Voices captured on tape recorders, ghostly images showing up on thermal imaging cameras and unexplained footsteps in an old abandon house, and having a television show exploring evidence of the paranormal all sounds like a lot of fun right? Especially since this was your group, that you started from scratch many years ago when you were just learning how to investigate. How exciting it must have been when a television production team approaches you and your team entertaining the idea of a show exploring just what it is like being at the height of paranormal investigation. It must be thrilling, exciting and scary all at the same time knowing you and your team are about to be on television. But just how glamorous is it to have your own television show? Knowing what I have learned about television and production, it might not be all that it is cracked up to be, especially when your original team was the ghost hunting group you built. You are dealing with a production crew and producers, and they may have their own agendas about what ghost hunting is really supposed to be about. What happens when you do not get that ghostly evidence that you were hoping for? And what if the evidence you do get is purely minimal at best, and not earth shattering? Is that going to fly on television? Is evidence like that enough to get viewers to watch your show?
Donna LaCroix, one of the original members of TAPS, left the show late 2008 for reasons that were initially unexplained. She appeared on an online radio show called Ghost Divas November of 2009 to let the world know exactly why she and two other members left, Brian Harnois and Andy Andrews. Apparently, there may have been some falsification of evidence on the set of the Ghost Hunters TV show. She said basically that she was sickened by it, as paranormal investigation was a serious part of her life. She also went on to say that Grant and Jason have done pretty well because they have rights to the merchandising (clothing, equipment etc). I have listened to this interview, and although I believe there is truth to what Donna has stated, I do think that she was highly emotional, and she may not have been in the best frame of mind when she was speaking out against her former colleagues. She said repeatedly that she had been screwed over by Ghost Hunters, she was not supposed to talk bad about them, but that she was not afraid of them,and if they did anything to her they would be sorry.
The reason I am bringing this up, is because other well known personalities have recently left the Ghost Hunters International Team. Rob Demrest, the lead investigator has left, along with his second in command Brandy Greene. I have not yet found an evident reason as to why these two figures are missing in action. Another member that has left GHI that has truly shocked me was Dustin Pari. He seemed very serious about the world of investigation, and now it seems to be more than a case of a few disgruntled members who didn't feel that they got their share of the royalties. It is quite a strong coincidence in my opinion that all of these people have left.
From an investigation standpoint, and being part of a group for a little while, this is a normal thing for a large group to dismantle and others find other teams to join or start new ones. I am almost positive when there are different personalities new ideals start to form on the way that investigations are handled. However, I think once a production crew shows up the ideals and standards of the team essentially have a great chance of dissolving. I think most people see dollar signs with just the thought of being on television and potentially becoming famous. I think money clouds the mind and in essence, the group will lose the ideals they once had, and evidence planting and faking become trivial. I also believe the true nature behind the investigation becomes less credible. You have a show and people follow you! Your famous and recognized throughout the world, whats not to love?
Well, it also appears that there is much drama in the paranormal community as other shows have arisen to grace the airwaves, they may have not been as successful as Ghost Hunters. The show Ghost Lab, which was featured on the Discovery Channel is no longer. Brad and Barry Klinge, the founders of Ghost Lab also went on a radio show declaring "Mutiny" against the Ghost Hunters. I did read Jason Hawes from GH's fan page and his status stated the below quote:
"Certain people are very angry people. Its not Taps fault your show was cancelled. Feel free to stop saying were scared and avoiding you. Far from scared, the field does not need your drama. Sorry Discovery didn't keep ya.. see ya around, I'll bring a tissue for you."
My husbands thought about this was very interesting. He said that it would not surprise him if networks were contributing misinformation to the overall dialogue in hopes that they will benefit when betrayed loyal viewers watch other paranormal shows. Competing corporations could be forcing these other shows to cancel, perpetuating the lies and drama that there is evidence that is being faked or enhanced for pure entertainment value. While my husbands thoughts really do not have to do with any particular show out there, it does seem that there is a general competition out there among groups on and off television.
Most of you in this group are familiar with me and my views on the other paranormal shows that have graced the airwaves. And Ghost Lab has not been one of my favorites in regards of how their evidence is obtained. And honestly, while I might not agree with their practices, I do think that they might be on to something. What if Ghost Hunters has somewhat of a monopoly on the viewership of the masses? Is it like McDonald's and Burgerking competing who has the best fries, or is it who has found the finger or a rat in their latest meal? What is the Ghost Hunters/ Sci Fi Channel's tactics of the down and dirty misinformation?
I do feel that Ghost Hunters has lost their novelty for me, and this is so hard for me to say this considering I have followed this group since before the were famous. And it is also difficult since I am a Rhode Islander, and that a paranormal team from our little state got world wide recognition. It is disappointing to hear that they have potentially sold out, and they really may not be collecting earth shattering and stunning evidence as they claim. I wrote an article about Troy Taylor, the founder of American Ghost Society, and author of 79 books on the paranormal where he totally denounces TAPS researching methods on the Lemp Mansion, where some of the ghostly figures, such as Zeke Lemp and a supposed dog that was shot in the mansion, are mentioned nowhere in history.
Unfortunately, I am starting to get my doubts about an investigation team that I once loved. It isn't adding up for me as to why so many key figures in this group have left. Although I do not totally agree with the way Donna went about in her confession to the Ghost Diva's radio show, I do think that she was a credible figure on the team. I had a hard time with Brian Harnois when it came to TAPS, because the show portrayed him as a trouble maker and a liar, but this might not have been how he actually was. Producers have a great way of making people out to be what they want them to be for purely entertainment purposes.What I have researched about Brian lately is that he was an original member of TAPS and he is still interested and dedicated to the paranormal. He works with Keith and Sandra Johnson on a cable show produced locally in Rhode Island called Ghosts R Near, and apparently Donna LaCroix is also a part of this as well. But the recent losses of the team have caused me to question the show Ghost Hunters and the TAPS group. I don't understand what is real and what is fake anymore. I am not sure what is next for the paranormal community as a whole. I believe we have made great strides but for every two steps we take, we take two steps back. How are we going to be taken seriously if most of what takes place is drama?
I encourage everyone to think about what is on television, and to think about most of it as a grain of salt. If you are serious about research, do not rely on television shows on the paranormal to give you the answers. It is important that you read as much as you can get your hands on in this subject, from folklorists, psychologists, everyday people, psychics and historians. The best information on the subjects are in books or articles in my opinion. And my last piece of advice is to never stop learning and researching AND always question your information and source. And finally use your own judgment and intuition.
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