Once again the topic of regulating the paranormal investigation field has reared is less than appealing head. Yesterday I participated in a blog talk with A.R.S. Radio hosted by Angela Singh, Ron Smith and Spiritual Medium Sybil Gaenz. Brian Harnois was the guest. Yes, even with the light-hearted presence of Brian, the topic of regulation came up.
We discussed the difficulties of structuring a regulatory or certification situation. Also, none of us wanted to prevent new groups from forming on their own and plying their trade in the name of discovery as most of us have done.
What about a “Paranormal Better Business Bureau”? This would be an interesting way to promote teams that are top-notch and flag those who are unscrupulous or make bad decisions at the expense of clients. It would be a loose way to monitor the situation as well as provide a service to clients who wish to determine the nature of paranormal activity in their homes or businesses and are fearful of hiring out of the “phone book”.
Who will do this? They tried to pass it off on me last night! LOL Like I need more to do… However, I wouldn’t be adverse to having input in helping to set up something like this. It must be carefully considered as we do not want to adversely affect the field and those who participate.
Weigh in with your thoughts! It’s a open discussion!
Tj
Catch the ARS podcast with Brian Harnois here – http://www.blogtalkradio.com/arsradio
Also, catch me tonite on Erie County Paranormal’s Blogtalk at 10pm ESTÂ where the topic is certain to show up again! The Guest will be Christin Morrison, a.k.a. Tinner (She is the founder of GHOST and InSight Field Member Ghost Hunters of Oklahomas Southern Territories She is also an aspiring comedian)Â Â http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ghsthunter346
AND, I will be on Tuesday 10pm EST on Michelle Ayers and Jen Brown on Para411 LiveParanormal TV – the show will feature paranormal humor including the comedian Mike Brody http://liveparanormal.com hopefully I have this info right and the show flies as Brody couldn’t make it last week.
Hi TJ,
Well, on the surface it sounds like a great idea. However, what would be the consequences to those groups found to not be performing to whatever standards are set by this “Paranormal Better Business Bureau”? And, how would those consequences be enforced?
We also again have the question of how to set guidelines for a field that is so varied in how it conducts business, i.e. some groups are more scientific based, while others are more spiritual based.
Despite the obvious issues surrounding it, I feel this is a step in the right direction to helping those out there find a team that they will feel comfortable turning to for help.
I’d be happy to help out on this, if you wish to put together a team.
Robin M
The better business bureau doesn’t prevent businesses from practicing. It’s more of a rating system, not a policing entity. It needs lots of thought. If you keep the imput in and a bunch of us do, maybe we can create something…
I’ll keep the team idea in mind.
T
We could create a website called http://www.suckyparanormalgroups.com where people could “out” unethical teams. One problem, however, is the sucky teams would try to make a case against credible teams. Any effort, be it a PBB (paranormal better business thing) or a website would have to have administrators from various different approaches to ensure no one uses it just to be nasty.
Or…even better..have groups around the country voluntarily direct clients to a single website to leave “reviews”. If this online review option is presented to every client regardless of the case, then it becomes less biased. This also becomes a good way for groups to check on client mentality, because sometimes clients will call in every group in the area until they hear what they want to hear. There could be a way for the teams to respond, as well, if a serious allegation was posted.
Just an idea.
I like Deonna’s idea of “Reviews”. Once a team has multiple reviews from various clients, then it would be easier to weed out the reviews from clients who just didn’t get the answer they wanted to hear. There would have to be a way to ensure that groups weren’t reviewing themselves though. This still seems to be the least complicated method presented thus far. Groups could also be given a 1 to 10 rating based on reviews, once a minimum number of reviews were submitted (for example 10), lowering the possibility of subjectivity. This option would also support the foundation of new groups, since they wouldn’t be negatively rated right off the bat.
Just a few thoughts. Feel free to respond to me here, on Twitter @CrazyMoresi or on Facebook (Robin Moresi).
Now, back to the snow!
Robin
I like the review idea. It’s all about who is reviewing the reviews though. We need good objective people who care about the field. I think this would work fairly well. We won’t have a perfect scenario, but at least we can approach that.
Tj
Hi terri,
It’s me again!LOL I have an idea on this if you would be so courteous as to email me:) I have a few great ideas that would not only help team’s, but the client’s as well. Myself and a gentleman from TN named Robb who founded the tri cities paranormal research society have been discussing this for quite a long time now. Talk to you soon.
Brad
Will do!
Tj
Some very good ideas here but I must agree with the first one posted by “Robin” dated Feb. 27th. Although the logistics of setting something like this up would be challenging to say the least, I’d be happy to lend a hand. I have previous and extensive experience in leading statewide quality improvement workgroups and crisis intervention teams and consider myself a very objective and fair individual. This is a first step and we must accept frequent mistakes and setbacks before everything begins to gel. As a starting point some semblance of a ‘Work Plan’ should be developed with objectives, completion dates and responsible parties. The task at hand is enormous but I believe the vast majority of the paranormal community agrees that something needs to be put in place while not stfling the creativity and enthsiasm of new groups or individuals joining the community. ~ JJA
As an aside: My goodness Terri! How could they expect to pass something like this off to one person?! Approaching this realistically is a must considering the task at hand and the enormous number of groups in every State. If this is going to be done at hall it must not be approached haphazardly or we’ll immediately be back to square one! An undertaking of this magnitude must be taken seriously or not considered at all. First of all we need to specifically define what it is , exactly, that is attempting to be accomplished. Perhaps a task force to define not only current problems inherent in the system but also best practices in paranormal investigation as determined by a board composed of individuals with No vested interests in specific groups and most importantly you would need clients on this board also. These are just general thoughts and opinions on my part ~ JJA
If we get around to putting something like this in motion, you are certainly on the list for inclusion on the project. And yes, it will be monumental! Keep stewing your pot and we’ll eventually all come together with a working plan. It will take time to biomorphically evolve into a working machine, but I believe we can accomplish it.
Tj
You could set the basis of the “respected community” team by having any team wishing to become listed if you will. To sign a basic rules and regulations form to be listed in the first place. That way no matter religious or scientific they have to agree to abide by the same basic rules of investigating. As far as proper contracts, disclosures, and what have you. No matter what kind of team they are they should all follow the basic set of common sense and common courtesy implied. They would just agree on paper. There could also be an “upcoming teams” section for the new teams that have agreed to all said basics. That way clients know they are not seasoned but might still be willing to give them a chance to further their knowledge in the field. Just a thought. How would that sound?