The comments have come fast and furious over the topic of regulating paranormal teams. This is an important discussion as the field grows into legitimacy.
The more I hear, the more I lean toward a certification… or a “Good Housekeeping” seal of approval… This criteria has not formed yet, but I’m confident it will on some level. For a paranormal group to be “bonded” and insured looks like a good safe idea to protect the interests of clients and teams.
I still feel amateur groups need to form and investigate. There should be opportunities for anyone who is interested to get out there and discover for themselves. However, if a client feels they need protection on a greater level, they should have the option of hiring a group that sports a certification. It will make some feel more comfortable.
This discussion continued from the Erie County Paranormal Blogtalk on Saturday into yesterday’s Paranormal Swat Blogtalk (which I did last evening). You can review that here: http://www.paranormalswatradio.com/
Please keep tossing in the comments. Your opinions are valued adding to the focus of a solution.
Thanks!
Tj
Regulations, regulations… I don’t like regulations in paranormal field simple because you can’t regulate something that can’t be even explained. How can you regulate something if you don’t know what should be regulated – I mean, the way people investigate is a direct result of their own system of beliefs and approach – some people prefer scientific point of view, others more occult one – how to create regulation system that both sides will like, hmm?
I agree with you actually… Again, we’re attempting to apply physical laws to the non-physical. There is only so much “policing” we can do. Certifications to specialize areas of the field might be good, if only to give clients piece of mind.
All in all, are we really that bad off?
Tj
I think Tj isn’t talking about policing procedures or methodologies. There isn’t a way yet to standardize these things. But I believe she is suggesting having some way for clients and teams to know if a group is professional, ethical, and isn’t causing drama in the community. This is more about ethics than “methods.”
Nathan has some valid points–but we do need to start somewhere and though we are only in the discussion phase–it is a beginning. The log are going to be mind boggling but we need to keep moving forward.
OOP! sorry–that was LOGISTICS