don’t really think about it that much because…ghost theory is shaky. I can’t prove any of these hauntings exist. Also, everyone has their own theories about ghosts, spirits, hauntings, demons, etc. There may be some consistent ideas across the board, but everyone will have their own thoughts on the details.
With that in mind, the hauntings I’m going to talk about are ones that I’ve either run into a lot on the field or something I read about in my research. This is seriously just my opinion, and I’m always open to ideas and feedback. And if you disagree, that’s okay too! I would love to hear your opinion as well.
Residual
This is a haunting that’s most misunderstood as a conscious ghost. I like to think of residual hauntings like a broken record player that replays a moment over and over again. In my opinion, residual hauntings are leftover energy from what was there before. Have you ever walked into a room after two people were fighting, and you can sense the tension? That’s kind of like what a residual haunting is. Residual hauntings are caused by an emotional imprint of a traumatic event in the area (like Gettysburg). It could also be something where someone has a set routine for so long that they’re energy just keeps flowing, like someone getting a midnight snack at 3 am for 50 years.
Intelligent/Interactive
This is the type of haunting where we interact with a spirit. I tend to use the word “intelligent” haunting over “interactive” haunting. In this situation, you’re able to interact with a spirit. They are aware that you’re there and they are responding to you. While they may or may not be aware of the current time period, they are responsive. These types of ghosts are able to answer questions, (maybe) interact with equipment, and tell you their story. This is the type of spirit that most paranormal investigators encounter in the field. It is the type of spirit you will most often see on television.
Spontaneous Apparitions
This one might be my favorite type of haunting because it comes from the living. That’s right. Spontaneous apparitions come from the living. This is sometimes associated with out-of-body experiences, astral projection, just to name a few. It usually involves a person leaving their body as a way to contact someone. From my research, spontaneous apparitions aren’t usually intentional, which means that this could happen due to extreme stress or extreme desire to contact someone.
Thoughtforms & Tulpas
Okay, maybe THIS is my favorite one. It’s a tie between spontaneous apparitions and thoughtforms/tulpas. What this means is that we create our own apparitions, so to speak. We create our own objects or beings through intense thought. There are theories that the hauntings we experience at more famous locations are thoughtforms because all these ghost hunters have created ghosts through their own collective thoughts. I’m actually on board with this theory since the same stories seem to circulate around. There have been experiments all over the world dedicated to testing out this idea, with the most famous one being the Phillip Experiment in 1972.
Crisis Apparitions
Crisis apparitions are truly fascinating. The person who appears as the apparition is usually going through some sort of stress or transition, like dying. When you see a loved one right when they die, it is a crisis apparition. For example, someone reports seeing their grandmother in their home at 4 pm. Then, they found out their grandmother passed at 4 pm. But crisis apparitions are also seen as the person is dying, in an accident, trapped somewhere, extremely ill, or badly injured…meaning they are still alive. I’ve only seen one crisis apparition in my life after my grandmother passed.
Guardian
Guardian hauntings are fascinating to me. This is when you have your spirit guides, relatives, ancestors, etc. visiting you not only often, but they are causing disturbances. This is merely my personal opinion based on experience. When you have a guardian spirit haunting you, it usually means that there is something in your life that you need to change as soon as possible. Or, something disturbing is happening around you. The only case we had that involved a guardian spirit was when the client’s daughter was being abused by a relative right under their nose. Afer the relative was removed and arrested, the haunting stopped.
Poltergeist
In case you’re wondering, the 1982 movie Poltergeist gets it all wrong. Most people don’t associate poltergeists with ghosts or spirits. Instead, poltergeists come from our own minds. This type of haunting usually happens around teenaged girls going through puberty or women going through menopause. It’s a combination of hormones and extreme stress that causes a psychokinetic phenomenon. Poltergeists have also occurred with teenaged boys as well. Basically, you have to have extreme emotional stress in the picture. This phenomenon can cause objects to move, electrical disturbances, phantom voices, and even apparitions. In case you’re wondering, yes, poltergeists are extremely difficult to diagnose.
Deathbed Visions
We hear about deathbed visions or deathbed phenomena most often from nurses, hospice care, etc. Basically, from those who care for the dying. It is believed that as someone gets closer to death, they are visited by deceased friends and loved ones. Some even report seeing angels or even Jesus Christ. The dying person may even rise from a comatose state to declare their long-passed spouse is in the room. Or, they see the dying person talking to someone who isn’t there.
Elementals
These hauntings are confusing. Can we really call them a haunting? Well, maybe. I guess? Elementals are inhuman spirits that have been around for….ever. When one hears elementals, they may think of faeries, elves, sprites, will-o-wisps, the list goes on. What is interesting is that during my investigation days in California, we ran into quite a few elementals. Many elementals are tied with Native American legends, which makes me believe they’ve been around since the dawn of time. During my investigations in heavily wooded areas, I’ve experienced what I believe were elemental experiences. Finally, we usually associate elementals with nature.
Shadow Person
Shadow people are a strange phenomenon that seems that everyone knows about. Mainly because they have seen them. Shadow people are humanoid figures seen as dark masses. You can’t see any features on them like eyes, nose, mouth, ears, etc. They can be seen in your peripheral vision as well. While we usually don’t see features of clothing on shadow people, there is the fascinating case of “Hat Man.” People have reported seeing a shadow man wearing a hat. There are thousands, if not millions, of shadow people cases. While these apparitions are seen often, not a lot is known about them. Are they human? Could they be aliens trying to study us? Or, are they demonic? Well, we don’t know. They can also be seen as shapeless masses. Shadow people have also been seen moving through walls. My favorite shadow sighting is shadow cat sightings because animal spirits are adorable. You could even say there aren’t any hardcore rules when it comes to this phenomenon.
Demonic
Before I go into details, I need to shout this from the rooftops; demonic activity is rare. Like, super rare. Sadly, with mainstream television making it seem like demons are around every corner, people greatly misunderstand demonic activity. I’ve always found it interesting that folks who don’t believe in demons don’t encounter demonic activity. I truly believe that this type of haunting all depends on the mindset of the person. You could say that a demonic haunting may even fall under elemental spirits. They are not human, and they seem to possess incredible strength. When it comes to possession, we honestly can’t say only demons possess, or if possession is even real. Depending on your religious beliefs, your perception of demons will be different. I’ve seen Christians name Greek gods and goddesses as demons, while another religion may consider something else for demons.
Portal
This one is the least believable for me. Maybe it’s because I don’t really understand it? There are so many theories as to what opens a portal, how to close a portal, and all of that info is inconsistent. But I digress. A portal is basically an open door to some sort of spirit world where spirits are coming in and out as they please. You can imagine this is problematic for the person living with the portal haunting. When this happens, the urgency to close that portal is high. Many believe that portals are associated with sacred ground or places of religious worship. Either way, it’s interesting.
What other types of hauntings have you heard of? Feel free to share in the comments!
There’s nothing that brings in the clicks, views, and follows more than creepy photos. Since the dawn of photography, there have been anomalies that have made even the smartest of men scratch their heads. While Photoshop wouldn’t be invented until 1987, the art of photo editing is as old as the camera. Just because the photo didn’t exist while Photoshop became the norm, it doesn’t mean that there were no other ways to edit a photo. The history of photography and what people did to edit photos by hand back then is truly fascinating.
Yet, some photos managed to slip through the cracks of scrutiny…until now. Here are some of the most famous creepy photos that have been debunked.
Wem Town Hall Ghost
This is my favorite ghost photo, even though it has been debunked. This photo came into prominence in the nineties after the building burnt down in 1995. Tony O’Rahilly took the photo while standing across the street, and didn’t seem to notice the girl until after he developed the film. In the photo, we can see the girl standing amongst the flames. It’s both fascinating and unsettling. Andrew Homer, along with ASSAP and Parasearch did further analysis on the photo, including finding the original photo (with no ghost girl), and declared it fake. It was also determined that O’Rahilly had fabricated the photo. The girl seen in the blaze is the same girl seen in a 1922 postcard for Wem. Since O’Rahilly died in 2005, so he was unable to speak of the accusations.
The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall
The Brown Lady Raynham Hall is one of the first ghost photos that really makes people start to wonder about the existence of the afterlife. I covered this photo as a Christmas ghost story, and its origins are truly sad. If you want to read the details of the backstory, check out my Christmas blog. Short version is that in the 1700’s, a husband became suspicious and jealous that his wife may have been cheating. He locked her away and told her friends and family she died. The poor wife never saw the outside again. The wife’s ghost was spotted on Christmas 1835 and this photo was snapped. Skeptics have analyzed this photo and proclaimed it cannot be debunked, which is why this photo rose to such prominence.
The Cooper Family Photo was one of the first spooky photos that actually freaked me out. When I first saw it in 2013, I really didn’t know what to make of it. The way that the family is sitting smiling and happy, unaware of the terrifying image to their right. Then, you have what looks like a body hanging upside down. The story behind this photo is that it the Cooper family was celebrating moving into their new home in Texas. However, we have to look at this photo with a critical eye, as it shows signs of being digitally altered. The symmetrical vignette is the biggest red flag. Plus the pixelation of the body is much different from the family, showing that there are layers in the photo. Here’s a more extensive breakdown of the debunking of this photo.
Patterson-Gimlin Film
This particular photo is truly the granddaddy of creepy photos. You could say this is the photo that started it all when it comes to conspiracy theories and cryptids. This photo of Bigfoot is tied to the Patterson-Gimlin film from 1967. The story goes that filmmaker Roger Patterson signed a contract to make a film about Bigfoot near Bluff Creek. This still is from frame 352, while others say it was shot by a hunter nearby. I still know folks today who swear that the footage is real.
Solway Spaceman
There are so many paranormal photos out there that seem…weird. I know, it’s weird to say this about this area of photography. So, to say this is weird about something already weird means something. I was never convinced that some hidden spaceman photobombed this picture. Taken in 1964 by Jim Templeton, this photo was of Templeton’s daughter while on a family picnic. When the family developed the film, they were shocked to see a spaceman-like person in the background. As I love to say, if it’s too good to be true, it usually is. It turns out that it’s Templeton’s wife in the background. The exposure made her blue dress look white.
What famous paranormal photos are your favorites? Has it been debunked? Tell us more in the comments!
Social media has played a huge role in bringing the paranormal community together. It’s amazing. Sharing images with discussion questions is also pretty dang popular now.
However, most of the images you’re seeing are being shared without the creator’s permission. This is problematic. It’s more than problematic. It’s illegal. Yes, that’s right. It’s illegal to share someone else’s artwork without their permission, credit, or reimbursement.
This is an ongoing issue for photographers, artists, and creators. But, now it’s easier than ever to file a copyright claim on social media. This means that not only will social media venues like Facebook will take the artwork down, but they will ding the user, group, or page that shares the content. There’s no way you’re going to appeal this.
This has happened to me numerous times between my work with The Spooky Stuff, and my team, Association of Paranormal Study. Chances are, you’ve seen one of my images shared by someone else.
What is Copyright Infringement?
I don’t want to dive too deep into the legalese of copyright infringement since it can get confusing. Basically, if you see an image or artwork you like, and you repost it to your social media page or website, you could get in trouble if you don’t have permission from the owner. Any artwork you design, or photos that you take yourself, belongs to YOU. If you see that someone is sharing your image or using your image without your permission, you can report them, take them to court, and even sue them.
As a blogger and content creator myself, I have to be super careful with this because, well, I can get sued. I have subscriptions to Canva and Shutterstock so I can use the images you see legally. Also, I’ve used Flickr as another source for images, and I have to read the copyright ownership terms very carefully. I didn’t always use to do this, and now that I’m more aware, I’m going through my websites and social media accounts to fix it.
How it Affects the Paranormal Community
A lot of paranormal teams on Facebook are posting images created by other teams and individuals without credit. Or worse, they will remove the team’s watermark and logo and repost. Paranormal community, stop this. It’s not okay.
Creators have been accused of being selfish and creating bad morale for reporting their art as stolen, and that’s not fair. Paranormal pages and groups that are sharing this content without permission, let alone crediting the artist, are building their platform on the hard work of others. It’s the same as stealing someone else’s work and crediting it as your own. You would get a failing grade in school, and you would be penalized if this was higher education. You would lose your job if you were working for a publication.
Sharing content without crediting the artist, team, or creator creates bad morale in the paranormal community. Not only that, it is hurtful.
When I asked one team why they removed my logo and watermark, it was because they thought *I* lifted the image and slapped on my logo. It’s a sad state of affairs when people do that and they think it’s okay. By the way, removing someone else’s logo/watermark and replacing it with your own is super illegal.
Consequences of Copyright Infringement
There is a movement where creators are now reporting these posts as stolen and copyright infringement. And they’re winning, as they should. The creator has receipts and can prove whether or not these images belong to them. Facebook is one of the major platforms that will immediately side with creators, and Instagram is owned by them.
On Facebook, if your page or group gets hit with too many copyright violations, it will be removed. End of story. Is it worth potentially losing your platform over something preventable like copyright infringement?
Creators such as myself now include tags and our logos in our images. If a page just reposts it without tagging, it’s not enough. There needs to be a tag, a name, or something. A simple, “Thanks to ___________ for creating this image! Be sure to check them out and like their page for more” is enough for a lot of creators. I don’t want to speak for all creators, so you need to check in with them.
What Needs to Be Done
I can’t speak for all creators, but for me, I’m totally fine with you reposting my images and art as long as you tag my page in the original post. Not every creator is okay with this though, just to warn you.
Believe it or not, this simple request has resulted in me being ignored or even blocked. Or, the team, page, or group will just delete the image. Tagging and giving credit is such a simple fix, and the fact that this is such a huge issue is mindblowing.
“Everyone else is doing it” isn’t a valid excuse either.
What If I Don’t Care If People Share My Work?
That’s fine. Move on. But, there are creators who do care, and they’re getting pressured to stay quiet for the sake of “para unity.” Just because a photographer shoots weddings for free doesn’t mean every photographer has to follow suit.
Honestly, you should care because you put in the work. If these pages and groups are getting new likes, followers, and members because of YOUR work, you should absolutely be able to enjoy those same benefits and grow your platform.
“Para unity” doesn’t mean that people should shut up and just accept it. Especially when giving credit takes just a few seconds. Literally, a few seconds. It’s an easy fix.
If someone puts in the work, and you think it’s great enough to share it, then credit the person in the post. Tag their page. Direct your followers to show them some para-love.
What If There’s No Watermark or Logo?
Share at your own risk. There are millions, if not billions, of memes and images that don’t have a logo, tag, or watermark. I’ve shared that content after making sure I couldn’t find the original artist. Google image search is great for this, by the way. Memes are harder to prove ownership if that makes sense.
I’m not perfect, and this has gotten me in trouble. Luckily, the creators were more than cool with the snafu after I apologized and asked them what I can do to make it right. Usually, this means a reshare of the original image or just a tag in the caption.
If the creator does approach you and says, “Hey I made this image” and they ask you to either credit them, link their page, remove it, etc., just do it. You don’t want to potentially find yourself in court, or lose your group or page due to a copyright violation.
What Can I Do as a Member of the Paranormal Community?
If you see an image shared by a page or group, and you like it, look for the watermark, logo, or tag. If it’s not there, ask who made the image. That holds the page accountable. Credit as much as you can. Let’s support each other!
I tag all of my photos with @thespookystuff or APS with @parastudync so people can type it in the search bar on Facebook. Look for that group or artist and like/follow them. Or, tag them in the comments of the shared image. Not only will you alert them that someone is using their content, but you’ll give a shoutout to the original artist and bring it to people’s attention. Or, even contact the creator and ask them to send you the link to the original post so you can share it from the creator instead of the page or group that lifted the image in the first place.
Please don’t reshare knowingly stolen content either. Or, at the very least, tag the creator in the caption when you share. If this is on Instagram, then type, “Repost: @(username).” It makes a big difference.
If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to comment on this blog or send me an email.
One of the most popular panels I participate in at cons is the differences between real-life paranormal investigating and what we see on television. From my time hosting public investigations and working with new folks in the paranormal world, I’m often put in positions where I have to explain that what we see on television isn’t accurate to what happens in real life.
Simply put, paranormal reality television isn’t a reflection of what it’s like in real life. Here are some of the major differences between what you see on TV and what you may experience out in the field.
You May Not Have an Experience for Several Hours
Paranormal television shows show the best 30-45 minutes of an investigation that took place over the course of several hours, days, if not weeks. The clips you see on paranormal television shows may not have even been filmed on the same day. Usually, the first ghostly interactions happen within 15-minutes of the show’s start. This doesn’t happen in real life. And yet, I’m often asked within 30 minutes of a public ghost hunt where the ghosts are and why aren’t they talking? Well, it’s because these shows are very much a snip of a petal from a much larger flower.
It Might Be Boring
Ghost hunting television shows are exciting to watch. There’s music, dramatic clips, voiceovers, and more. This makes paranormal investigations look glamorous and dramatic. It’s not surprising that these television shows have managed to recruit most of the people in the paranormal community. But the real-life paranormal investigation isn’t nearly as interesting as what you see on TV. It’s much quieter, but it’s just as fulfilling if you set your expectations realistically.
Not Everything is Out to Get You
Paranormal reality television makes it seem like the spirits and entities are out to get the stars. But, in most scenarios I’ve encountered, the spirits are merely people. One of my favorite moments in a TV show was when the star is demanding that the spirits show themselves, and they respond with, “Do we have to?” How delightfully human is that? All in all, the entities that reside at a location are merely trying to get by in the afterlife. They aren’t the monsters you see on Scooby-Doo where they’re trying to get the stars.
Provocation Isn’t the First Thing to Do
Provocation is a jerk move, plain and simple. Yes, it’s great television and it’s entertaining. But have you seen what happens to television stars when they provoke? They get hit, bit, scratched, pushed, the list goes on. You wouldn’t walk into someone’s home and start provoking them, so how is it okay to do so during a paranormal investigation? While provoking is often used on TV, it is not the preference of most respected paranormal investigators. The only reason one provokes is to get a response. It’s not acceptable to do when one is alive, let alone doing it to someone who has since passed.
Television is Entertainment
Finally, you must remember that paranormal reality television is part of the entertainment business. Their goal is to entertain and maintain ratings. You will never see the ENTIRE story played out on camera. You’ll see snippets instead. While there may be some truth to some shows, that’s not the case with every show on TV. They have a storyboard. There are writers. A story needs to be told. What you see on a television show is the result of hundreds of pieces being put together. It’s the result of a team of dedicated filmmakers, all contributing something to the table.
Before you think I’m a complete hater of paranormal television, I’m not. Paranormal television has played a tremendous role in growing awareness of the paranormal and recruiting more people to the community. Therefore, it has value. As long as people know the difference between what they see on television and what is real-life, we’re going to be okay.
