Rules To Hunt By

12/1/06

I've always had my own set of "personal rules" to follow when on a hunt, doing experiments, or researching and I'm always quoting either this one or that one. So I thought I'd share the complete list.

Its not all that difficult, and is mainly common sense and sensibility. These are things I've learned and experienced over the years, and have applied these philosophies in my endeavors. I hope they catch on and will be practiced...then maybe we can eliminate the nonsense, and get down to business.

Rule No.1:

"Don't let your enthusiasm distort your perception"

Just because you're going to a "supposed" haunted location, it doesn't necessarily mean it is in fact haunted. Keep your cool, and don't let your imagination get the better of you.

Rule No.2:

"Find the explanation first"

Not everything can be attributed to ghosts. There are natural explanations to the majority of paranormal claims. If you can't find a rational reason for something, then go from there.

Rule No.3:

"If you can re-create a certain phenomena...it isn't one"

This is my personal supplement to the Dr. Richard Feynman, Nobel Prize winning Physicist quote, "If it doesn't agree with experiment, its wrong."

This rule proves not all things are "ghostly", especially in photographs and video footage.

This is the rule that proved the internet to be wrong! (i.e., "orbs", "ecto", "vortices", emf meters, laser thermometers, digital cameras), and made me the scourge of the paranormal community. The hunt doesn't end when you leave a location. The real work starts when you get home. To truly get any answers, the first thing you need to do is try to debunk your own "evidence". If you're having trouble doing so, send it out to someone for a second opinion...or third...or fourth, or whatever it takes.

It will be disappointing at times, but at least you'll know the truth, and disregard it for the next time it happens.

This rule takes some actual work, effort, and thinking, which is probably why most "ghost hunters" out there don't, won't, or can't do it.

***Stay tuned for an upcoming article with a video demonstration showing how an "orb" can defy a fan, and "fly" toward it. Proving once again, that an "orb" is just frikkin' dust, and hopefully, once and for all, put an end to all the "orb" bullshit.***

Rule No.4:

"The only guarantee is, there are no guarantees"

You can be in the most haunted place in the Universe, and can walk away empty handed.

We've been to places where we were witness to things flying off shelves and doors opening and closing, but got nothing in photos, video or audio recording.  It makes you mad, but hey it happens. So just be honest about it, and don't try to pass off something explainable as "evidence" just to save face or your "reputation". Its ok to say, "Dammit, we struck out this time around. Maybe next time."

Rule No.5:

"Its all a matter of being in the right place, at the right time"

Ghost Hunting is just like hunting anything else. Not every Game Hunter gets a deer every time either. This rule goes along with Rule No.4.

Rule No.6:

"Simplicity is the key to Complexity"

Most of the time, the answer is right under your nose. Don't over-analyze a situation. You'll just make things more difficult for yourself.

Rule No.7:

"Not EVERYTHING is paranormal"

This goes back to Rules 1, 2, and 3. Learn it...Know it...Live it.

Rule No.8:

"Never assume"

We've all heard the old saying, and it very much applies to paranormal studies. This can go back to Rule No.1.

So, there ya have it. Does it all make sense to you?

My hope is that others will follow suit, and practice these or similar trains of thought also. We'll make far better progress as a whole, once the "trend" starts to fade, some others out there find a new bandwagon to jump on, and we start to wise up.

~~~copyright 2006 Dr. Ken

None of this material may be used without
the written consent of Dr. Ken