19 replies to this topic

[JimDe]

I don’t feel comfortable with any of the current terms or buzzwords, regardless of the level or ‘step up’ in name/title/category. Personally, I don’t care what people call me or what you call yourselves... it’s the results that count.

JD

Edited by JimDe, 12 February 2008 - 09:59 PM.

[Oniix]

I am more comfortable with some over the stereotypical terms, but to a degree, I have to agree with you and I feel too many of the buzzwords are misused.

I guess we do have to label things to some point so others can understand what we are trying to convey, I just feel most of the terms need to be readdressed or ... I don't know... understood better by some that use it?

I do tend to try and split things into categories and terms and "levels", mostly when trying to get the normal person to understand ghosts beyond the stereotype created by the media.

Edited by LifeafterDeath, 13 February 2008 - 09:16 AM.

[AnnieV]

Personally, I hate when someone calls me a ghosthunter. I do not hunt for ghosts. I consider myself a paranormal investigator. And here's why:

Ghosthunter: Someone who hunts ghost for sport, for fun, to get kicks, an enjoyment, a thrill. Ghosthunters are in it for themselves. Generally, they are younger, they break rules to seek out the best possible thrill (like tresspassing), they try to coerce spirit into manifesting, they hit it and split (show up, take pictures, and never come back), they are quite often unprofessional in their approach to hauntings.

Paranormal Investigator: A person who tries to find answers in the paranormal field, not confined to just hauntings, but all aspects of the paranormal. Will attempt to find natural causes before jumping to conclusions and labeling paranormal, have methods, do not break laws, generally more professional, generaaly more experiecned and most of all, is not doing it for self-gratification, yet to help people in search of answers.

I can empathize with you...being called something you regard as bad or less respectable can be extremely irritating. A few years ago when I started in the child care business I remember getting soooo PO'ed when people would call me a babysitter. And I explained to them (if and when it was appropriate to correct them) that a "babysitter" is a teenage girl who talks on the phone or watches TV and is only there to make sure your children stay alive while you go out for an evening....A "child care provider" takes a much more active role in the child's well-being and education and is more like a substitute parent, teaching, nurturing, and helping your child gain confidence and self-respect. They are two completely different things by defenition, and I felt people were belittling my job when they called me a "babysitter".

That being said, this kind of thing happens all the time in various fields. Secretary or Administrative Assistant? Cop or Law Enforcement Officer? Receptionist or Information Specialist? No matter what you call them, they do the same job and very likely just as well as the next. I also think there are many quality groups out there that have the term "Ghost Hunters" in their name. While "Paranormal Investigator" does sound more mature and even classy (it's a glamorous field, eh?), I don't think it's cause for discrimination toward people who call themselves Ghost Hunters. And I would have thought your definition of GH was more suitable to the term "Ghost Chasers" (which I have heard of and I do associate the term with a negative response).

Oh well, no matter what we believe, I think it's important that we don't discriminate against "our own kind" (lol). That's where the negative reputation is going to come from...when people who are in the same field together try to discredit one another. My opinion: Credibility in this field is on a case to case basis...some are good, some stink. And some who are good call themselves GHs, and some who stink call themselves PIs, and visa versa. It's a horse apiece. Ignore the name, just look at the facts. If they get the job done and do it well, contributing something valid to the field, let them call themselves the Boogie Man if they want.

[Virgo/Libra Cusp]

Just an opinion but I like the term Paranormal Investigator better.
The term Ghost Hunter brings to mind the show on TV.
And if you want to be taken seriously, the term Paranormal Investigator should do the trick.
But what's in a name, right?
To each his own!

[nnyprs]

Even more good responses. I think most of you understand what I am trying to say here. As I have stated, I know there are plenty of good groups out there who use the term "ghost hunter" in their moniker. And I no means mean any disrespect to these people. I am just hoping they take a look at the term and hoe the public views the terms, and think more about who they are and what they are doing.