Will the Real Ghosthunters Stand Up

Recently I had dinner with a fellow ghost enthusiast. Halloween is fast approaching and we'd both had our share of media calls wanting to know just exactly what is a "real ghosthunter." This no doubt, as opposed to a what a spurious ghosthunter is. Comparing notes on the differences between what we consider real ghosthunters to be and what others consider them to be, made for interesting conversation.

One reporter, who had obviously been watching too many horror movies, asked me if I'd had any really scary things happen to me. When I asked her exactly what she meant, she said, "You know, like angry ghosts chasing you in the cemetery or tearing someone's house apart."

When I said I had never had such an experience she thanked me for my time and no doubt went looking for a "real ghosthunter."

Let's face it; Halloween is coming and scary ghosts make great copy. No sense in trying to explain that real ghosthunters seldom encounter such lively specters.

My friend reminded me that we are at least lucky to see the term Ghostbusters being used less these days. It's true that the term doesn't seem to be as in vogue today as it was a few years ago, thank goodness!

I am reminded of a few years ago when a news reporter insisted on seeing ghost photos our group had obtained. When shown dozens of them, she said rather haughtily, "Why those aren't ghosts!" "Really?" I asked. She smiled smugly "I'm talking about the real faces that real ghosthunters get on film." We talked a few more minutes then decided that neither of us was going to benefit any further from the interview.

So who are these mysterious real ghosthunters news people go in search of this time of year? Anyone who seriously seeks to learn more about the phenomena has a right to consider his or herself a ghosthunter. Will these ghosthunters ever encounter a ghost? Not necessarily! We can investigate every haunted place we hear of, however, that is no guarantee we will see a ghost.

All too often new ghosthunters go out into the field filled with zest and curiosity. Some become bored and restless after a few hours and decide this really isn't for them. Those who stay on are the real ghosthunters.

"What's your expertise?" a reporter recently asked me.

Besides writing four books on the subject, conducting countless investigations, and teaching several classes on the subject, I have none. Nope! I don't have all the ghosthunting answers and I'm no expert. But then, neither is anyone else.

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