I live @ Buffalo Bills Pahaska Teepee (his grave) since 2004. I haven't had cable since 2004. I got started paranormal investigating on my own because of what I have experience while living here. I have learned a lot on my own by doing investigations, reading books and going on ghost hunt events by other paranormal teams. I was wondering since I am not influenced by any paranormal tv shows is that a good thing or am I missing out on learning from watching these tv shows?4

A mixed bag for sure. My favorite aspects of tv investigations are when they have psychic analysis because I am always drawn to psychics, and also the new technology being developed for investigating. I am always excited when a new piece of investigatory equipment is unveiled!
The downside I think is the hype involved. Most tv investigators are extremely quick to jump to the "demon" label. Negative energy is fueled by fear. IMO they are trying to increase the likelihood of a negative reaction via hysteria and provocation so that they benefit financially. I also disagree with the exploitation of earthbound spirits (not of a negative nature) without using the proper techniques to help them cross over. We had another discussion on this and see it as them being kept like circus performers or zoo animals. They are consistently contacted but rarely helped.
I understand the motive to investigate scientifically, and agree with it, but I think in most cases tv investigators throw morality and humanity out the window. Which no one should agree with.
Love and Light to compassionate investigation!
~*Ashley*~

The only show I enjoy is Dead Files, it has a respectful Medium/Psychic ( Amy Allan) and partnered with a man that believes in proven facts so he researches the life out of what is in question ( Steve Di Schiavi). A Ying & Yang investigation

I agree with Shenshen. I enjoy seeing the new technology, but I do question some like the Ovilus....I am not sold on that one! Sounds like you are doing just fine without being ruined by the TV shows!
All you need is your feelings, camera, DVR, flashlight, video camera and a compass! Happy hunting

I think you could definitely learn all you needed to know through your own research, but at the same time, I also think there are a few shows that may benefit you that people here could recommend. At any rate, watch with a firm grip on that grain of salt. Always rely on your instinct, experience and intellect more.

I think that they have had a major influence on the whole "investigating" scene. I tend to agree that some showa jump to the "OMG it's a demon run run!" theory to much. As entertainment I enjoy them all, and some of them have helped me come to terms with my own issues.

But I don't think your missing out on much.

Melbelban wrote:


If I needed to make out a list of "what not to do", I'll tune in on a Wednesday night to see the popular so called "experts" in action. In fact, if memory serves correctly; the channel that carries them announced for the first show of the season it was their most terrifying. Really? Didn't you say that last year stupid?

Going to play Devils Advocate here.
Call me old fashioned, but, probably like a lot of other members, I was doing this stuff way before the media hype took hold and we got to saturation point with reality TV. I do enjoy watching the shows, purely for entertainment. as I cannot take them too seriously as a legitimate scientific experiment. I would dearly love to proven wrong however and remain open minded to any evidence presented.
One thing that the TV has had a marked influence on is making the paranormal far more accepted and accessible in the eyes of the general public. On the downside, it has also created a unstoppable and cynical money making machine, which I do feel particularly uncomfortable with.

For myself, I would have to say that I'm actually very glad for the role which network television and the pioneers on TV have played. I'm not taking a single bit away from those of us who have been in this before TV ever heard of it, and those who will be in it long after the fad goes away. And I'm not even factoring in the intent that any of the TV's shows did or didn't have in producing their shows. Whether they sensationalize, realize, or even stigmatize does not play into my opinion. The only thing I am looking at is that thanks to the popular TV shows, paranormal investigators are no longer looked at as if they had a third eyeball popping out of the top of their head. Also the general public no longer snickers and says "what a bunch of crack-pots".

Acceptance has gone from the upper single digits to the middle to upper middle double digits. Where a few years ago perhaps 8-9% of the general public accepted the paranormal research field and mediums with validity, now 50%+ of the general public has heard of and recognizes paranormal research as something viable and perhaps even "Cool". Perhaps some still do so secretly and without announcing it, but they still do to some extend believe in it.

So if for no other reason, that alone is enough for me to be thankful that they exist. Granted we now have an entirely different set of things to deal with such as Paranormal tourism, and individuals "trying" stuff without proper precautions and respect but at least we are moving in the right direction.

The psychic investigation shows mean more to me than ghost hunting shows imho.