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Brief
History
We even
started this thing a lot differently than most of the others, if not all of them. In
early 2005 I began setting up my paranormal website called The Beyond. It was designed to be
my own personal opinions on
everything within the paranormal realm.
In early 2006 traffic started to improve, and members from
other ghost hunter organizations had found their way to our Message Board. To make
a short story even shorter, we got to talking, and had our own ideas
regarding some of the practices of other groups, and the correct way to
handle things on and off the field. I don't think it was ever even
stated by any of us that we wanted to start our own organization. It
just kinda' came together on its own. Everything was done differently
than expected. We
don't even have an acronym. |
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"It's
not easy being green."
Our Case Manager, who we ironically call, 'Red' uses Kermit's
timeless little quote all
the time. The basic meaning is simple. Sometimes, it can be difficult
to be different. From the start, I think
we all decided that we wanted to be different from the other
organizations out there, and as we grow, our members would help shape
what this organization was to become.
Our Mission
Beyond Paranormal Investigations is designed for three basic functions.
The first of which is doing everything in our power to help those who
are having problems with possible paranormal activity in their homes or
place of business.
Secondly, we wish to combine our investigation techniques with
knowledge and research to obtain the truth of a possible haunting. We
will attempt to find it, define it, and obtain solid physical evidence
of the phenomena in order to explain the otherwise unexplainable
occurrences.
For
years people have been using the same gadgets, and tools for
investigations. They've used the same old theories, and foolishly
accepted them as fact stunting progress to a standstill.
Most organizations don't even question this sort of
thing, and accept what they've been told by other investigators that
came before them without considering that they may have been wrong.
They just keep going along that path. If nobody questioned the
theories, and ideas that came before them, or attempted to improve upon
things, we would get nowhere. Unfortunately, it seems that thats the
state that this scientific field has become trapped in for quite some
time.
Lastly, we plan on traveling new ground. To question things that others
take for granted, and to go beyond
where others don't care to.
Things That Make Beyond Paranormal Investigations Different
What's so different about the way we do things compared to other
paranormal investigation organizations?
There are many different types of ghost hunting groups. If
you're interested in joining one, starting your own, or if you're
searching for the right one to help you, there are a few things you
should take into consideration. Some have very honorable intentions
such as scientific discovery, spiritual enlightenment, or just the wish
to help someone in need.
There are other groups whose goals are a bit more selfish,
and possibly even a bit unethical. Believe me, many of our members had
to find out the hard way. Unfortunately, there really is no way to
really know what you're going to be dealing with. On this page, we'll
try to break it down for you, and explain how our methods differ.
Science Vs.
Spirituality
First off, comparing science to faith is like comparing
apples and oranges. For the sake of the work that we do, we put
ourselves more on the scientific side. We look for physical evidence of
the truth. Period. We use both common, and uncommon devices that most
other scientific minded paranormal investigators would use. Our methods
are meticulous and thorough. We do not use spiritual methods such as
dowsing rods, pendulums, or psychics on our investigations. Many of our
members have strong spiritual beliefs, yet we set them aside to remain
objective. We have no ill feelings towards spiritual type
organizations, but time and experience has taught us that spiritual
abilities, and beliefs do not mix with scientific methodology. It just
doesn't work.
Still, there are a ton of organizations out there that
spend thousands of dollars on gadgets and gizmos. Instead of
researching, and learning how to use them properly, they'd rather talk
about where they're 'feeling the energies'. Their meter begins to beep
franticly, so they go into a trance like John Edwards, and start
calling out names of 'spirits' in the room. They don't even consider
the idea that their meter was beeping because it was too close to the
microwave. Why bother? Where's the credibility?
Experts &
Professionals
This is all about ego. There is not enough room for big
heads in our organization.
It's one thng to say that you do a 'professional job' or
your team handles themselves 'professionally'. Thats not a problem.
That's actually a good thing.
However, if someone says they're "A professional" and they
don't get paid, then they're just calling themselves a professional to
make themselves look good, or at least better than other investigators.
Don't be fooled. By definition, professionals get paid for the work
that they do. They ask for payment to go ghost hunting, or for
investigating paranormal disturbances. Beyond Paranormal Investigations
does not charge nor condone the practice of charging people for
services in the paranormal. It's like having to pay a cover charge to
get into church. We believe this to be an unethical practice.
There's a lot of people in the paranormal field claiming
that they're paranormal experts, or even that they're 'certified' in
the paranormal field. The truth is that you CAN pay money & take
unaccredited courses in paranormal studies. The key word is
'unaccredited' which basically means 'meaningless'. What's sad about
the whole thing is that every investigator who has done any research
knows that these certifications aren't recognized as being legitimate.
It's just like getting a hunting or fishing license, except, of course
that hunting and fishing licenses ARE, in fact real and necessary.
So, if everyone knows that they're meaningless, why
bother getting certified? It could be a number of reasons. Maybe some
feel more legitimate with one. It could be something to use to try to
sell themselves to potential clients. It could be an ego thing to try
to make themselves look better than another investigator. I honestly
don't know.
If someone tells you that they're certified or an 'expert'
in the paranormal, ask yourself these questions. How can you be an
expert, or certified in a field of study that has no established or
documented facts?
There are no experts in our organization, and none of us
have wasted our money or reputation on getting certified. Unlike many
other groups, we recognize that we don't have all the answers of the
universe. We proudly and humbly admit that truth. We are, and will
ALWAYS remain students in this field, and we will never stop learning.
Territory
There are ghost hunter organizations all over the world,
many in the same areas, and even the same cities. Many organizations
see other groups that are close to home as a threat, an enemy, or an
inferior. These groups will do whatever they can to 'beat' the other
organizations to an alleged haunted location so they can say, 'We were
here first.' Or somehow smear the others names. They will do whatever
it takes to remain the 'dominant' group in their area.
We have two words for that line of thinking. Grow up. We
are a threat to no one. We compete with no one. We're all supposed to
be on the same side here. If you're another ethical organization in our
area (or any other area), contact us. We're sure that we have a lot in
common, and would love to call you a friend.
The Media
With the recent onslaught of paranormal based television
shows, it's a natural thing for people to want to emulate the things
that they're watching. Be careful of this. New groups are popping up
all over the place because they've seen too many 'reality' programs.
Most of those who are bandwagon motivated will realize that there's
actually work involved, and disband within a short time period.
There's no denying that Beyond Paranormal Investigations
is a relatively new organization. Writing this, I can honestly say that
I've been dealing with the paranormal for over 20 years in various
respects. Our members needed a place to work. They needed a place where
their views and ideas in the paranormal would not fall on deaf ears.
They gave of themselves so that an organization without all the
'nonsense' and 'ego' would be created. Make no mistake. The Beyonders
are very dedicated to their work.
Another aspect that should be addressed is normal
newspaper, web articles, or even T.V. spots. There are groups that will
do whatever it takes to get their names in the newspapers, or their
face on a thirty second spot on the local news. They want to pose and
look like they know what they're doing.
Our take on it is, we understand that media
attention is not only inevitable, but also in many ways necessary at
some point. However, we prefer to focus on the work that needs to be
done. It's not about seeing our names in lights. We just want to keep
working.
A Final Thought
After reading all of that, you probably have a pretty good
idea about where our morals, ethics, and standards lie. It was
intentionally brash to make a point. If you work in the field yourself,
and depending on your point of view, you're probably either cheering
for us, or wanting to kill us right now.
Either way, if you're in one of the good organizations out
there, and are working to find the truth, know this. We applaud you for
avoiding all the nonsense, and bad decisions that others have made.
If you're just curious about these things, and are looking
to see what kind of groups are out there, We hope that you've learned
something here that may help you decide your path.
If you believe that you may have a haunting, and feel a
scientific investigation may help you, please CLICK HERE.
Lastly, to everyone reading this, scientists, media
hounds, psychics, professionals, and students like ourselves,
remember...
Stay 'green'.
We're all in this together.
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