I recently heard of a team who charges for copies of evidence caught on a client's property. I was very surprised for I'd never heard of it. My team, WCG always gives copies of evidence caught on a site free of charge. I was wondering what others thought of this and have even put a poll up! To me, the evidence is the client's and should be given, what do others think of that? Please answer my poll if you have a chance!! Thanks!
I guess I need to put this up front that my group DO NOT charge for anything. However we are a very POOR group but we do have the equipment. I had to go out to Argusville to investigate a haunting there keep in mind that is about an hour away from where I am. I started this group just to keep it local here in grand forks. So far there is not enough to keep us busy so we do need to go outside of town. YES gas is expensive and I put in all I can and save all I can just for a great place to investigate or even to help people out. As far as charging what harm is it? Could 5.00 or even 10.00 be too much to charge? I dont know at this point. Also anything you turn over is out of your pocket as well. I can see not charging anyone in grand forks seeing we dont have to travel but out side of town I may think about it. I would only charge for gas is all.
Now days everyone has their hand out for something or other why not us, that is all i am saying.
just think about all you put into it. it is very great that we want to help people out but at the same time charging something weather it is 5 to 10 buck is not all that bad!
ADDED NOTE:I wanted to add that I never reveal a clients identity. I will post a photo or statement with their permission but will not link it directly to them. I always tell a client if they are looking for recognition they will need to contact another group.
The reason I added this is because there are a lot of people out there that are looking for recognition and hire hoping for that.
I am going to put it this way. If you take a piece of evidence collected to a lab for analysis; does not that lab charge you for the report? Yes as a matter of fact it does! LOL. I personally do not charge anything for an investigation even the lab work. I ask for a donation but hey if the people do not have it they do not have it! Will I not do an investigation because of this, No I will do the investigation anyway and take the money out of my own pocket because I am of a strong faith these investigations have to be done for the good of all. Money comes and goes, if your doing the right thing money will always be there even when you least expect it to be! Some individuals and groups make a living off the paranormal, and if they are good at what they do and present verified data in lectures and papers written about their investigations, I myself have no problems with them asking money for it. I know how much this costs! That is if they are good and qualified to do so. I have a strong resentment of anyone that goes and gets a 99 dollar degree of Dr of whatever off the Internet or some mail order course and then becomes an expert and charges for their works. Because they have a fake Dr. in front of their name! And I also have a strong resentment of individuals in the field who went to school got a degree thats of another avenue of study and using that degree to qualify themselves as professionals in the paranormal and charging people at the same time for their services. This is not ethical and it devours anyone who is really interested in joining groups or being part of something for which they have an interest in learning about from approaching or being part of paranormal investigations because they feel they are not qualified to do so.
This is not to say some groups don't abuse the word "Donation", which is more of a word to use, (I feel), when the money is a volunteered amount not a fixed amount imposed onto a client.
This can include some "so-called" churches, that are really some lone, small one building, masquerading as some larger organization/denomination to make you feel more they are legit.
People should try hard to avoid confusing those who request compensation, as to not be in the red too much for expenses. Versus, people charging money for services for example.
One obvious reason of course is that good groups whom don't charge are being unfairly categorized with groups that do charge for services. (A need for compensation for expenses should be said up front however.)
This isn't saying this is the case you are referring to here 'Angel, but I wanted to bring that up.
Now before everyone starts yelling at me... I am answering a question. NOT giving my opinion.
This has been a hot debate for years. Also, not charging was brought to the forefront by the TV shows. There are a lot out there that make a living from the Paranormal. Many that you think are not.
I as many do not think it even ethical to charge for an investigation if it is considered research. However, although I don't charge for copies of DVD's and copies of audio recordings, etc., Even if I don't agree, I can understand that there are those who will charge for physical items because they have to put out the money for the items up front. It also depends on what the arrangements are with the owner.
Now as far as the evidence belonging to the property owner. That is debatable also. The owner has asked a team to come in and find out what is going on. They have given permission for you to gather the information. Think about what you do for a living. If someone asked you to come to their property and do something for them. Would you do it for free? Or, on a criminal investigation. You gather evidence towards an end result but you don't give the evidence away. You give a report.
Oh! I have seen a lot too, that will take "Donations" for gas etc., and defend that. Then turn around and bash those who charge for items. Now is that fair?? What's the difference?
Also, whether someone charges or not does not reflect on their credibility. No matter what TAPS says.
There are arguments for both sides of this story and until this field is formally recognized and standardized it is up to the property owner and team as to what arrangements are made.
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