Form Your Own Ghost-Hunting Team
It's Easy if You Know How to Find Qualified Researchers
Jun 16, 2008
With paranormal investigating now in the mainstream, there are thousands of supernatural enthusiasts out there exploring on their own. Bringing a handful of those enthusiasts together to work as a team will result in fresh ideas in research, more thorough investigations, less physical and mental strain on individual investigators, and a foundation for building a positive reputation in your community.
Finding Qualified Prospects
- Ask friends. You may already know several people you work well with who share an interest in the paranormal.
- Post a “want ad” on paranormal message boards or forums like those at Ghostvillage.com and Ghoststudy.com.
- If you frequent a New Age, Occult, or Paranormal bookstore, ask permission from the shop owner to post a flier on their window looking for team members.
- Join the paranormal-themed communities at group centered sites like LiveJournal.com. Ask existing members to help you spread the word in your locale about your search.
What Qualities Should You Look for in a Potential Team Member?
- Find out how long they’ve been in the field. Use your best judgment to determine if they’re dedicated enough for the team you’re assembling (6 months or more usually indicates a strong level of interest.)
- Do they prefer a scientific or psychic investigative approach? Is this compatible with your team’s focus?
- Take into consideration each individual’s research specialty. A well balanced team is generally made up of members each possessing a different strong point – photography, audio recording and analysis, historical research, psychology, public relations, and even web design.
- A flexible schedule is a must! Some investigations may need to be booked on very short notice.
- Do they have reliable transportation? If so, how far and how often would they be willing to travel?
- An investigator that already owns the basic equipment (camera, audio recorder, and EMF meter) is obviously one who takes the role of paranormal researcher seriously and is a valuable asset to a team.
Gauging How Well You Work Together
- Put together an interview for each prospect consisting of “How would you respond if…?” and “What would you do?” types of questions. The responses will usually separate those that are level-headed team players from those that may freeze-up or panic.
- Have each prospect provide one or more personal and professional references. This is the same process businesses have relied on for over a century – it is the best way to learn about someone’s personality and abilities without making costly mistakes!
- Set up a few practice ghost-hunts at known local haunts, make notes of the team’s strengths and weaknesses, and record each participant’s anonymous feedback (index cards in a box are a great way to do this.)
Getting out in the Field
Once you’ve assembled your team, make sure that everyone knows the first few months of working together will require some adjustments. You’ll likely experience some “growing pains” as the pressure of investigating increases. A good team will work out its differences and learn to operate much like a family in a relatively short time.
Don’t take it personally if members move on or decide that the group is just not a good fit for them. Remember that patience and persistence are necessary at all times as a team leader. As word of your group’s reputation spreads, you’ll attract team members with whom you’ll be proud to investigate!
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