
Charging Money To Hunt Ghosts
#1
Posted 21 November 2009 - 02:12 PM
Do you think this takes anything away from the validity of a haunted location?
I haven't looked, but do these kinds of places advertise that they've been investigated by the GhostHunters or Paranormal State etc etc?
Would you investigate a location that charges money to do so?
#2
Posted 21 November 2009 - 04:54 PM
Just curious as to what everyones opinion is on places that charge to look for ghosts. I've read that a few of the places featured on different tv shows charge money to investigate. I believe someone said that Eastern States Penitentiary charges 500 bucks to spend the night.
Do you think this takes anything away from the validity of a haunted location?
I haven't looked, but do these kinds of places advertise that they've been investigated by the GhostHunters or Paranormal State etc etc?
Would you investigate a location that charges money to do so?
#3
Posted 21 November 2009 - 10:19 PM
Krafted with luv
by monsters
#4
Posted 21 November 2009 - 10:32 PM
I work at a historic house museum that is extremely haunted. Every other week, we get a request to investigate the place. We don't allow investigations due to security issues (letting a bunch of strangers run around in the dark in rooms full of irreplaceable antiques is not a good idea). However, if we did, there would be a lot of expenses on our end that would occur as a result of that. First of all, it takes up a lot of administrative time to deal with the requests and would be even more so to deal with scheduling, getting signed waivers, etc. Then, you have to have staffing available during the investigation itself. That adds up quickly. I've heard the counter argument that allowing investigations would bring in so much more money in terms of donations and publicity. That's nice in theory, but it doesn't pan out in reality. People have also suggested that the places could get investigation groups to volunteer to run the investigation. Again, that would take up paid staff time to manage the volunteers. For some places, unless they charge for people to investigate there, allowing investigations just isn't financially viable, even if it's only one or two a year.
That said, I am uncomfortable with seeing places charging exorbitant amounts to investigate. However, it is ultimately the investigator's choice to go there or not. Whether or not it is price gouging, no one is going to die from say, not investigating Waverly Hills. One non-profit theater in town actually does charge extremely high rates on purpose just to keep people from bugging them about it. They found that if they said that investigations weren't allowed at all, the investigator would inevitably start going on on about how their group is different and that the place should make an exception for them. If they quote some outrageous fee, that pretty much ends the conversation. And if the group is willing to pay that much, at least it helps make up for the fact that some overworked staff member is going to have to put in even more time to manage it.
OTOH, I also get frustrated when I hear investigators act like it is their God given right to investigate places, and complain about how places that charge for investigations are standing in the way of scientific progress. Baloney. Businesses, non-profits, and individuals all have a right to control access to their properties as they see fit. All it really means is that the investigators will have to spend more time and effort finding less known hauntings and private investigations instead of going to whatever place happened to be featured in the latest paranormal investigation show or is popularly known locally.
I've been to Prospect Place both before and after they were on Ghost Hunters. I have no problem with paying the fee for that. The money goes directly towards restoring the old place, and I have seen a lot of progress on that count over the past several years. I've also gotten some great evidence every single time I've been there. As far as I'm concerned, it's a win-win situation.
#5
Posted 22 November 2009 - 11:55 AM
I don't even think that I have much of an issue with private owners cashing in a little - but there is definitely a line that can be crossed. ($500 a night seems a bit excessive.)
-Stephen G.
Co-founder of Fly By Night Paranormal Investigations.
Based in Omaha, NE with a chapter in Dallas /Ft. Worth, TX. FBN is primarily a paranormal research team with a focus on classical 'haunting phenomena.'
Please visit our website at www.fbnparanormal.net or find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook...NightParanormal
#6
Posted 22 November 2009 - 01:24 PM
I'd recommend anyone who wants to try one out stick to the smaller locations that only charge for upkeep of the place...these are usually smaller in size and will, at the least, be a fun and history rich experience. If you like crowds, missing stars and spending a fortune, try the others. I doubt you'll be impressed.
#7
Posted 22 November 2009 - 06:02 PM
In my opinion a true investiugation would be to approach a location such as AbbeyGal mentioned above that DOESN'T routinely allow such things and make the neccessary arrangements to get in. Of course that likely means you may have to be bonded / insured, be willing to pay any expenses incurred, submit a plan of action, what you want to do, and work with the owners. Of course that rules out many weekend ghost hunting groups, but that is the type location you seek out. I have done so in the past and had success. Therein ies the difference between an investigation and ghost hunting for entertainment.
Of course here we are talking more about the places that routinely open their doors for ghost hunts. For that, pay the fee and have fun!
#8
Posted 22 November 2009 - 07:05 PM
I didn't lose my mind - I have it backed up on a disk ... somewhere
#9
Posted 26 November 2009 - 12:57 AM
Just curious as to what everyones opinion is on places that charge to look for ghosts. I've read that a few of the places featured on different tv shows charge money to investigate. I believe someone said that Eastern States Penitentiary charges 500 bucks to spend the night.
Do you think this takes anything away from the validity of a haunted location?
I haven't looked, but do these kinds of places advertise that they've been investigated by the GhostHunters or Paranormal State etc etc?
Would you investigate a location that charges money to do so?
I would have to be convinced that it was really worth it first.
SeekX

#10
Posted 26 November 2009 - 05:37 AM
but to answer your question,research first THEN decide.and also take into consideration that you could be let down
#11
Posted 27 November 2009 - 02:01 PM
I do have to agree with a couple of you folks up there ^. I think if the money is going towards some type of funding, that's fine.
#12
Posted 27 November 2009 - 11:51 PM
#13
Posted 28 November 2009 - 04:14 AM
So far no one has asked us for money. I don't promote barging in or trespassing. Technically there are some cases we have taken pictures without permission. A good example of this is on our video "Bursley Farlow Massacre". We drove out to the Bursley house, knocked on the door and no one was home. Brian and Shane stood out in the driveway recording audio and Vincent took some photos of the house. We would like to return there but we can't keep running 45 miles one way just to meet the owner.
The Farlow property was shut down 25 years ago by the police and the DNR has the property labeled as "contaminated". But none of the neighbors can agree on what contamination is buried on the property. Some say dead bodies still remain behind, others say PBB from Dow. We did go inside the remains of the Farlow house but there are no doors, windows and barely walls remain.
We try our best to get proper permission, while we might be considered by some as trespassers we don't break and enter or vandize to gain entry. I guess I don't mind some one charging a fee for allowing others to access their property. I wouldn't really be interested in looking for ghosts in such places. There are so many places with public access and others who welcome the visit to learn the history of their home.
Zack
#14
Posted 03 December 2009 - 07:13 PM
You have a group and you want to charge to take people into a supposed haunted cemetary and relay the history of it. Is that even legal?
#15
Posted 03 December 2009 - 08:25 PM
What about a group that charges to come along on an investigation? Can you legally charge money to take people along on an investigation if you dont own the property?
You have a group and you want to charge to take people into a supposed haunted cemetary and relay the history of it. Is that even legal?
Generally speaking yes it would be legal provided the owner grants permission for you / your group to be there. From his point of view your paying customers would be a part of your group and you are responsible for them. So make sure you have liability insurance in place to cover your pying guests. And while you're at it, if you are charging you better be running it as a business and paying taxes on the income you receive from this venture. Otherwise your profits could be a tax issue with the government.
Is it worth the aggravation? You'll have to decide that for yourself!
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