Skeptical believer needs experience

Since I was a teenager, I've been interested in the supernatural. I've watched all the shows, In Search of, Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, read books on other people's stories, etc. I've even had a few things happen that I just can't explain, no matter how hard I try. So, I've decided the time has come that I need some "hands on" experience and stop relying on others to provide evidence. I need to get out there, investigate and see for myself. Something that can't be camera trickery, strings, faked recordings and the like.
What I'm trying to do is connect with a group of investigators that need another set of eyes. If there are any groups in Illinois, in the Clark, Edgar, Coles, Cumberland, Jaspar or Crawford county area or Terre Haute, Indiana, that could use another hand, send me a PM and let's see where it goes.

Now, let me make one thing perfectly clear. I am not volunteering to be a pack mule, taxi driver, equipment mover or that rookie who sits in the truck or fetches coffee. I realize I'm a rookie, but I am looking for experience, not a job as someone's errand boy. I will gladly help carry things, I will gladly help with anything that needs doing. I will Not take orders to fetch and carry and set things up while the more senior members sit and watch. No, I don't have a chip on my shoulder, I don't have a bad attitude or expect to be treated as a "pro" when I have little to no practical ghost hunting experience. I DO however, expect to be treated as a team member, not as some newbie that has to pay their dues by being someone's gopher.

I've tried to be a volunteer before, [ not with ghost hunting ] and I was treated like a gopher who was expected to fetch, carry, drive 40 miles out of my way because someone just HAD to have their phone so their girlfriend could call him and do menial crap, while the ones who'd been there for a while just sat back, gave orders and generally acted like they were too good to lift a finger. That lasted less than a day. If you need someone who's intelligent, hard working, patient, a quick learner and doesn't jump at every sound or takes the slightest cool breeze as The Ultimate Proof, I'm your man. Warning: I am a skeptic believer. I will try to debunk any evidence, but without resorting to crazy, convoluted "what ifs" and do not consider "take my word for it" as evidence of anything.

I'm a little busy today, so I'll check back later for replies.

Your last sentence stated: "I'm a little busy today, so I'll check back later for replies."

And you are volunteering?

Volunteer if you have extra time on your hands, not when you are busy.

Just start by hanging out in cemeteries. Then move up to abandoned apartment buildings in places like Detriot or Chicago. Carry a sidearm and a backup. Learn to determine the difference between old, unmaintained building noise and apparitions. Swallow your fear, if you have any. I don't know anything about it, I've never seen a ghost. But I think if you want experience, and you have none, you can probably find all kinds of ways of getting said experience without the guidance of 'pros.'

Strike out on your own, buy some gear. Read the books of those who came before you. Be your own ghost hunter.

a reply to: DAVID64

Couple things. Are you offering to pay to tag along?

Nothing personal, but if you are "volunteering" then you will be the gopher. Why else should anyone enjoy your company. You got to earn the right to be "there".

You could start your own ghost hunting . But I can tell you from experience that you don't find them, they find you. I never went looking for any of the handful of over a lifetime experiences.

a reply to: intrptr

As I said,I don't mind helping, but I don't want to be the only one who carries, lifts, sets up and just generally gets all the sh## work. Too old for that crap and just not gonna do it. No, I'm not paying anyone. Why I pay for the pleasure of their company? It would be a trade, set of eyes and extra hands, extra vehicle, in exchange for observation. If no one accepts, I'll just start doing what one poster suggested, strike out on my own and see what happens. It's not that big of a deal, it would just be nice to have experienced people around to take pointers from.

a reply to: rickymouse

I'm a little busy today. I got it taken care of and as far as I know, most ghost hunting takes place at night. So, I would have been free.

a reply to: DAVID64

As stated, like anything else, you have to start at the bottom, volunteering, or anything else. That translates to putting your ego and pride, aside

Chemistry apply s to research groups as well as anything else. The group must accept you, your knowledge, your good, bad, beauty, or ugly. They collectively decide who will be in, or out. Yep, personal experience speaking there....

All the good intentions in the world will not gain you a spot on the team, if no one cares for one aspect or another, of you.

All you can do is put the offer out there. If someone is interested, they will let you know. Otherwise, continue with your hearts desire the best way you can. Maybe some day, they will notice

a reply to: DAVID64

Too old for that crap and just not gonna do it. No, I'm not paying anyone. Why I pay for the pleasure of their company?

The same you would be expected to pay any tour guide.

Lets see though. I live near all the places that I saw specters in. I could take you to the exact spot and say this is where I saw it and I bet we could go there a 100 nights running and not see a thing.

What are you looking for, really?

To be scared or have an "experience"? Be patient, life is life long. Besides, if you believe in them, whats the point of one revealing itself anyway. Usually that privilege is for those that insist they don't exist or those that need a lesson of the spirit kind.

One more thing. Most of these agencies that go ghost hunting are frauds anyway. Like Palm readers and Psychics of the days of Houdini. He could't find an honest one in the bunch.

Honestly, you're just wasting your time.

These people that go out looking for ghosts and bigfoot have never seen or recorded anything that would even suggest ghosts or bigfoot exists.

So you would be disappointed, I would guarantee.

a reply to: DAVID64

Be careful what you wish for. You should learn about protecting yourself before you go delving into the paranormal.

There are things lurking out there that you don't want to bring home with you, or possess you.

originally posted by: sled735
a reply to: DAVID64

Be careful what you wish for. You should learn about protecting yourself before you go delving into the paranormal.

There are things lurking out there that you don't want to bring home with you, or possess you.

Protect yourself how, from what, and how do you know these things?

a reply to: sled735


"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you."

What are you looking for, really?

To be scared or have an "experience"?

a reply to: intrptr

Evidence would be the closest answer, scared doesn't enter in to it. I'm one of those people who run toward things, not away. I've seen a few things that I just can't explain. No matter how I try or which direction I come at it, I just can't find an answer. Many people wonder "What's next" and like I said in the original op, I've interested in the paranormal since a young age. Now that I'm closer to death, I'd like to see what all the fuss is about. Some turn to religion, but that's just not for me. Too cut and dried. Where does our consciousness go? What are these folks seeing that makes them such ardent believers? If/when something moves of it's own accord, is it mind over matter? Do these people want to see it so badly that a group mind makes it move? [ pet theory of mine ]
I am simply seeking an answer to a question that I've had for a long time. And, like many other things, I need to find that answer for myself, not just take someone's word.

a reply to: DAVID64

I think the least likely way to have a paranormal experience is to go anywhere with a group of people loaded down with gadgets and expectations. If you're going to have one, it will probably be when you least expect it. As for gadgets other than cameras, I don't know what the users expect to measure and what the measurements would prove. Photographs can, of course, be altered.

As for getting a group to invite you to join, it might be best to not mention up front that which you won't do. If a group does ask you to join, ask questions about what, specifically, you'll be expected to do. I understand your concerns but being negative is not appealing. I think it's pretty common for most groups to have an informal initiation period during which newbies don't get accorded the perks of full status. Of course that period should be brief and you would be expected to endure it with good humor.

What reading have you done on the subject and what facet of the paranormal most interests you?

originally posted by: Tangerine

originally posted by: sled735
a reply to: DAVID64

Be careful what you wish for. You should learn about protecting yourself before you go delving into the paranormal.

There are things lurking out there that you don't want to bring home with you, or possess you.

Protect yourself how, from what, and how do you know these things?

Click on my signature.

originally posted by: sled735

originally posted by: Tangerine

originally posted by: sled735
a reply to: DAVID64

Be careful what you wish for. You should learn about protecting yourself before you go delving into the paranormal.

There are things lurking out there that you don't want to bring home with you, or possess you.

Protect yourself how, from what, and how do you know these things?

Click on my signature.

OK, I read it. You've had experiences. How do you know WHAT created those experiences and how to protect yourself from it?

a reply to: DAVID64

I've seen a few things that I just can't explain. No matter how I try or which direction I come at it, I just can't find an answer.

Just summing up my own experiences. They were each unique and compelling. Like you I struggled for a long time trying to figure out what they mean. In some cases I was able to discern that. Personally I think they all had a message they were trying to impart.

Ghosts are just people without bodies and like some people they don't always have some deep meaning to their antics. Like a kid ringing a door bell and running or a friend that likes to jump out and go boo! They mean no harm and sometimes they do have a lesson to impart. Its up to you to figure that out.

Sometimes that lesson is just that there is a spirit world . Did you believe in the spirit world before your experiences? Do you now? Okay, lesson over.

originally posted by: intrptr
a reply to: DAVID64

I've seen a few things that I just can't explain. No matter how I try or which direction I come at it, I just can't find an answer.

Just summing up my own experiences. They were each unique and compelling. Like you I struggled for a long time trying to figure out what they mean. In some cases I was able to discern that. Personally I think they all had a message they were trying to impart.

Ghosts are just people without bodies and like some people they don't always have some deep meaning to their antics. Like a kid ringing a door bell and running or a friend that likes to jump out and go boo! They mean no harm and sometimes they do have a lesson to impart. Its up to you to figure that out.

Sometimes that lesson is just that there is a spirit world . Did you believe in the spirit world before your experiences? Do you now? Okay, lesson over.

How could you possibly know for certain what ghosts are and what their intent is?

a reply to: Tangerine

How do you know WHAT created those experiences and how to protect yourself from it?

You have a soul, too. Thats the real you, not this flesh and blood shell.

Protect from what? Want to share whats been bothering you?

originally posted by: Tangerine

originally posted by: intrptr
a reply to: DAVID64

I've seen a few things that I just can't explain. No matter how I try or which direction I come at it, I just can't find an answer.

Just summing up my own experiences. They were each unique and compelling. Like you I struggled for a long time trying to figure out what they mean. In some cases I was able to discern that. Personally I think they all had a message they were trying to impart.

Ghosts are just people without bodies and like some people they don't always have some deep meaning to their antics. Like a kid ringing a door bell and running or a friend that likes to jump out and go boo! They mean no harm and sometimes they do have a lesson to impart. Its up to you to figure that out.

Sometimes that lesson is just that there is a spirit world . Did you believe in the spirit world before your experiences? Do you now? Okay, lesson over.

How could you possibly know for certain what ghosts are and what their intent is?

Its not any one thing but the sum total of the experience. Decide for yourself what the intent is. Here's one of mine:

www.abovetopsecret.com...