From a logical standpoint, it's easy to think that paranormal investigators would all work together, since this field is about study and research, and the process which helps facilitate that. Sadly, however, the cold, harsh reality is that the paranormal community is divided - not by theories, but by the investigators themselves.

People who are relatively new to the investigative aspects of this field naturally tend to gravitate to those with more experience. While this is usually a very positive and fulfilling experience, one has to be careful about who is chosen as a mentor, as there are people in this field who - knowingly or unknowingly - create an illusion that they alone know the right way to do things, and that everyone else is either wrong, or they're imagining things - unless, that is, one is "approved" in some way by the person creating this false and harmful illusion. Sadly, there are people in this field who will criticize and ridicule you, condemn you, and even lie about you outright, all the while telling you they love you and that they are your friend.

Because of these negative tendencies and behaviors, genuine discussion and exchanging of knowledge and ideas suffers.  These tendencies - which can and sometimes do involve name-calling, belittlement, and scorn - affect not only those who are striving to gain and share knowledge, they also hurt the entire field by creating instability, unreliability, and mistrust both within and without the community.

The fact of the matter is this: Anyone can become a paranormal investigator. There are no secrets to learn, no rites to perform, no expensive classes to take, and most importantly, there are no experts. Anyone can do this; about the only real challenge involved, aside from paying out of pocket for equipment and travel expenses, is that of choosing a teacher - and that's not as easy to do as you might think.

Everyone has the right to choose to become a paranormal investigator, and if I was asked what suggestions I could give to people who are interested in doing this work, I would simply say this: Be sure that you're doing it for the right reasons, and be prepared to be committed to the work. Because, as my friend Chris from C.A.P.T. says, "Once you put the coat on, it's on for life."

Have a spiritful day, and thanks for dropping by. As always, your suggestions, comments, and questions are sincerely appreciated and welcomed.