Somewhere in-between, there is the average ghostly encounter. I'll describe a typical ghost hunt, from my experiences:
Where to organize a ghost hunt
When I schedule a "real" ghost hunt, I've usually confirmed that the site is actually haunted. Most of the time, this means that I've visited the location informally, with one or two others, and often with a group of people. During at least one visit, unexplained significant events have captured my interest.
For example, orbs in a few photos plus someone feeling "creepy" are not enough to spark a full investigation. However, if every psychic visitor to the site is practically overwhelmed by imagery, emotions, and/or sounds, we'll go back with measurement tools for a formal investigation.
Deciding which site is worthwhile, is usually a decision made by a group, not an individual.
Who is on the research team
The next step is to schedule a more formal ghost hunt, with scientific instruments, and a team of researchers representing a variety of interests, abilities, and beliefs in the supernatural.
For this more formal investigation, I include people with whom I've previously encountered the paranormal. No one can predict how a particular haunting will affect each person. Someone may be fine with a spectral battle at Gettysburg, but go to pieces over a ghostly dog that appears lost and whimpering. From one investigation to the next, it is nearly impossible to predict which individuals will be fine, and which leave the site badly shaken with fright.
In general, I do not invite sarcastic skeptics, people who frighten too easily, or anyone whose personality quirks might conflict with others in the group. This is an entirely arbitrary process, similar to planning invitations to a formal dinner, but not quite so awkward as seating people at a wedding reception. *grin*
I try to include a balance of psychics and people who approach the paranormal from a purely scientific basis. However, many psychics use tools such as cameras, heat sensors, tape recorders, or EMF meters to support their paranormal observations.
Basic preparations
Before the investigation, I advise people what to expect in terms of landscape, hazards (weak floorboards, gopher holes in cemeteries, broken glass scattered in a park, and so on), and weather quirks. If possible, team members should visit the site once before the investigation, to get an idea of what to expect.
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