I just joined this forum recently in the hopes to share ideas, techniques and findings. One thing I have found that surprised me is how political it is. I guess I shouldn't be surprised though. The Paranormal field is one that is open to all and there's really no such thing as an "expert". Sure there are those with many, many years of experience, but that doesn't mean they have all the answers. I have been involved in this research for over a decade and I have my area of expertise but I would never claim to have the ability to conclusively say an idea is right or wrong. I do have the the technical knowledge to analyze a photograph or video with confidence and tell you if it's a natural phenomena or not. This ability alone has gotten me allot of angst over the years from people who were convinced their photos were "other- wordly". I've learned over time to only offer my opionion when it is asked of me. Let's face it, we all know the old saying: Opinions are like ###holes. Everybody's got one and they all stink! That being said, this leaves us in a strange new world here at IAH. The very reason for this forum is to share ideas, theories and opinions. Yet it seems that when we do, there are those that are so quick to stomp all over them. It's disheartening to find so many flame wars withing this forum. The paranormal by definition is the "unexplainable". It only stands to reason that in the course of trying to explain and label the unknown there will be differences of opinion. I think we all need to step back, take a breath and be open not only to new ideas, but to realize that sometimes our findings or evidence just isn't what it seems.

I'm also starting to feel like the word "skeptical" should be replaced with "discriminating". I am known as a skeptical believer. I don't just simply accept every piece of evindence that is shown to me. I first need to know exactly how it was collected, what techniques were used and if there was any other substantiating evidence to back it up. I don't feel that makes me a skeptic though. It makes me careful. I really don't like the way the word "skeptical"' gives an immediate negative impression. I think we all need to keep in mind that those of us out here that are critical of evidence are believers as well. For myself, I look at so many photos and know exactly what caused them. If I was to troll this site alone and respond to every photo in the galleries I'd be run out of town!

I believe in approaching every investigation with the same exact protocols. I personally will not label a location haunted without at least 2-3 documented and unexplainable events or variations to the baseline. I NEVER charge anyone for anything. Ever. To me, only a professional should charge for their services and I don't believe there is such a person in this field. Sure, there those of us with extensive experience and we should certainly conduct ourselves as professionals, however, to charge money for our services just isn't right. The minute you charge money to someone they are going to expect results. As we all know, actual evidence is rare at best. Then the homeowner is left feeling that they've paid for something they never got. This alone will leave a bad taste in the public eye. I think people tend to take you more seriously when they discover that you are in this because of a genuine passion and that you've invested your own hard earned dollars in the quest for evidence. That's why I'm here and I think that is the case for many of us.

In any event, I am not here to point fingers, start flame wars or make trouble. I am here to share ideas, thoughts and experiences with others in the paranormal community. Yes, I am affiliated with The America Ghost Society and I follow their protocols pretty much to the letter. I'm also involved with the SRA because I believe we need a strong network of investigators and researchers not only to share ides with but to watch for and investigate reports of fraud. I believe in having a strong network of people that offer their services free of charge for the public. I've seen so many great forums come and go and I hope this one can continue and grow being both positive and open-minded.

With that, I will step down off my soap box so I can go make some more coffee.

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