{"id":4539,"date":"2010-12-01T01:10:07","date_gmt":"2010-12-01T06:10:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/content\/?p=4597"},"modified":"2010-11-26T16:32:25","modified_gmt":"2010-11-26T21:32:25","slug":"across-the-great-divide-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2010\/12\/01\/across-the-great-divide-12\/","title":{"rendered":"Across the Great Divide"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"divide1\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Investigation Procedures: Presentation and Follow-up (Part 5 of 5)<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been following this series we\u2019ve covered quite a bit of information for carrying out a successful investigation into claims of paranormal activity.\u00a0 You\u2019ve designed and organized your group, researched the case and its history, carried out the hands-on aspects of the investigation, and meticulously analyzed your data.\u00a0 In this final installment of the Investigation Procedures series we will cover the process of presenting your findings to the client and follow-up protocols you should consider and practice in regards to concluding your investigation.<\/p>\n

You and your crack team have thoroughly gone over every last bit of data not once, but several times to make sure you\u2019ve covered everything.\u00a0 Every nanosecond of audio\/visual evidence, every pixel of every picture has been combed, and all your historical and environmental research has been concluded.\u00a0 Leaving no stone unturned you\u2019re analysis is complete and you\u2019re ready to take your findings back to your client.\u00a0 As soon as possible, within a few days at most, you\u2019ll want to return to the client to present your report.<\/p>\n

At best you\u2019ve got some logical answers to debunk some of the claims and with any luck some awesome evidence to present to your client to support their claims.\u00a0 Even if you don\u2019t, it doesn\u2019t mean a failure for the investigation.\u00a0 Keep a level head and remember that all investigations are a gamble- sometimes you can catch good evidence, but most of the time it results in no valid paranormal evidence whatsoever but each investigation is a learning experience and that has no price tag.<\/p>\n

It could very well be that a client may be comforted by the fact nothing paranormal was going on and whatever logical, natural explanations you may have for the events in the house could put them at ease.\u00a0 At the same time, if substantial evidence is found it can also aide the clients so when friends and family give them a crooked eye they can present professional proof to support their claims.<\/p>\n

First and most important, thank the client for inviting you into their home or business to investigate.\u00a0 Not only is this professional but proper etiquette as well.\u00a0 This is a volunteer agreement on both sides and putting your best foot forward goes a long way toward being taken seriously, being asked back, and having your spotless reputation spread through positive word of mouth.\u00a0 Explain the tools and techniques used in the investigation, procedures followed, and answer any questions they may have about equipment, research methods, and reasoning.\u00a0 If nothing of merit was discovered explain that often this is the case with most investigations.\u00a0 Explain that it does not<\/strong> mean that the location is not haunted or that their claims have no validity, it simply means the results were inconclusive at that time and the case will remain open for further investigation.<\/p>\n

If there were specific results, go through each one at a pace comfortable for both the client and the presenters.\u00a0 Both parties will be anxious and eager to view evidence but don\u2019t rush it.\u00a0 Take time to explain how each piece of evidence was captured, where it was captured, and offer theories to explain the phenomena both natural and supernatural.<\/p>\n

It should be stressed NOT to lead with what YOU think a sound or voice could be saying.\u00a0 The power of suggestion can skew the clients\u2019 objectivity into seeing things the way you want.\u00a0 Let them hear the recordings first and then discuss what they think it says, or if the sounds are familiar or routine.\u00a0 They know their house better than you do and a paranormal sound to you could be something quite mundane and familiar to them.\u00a0 After they have given their opinion, state the group\u2019s position and discuss the reasoning behind it.<\/p>\n

After all quantifiable evidence is dealt with then you could move on to any personal experiences that occurred during the night.\u00a0 Point out that these are not \u201cproof\u201d but additions to the lore of the location.\u00a0 If these personal experiences are substantial enough and can be backed up by the evidence then you as a group must determine if you would officially classify the location as haunted before telling the client one way or the other.<\/p>\n

Even if you\u2019ve captured irrefutable evidence of paranormal activity, it should not mark the end of your investigation with this client.\u00a0 Schedule a time and date for future investigations.\u00a0 These could be right away or a few weeks apart.<\/p>\n

Many groups visit once for a few hours and that\u2019s it.\u00a0 Evidence or no evidence- case closed.\u00a0 This is NOT scientific.\u00a0 Your research methods must be put to the test.\u00a0 Follow-up investigations need to be carried out for many reasons.\u00a0 If no evidence was captured, perhaps the energy wasn\u2019t there that night to manifest the results, or in the case of an intelligent haunt they simply didn\u2019t want to play along that night.\u00a0 There are many logical reasons as to why nothing of merit turned up, both scientific and supernatural.\u00a0 Don\u2019t just assume there isn\u2019t any support for the claims just because of one bad night.<\/p>\n

By the same token, if valid evidence was found, see if it can be recreated.\u00a0 In the case of anomalous photos, recreate the conditions with those who were present to see if there was some logical explanation that was missed; if you had clear responses to questions or commands on audio, see if they recur.\u00a0 Will they answer the same question or comment again in the same way?<\/p>\n

Do one investigation during the day, one at night, and a few using various control situations.\u00a0 After a solid batch of visits, you\u2019ll have more evidence to support either theory and will be more confident to make a final conclusion.<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re ready to close the case, leave the client your contact information and offer follow-up services should circumstances change or warrant third-party assistance.\u00a0 Make yourself available for questions and concerns as well as support services.\u00a0 Suppose after all the painstaking research it is determined that there is no basis for claiming paranormal activity.\u00a0 Let them know you can still be a phone call away to address any concerns they have.\u00a0 If you\u2019re final claim is that the place is haunted, many people don\u2019t take kindly to spirits making themselves uninvited guests in their homes.\u00a0 If they are troubled by the evidence or the situation provide spiritual or psychological counseling if you are qualified to do so, or point them in the direction of a qualified person or organization that can.\u00a0 Let them know that at any time if the events continue to occur, worsen, or even dissipate in the wake of the investigation they can call for further assistance.\u00a0 Above all let them know they are not alone and your organization will be there for them, now and in the future.<\/p>\n

Share your findings with other groups who may want to visit the location themselves and collaborate on the findings.\u00a0 True researchers share their knowledge; not horde it for personal gain.\u00a0 Remember that word of mouth is a powerful thing.\u00a0 Positive or negative comments and reviews could make you or break you.<\/p>\n

Keep former or future clients updated and involved on past, current, and future investigations and group activities.\u00a0 In this wired world you\u2019ll also want to keep an active online profile to share information about the group, offer services, and post evidence and reviews of past investigations.<\/p>\n

So there you are.\u00a0 Your investigation is complete.\u00a0 With the knowledge and experience gained from this outing your next one will be better and your team will strengthen and grow, not only in skill but in recognition.<\/p>\n

On a personal note, as I write this, the holiday season is upon us and Thanksgiving is but a week away.\u00a0 Soon the hustle and bustle of the season will be in full swing as we close in on the end of 2010.\u00a0 So whatever you celebrate, stay happy, laugh often, and cherish your friends and loved ones.\u00a0 With that in mind, it is now time for what has become my traditional holiday message.\u00a0 Enjoy.<\/p>\n

To all my friends, family, fans, and loyal readers:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender neutral celebration of the secular winter festival season, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious\/secular persuasions and\/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all; and a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2011, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped to make America great (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only “AMERICA” in the western hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, or choice of computer and\/or smartphone platform of the wishee.*<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Best Wishes,<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

R. Wolf Baldassarro<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Christmas-Carol-copy\"<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n


\n<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

*<\/em><\/strong> By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Investigation Procedures: Presentation and Follow-up (Part 5 of 5) If you\u2019ve been following this series we\u2019ve covered quite a bit of information for carrying out a successful investigation into claims of paranormal activity.\u00a0 You\u2019ve designed and organized your group, researched the case and its history, carried out the hands-on aspects of the investigation, and meticulously analyzed your data.\u00a0 In this final installment of the Investigation Procedures series we will cover the process of presenting your findings to the client and follow-up protocols you should consider and practice in regards to concluding your investigation. You and your crack team have thoroughly gone over every last bit of data not once, but several times to make sure you\u2019ve covered everything.\u00a0 Every nanosecond of audio\/visual evidence, every pixel of every picture has been combed, and all your historical and environmental research has been concluded.\u00a0 Leaving no stone unturned you\u2019re analysis is complete and you\u2019re ready to take your findings back to your client.\u00a0 As soon as possible, within a few days at most, you\u2019ll want to return to the client to present your report. At best you\u2019ve got some logical answers to debunk some of the claims and with any luck some awesome evidence to present to your client to support their claims.\u00a0 Even if you don\u2019t, it doesn\u2019t mean a failure for the investigation.\u00a0 Keep a level head and remember that all investigations are a gamble- sometimes you can catch good evidence, but most of the time it results in no valid paranormal evidence whatsoever but each investigation is a learning experience and that has no price tag. It could very well be that a client may be comforted by the fact nothing paranormal was going on and whatever logical, natural explanations you may have for the events in the house could put them at ease.\u00a0 At the same time, if substantial evidence is found it can also aide the clients so when friends and family give them a crooked eye they can present professional proof to support their claims. First and most important, thank the client for inviting you into their home or business to investigate.\u00a0 Not only is this professional but proper etiquette as well.\u00a0 This is a volunteer agreement on both sides and putting your best foot forward goes a long way toward being taken seriously, being asked back, and having your spotless reputation spread through positive word of mouth.\u00a0 Explain the tools and techniques used in the investigation, procedures followed, and answer any questions they may have about equipment, research methods, and reasoning.\u00a0 If nothing of merit was discovered explain that often this is the case with most investigations.\u00a0 Explain that it does not mean that the location is not haunted or that their claims have no validity, it simply means the results were inconclusive at that time and the case will remain open for further investigation. If there were specific results, go through each one at a pace comfortable for both the client and the presenters.\u00a0 Both parties will be anxious and eager to view evidence but don\u2019t rush it.\u00a0 Take time to explain how each piece of evidence was captured, where it was captured, and offer theories to explain the phenomena both natural and supernatural. It should be stressed NOT to lead with what YOU think a sound or voice could be saying.\u00a0 The power of suggestion can skew the clients\u2019 objectivity into seeing things the way you want.\u00a0 Let them hear the recordings first and then discuss what they think it says, or if the sounds are familiar or routine.\u00a0 They know their house better than you do and a paranormal sound to you could be something quite mundane and familiar to them.\u00a0 After they have given their opinion, state the group\u2019s position and discuss the reasoning behind it. After all quantifiable evidence is dealt with then you could move on to any personal experiences that occurred during the night.\u00a0 Point out that these are not \u201cproof\u201d but additions to the lore of the location.\u00a0 If these personal experiences are substantial enough and can be backed up by the evidence then you as a group must determine if you would officially classify the location as haunted before telling the client one way or the other. Even if you\u2019ve captured irrefutable evidence of paranormal activity, it should not mark the end of your investigation with this client.\u00a0 Schedule a time and date for future investigations.\u00a0 These could be right away or a few weeks apart. Many groups visit once for a few hours and that\u2019s it.\u00a0 Evidence or no evidence- case closed.\u00a0 This is NOT scientific.\u00a0 Your research methods must be put to the test.\u00a0 Follow-up investigations need to be carried out for many reasons.\u00a0 If no evidence was captured, perhaps the energy wasn\u2019t there that night to manifest the results, or in the case of an intelligent haunt they simply didn\u2019t want to play along that night.\u00a0 There are many logical reasons as to why nothing of merit turned up, both scientific and supernatural.\u00a0 Don\u2019t just assume there isn\u2019t any support for the claims just because of one bad night. By the same token, if valid evidence was found, see if it can be recreated.\u00a0 In the case of anomalous photos, recreate the conditions with those who were present to see if there was some logical explanation that was missed; if you had clear responses to questions or commands on audio, see if they recur.\u00a0 Will they answer the same question or comment again in the same way? Do one investigation during the day, one at night, and a few using various control situations.\u00a0 After a solid batch of visits, you\u2019ll have more evidence to support either theory and will be more confident to make a final conclusion. When you\u2019re ready to close the case, leave the client your contact information and offer follow-up services should circumstances change or warrant third-party assistance.\u00a0 Make yourself available for questions and concerns as well as support services.\u00a0 Suppose after all the painstaking research it is determined that there is no basis for claiming paranormal activity.\u00a0 Let them know you can still be a phone call away to address any concerns they have.\u00a0 If you\u2019re final claim is that the place is haunted, many people don\u2019t take kindly to spirits making themselves uninvited guests in their homes.\u00a0 If they are troubled by the evidence or the situation provide spiritual or psychological counseling if you are qualified to do so, or point them in the direction of a qualified person or organization that can.\u00a0 Let them know that at any time if the events continue to occur, worsen, or even dissipate in the wake of the investigation they can call for further assistance.\u00a0 Above all let them know they are not alone and your organization will be there for them, now and in the future. Share your findings with other groups who may want to visit the location themselves and collaborate on the findings.\u00a0 True researchers share their knowledge; not horde it for personal gain.\u00a0 Remember that word of mouth is a powerful thing.\u00a0 Positive or negative comments and reviews could make you or break you. Keep former or future clients updated and involved on past, current, and future investigations and group activities.\u00a0 In this wired world you\u2019ll also want to keep an active online profile to share information about the group, offer services, and post evidence and reviews of past investigations. So there you are.\u00a0 Your investigation is complete.\u00a0 With the knowledge and experience gained from this outing your next one will be better and your team will strengthen and grow, not only in skill but in recognition. On a personal note, as I write this, the holiday season is upon us and Thanksgiving is but a week away.\u00a0 Soon the hustle and bustle of the season will be in full swing as we close in on the end of 2010.\u00a0 So whatever you celebrate, stay happy, laugh often, and cherish your friends and loved ones.\u00a0 With that in mind, it is now time for what has become my traditional holiday message.\u00a0 Enjoy. To all my friends, family, fans, and loyal readers: Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender neutral celebration of the secular winter festival season, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious\/secular persuasions and\/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all; and a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2011, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped to make America great (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only “AMERICA” in the western hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, or choice of computer and\/or smartphone platform of the wishee.* Best Wishes, R. Wolf Baldassarro * By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":78,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":1,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4539","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4539","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/78"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4539"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4539\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4539"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4539"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4539"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}