As you begin your investigation there are several thoughts you need to keep in mind. The first is to follow a guideline in order to lead you in the right direction during your investigation. The guidelines you choose to follow will dictate the success of your research in the paranormal.
The second idea should be what not to do to ruin the investigation or render your findings useless. The following "mistakes to avoid" are simple and straight forward and mostly common sense issues that researchers need to follow.
Never Trespass:
Trespassing is against the law and could get you arrested. If you need to enter a location after closing, be sure to have written permission to be there. Too many ghost hunters do not follow this advice and end up giving ghost hunters a bad reputation.
Never Cause Damage:
Causing damage to a site has far reaching implications for all paranormal investigators and ghost researchers everywhere. Never do anything that would in any way harm or detract from a location you are visiting. If you accidentally cause damage, please report the damage and make amends.
Never Litter:
Trash belongs in a garbage can, if no can is available then take the trash with you when you leave. The ground is no place for discarded wrappers or left over food. It may be a good idea to bring along a small garbage bag during your investigations.
Never Publish False Data:
This statement should speak for its self. Never purposefully, publish faked photos or investigation results for any reason. If you are in doubt of the authenticity of any materials, you should not publish the material as fact. Publishing false data serves no useful purpose and is always eventually discovered.
Never Smoke:
Smoking not only causes abnormalities to sometimes appear in photographs but also deadens your sense of smell. Smoke from a cigarette will take on the shape of a mist as it dissipates in the air. If a photo is taken the mist will very likely appear to be paranormal in nature. Please no smoking during the investigation.
Never Drink Or Take Drugs:
It is important to be in complete control of your senses at all times during an investigation. Drugs or alcohol can lead to poor decisions being made by the investigator and possibly arrest.
Never Let Your Own Beliefs Influence The Investigation:
Not letting your own beliefs get in the way of the investigation should be a priority to all investigators. Accept the outcome of the investigation at face value.
Never Use Ouija Boards:
Not only are Ouija boards not a scientifically accepted form of research but they are potentially dangerous as well.
Never Go Alone At Night:
Going anywhere alone at night can be dangerous. Why increase your odds of a mishap by wandering around in the dark by yourself. It is too easy to hurt yourself in the dark or be approached by an unfriendly stranger.
Never Take Too Many Investigators:
Having too many investigators in one location can easily turn into a three-ringed circus. It is vital that all investigators present know the whereabouts of every member of the investigation team at all times. Investigators must be sure not to record the other team member's equipment with their own. Camera flashes coming from every direction at the same time are sure to cause abnormalities in photographs.
Use common sense when forming your investigation team and base your number of investigators on the size and location of the site being visited.
