Poetic license and TV
This month we add comments to a peice found in the Haunted Places Report: The editorial was a well-written and strikes a question for paranormal investigators. Here is the original article:
Supporting website: (4-28-07) One SPIRITS member found this link. See if you agree....: http://www.geocities.com/revealtaps2007/
THE HAUNTED PLACES REPORT
"Some things exist whether you believe in them or not!"
Founded by: Dennis William Hauck
Edited by: Ronald E. Beach
Email: Editor@haunted-places.com
Website: http://www.Haunted-Places.com
All information contained in this newsletter is copyrighted and may not
be used in any format without the express written permission of the
editor. PERMISSION GRANTED BY THE EDITOR.
11/19/06 ED.
Paranormal or Poetic License: Getting at the Truth about Paranormal Encounters
Have you ever watched a non-fiction or reality show about the paranormal and believed all of the retelling or depictions to be true? Think again. Believe it or not, what seems to be the case is usually just the opposite. Unfortunately a little thing like poetic license creeps into the picture, which either eliminates critical documentation pertaining to the case or blows the story out of proportion. Why would anyone bother with poetic license when it comes to talking about the paranormal and paranormal research? Ratings, recognition, competition, and, in some cases, for monetary reasons.
Before we examine the issue of poetic license and its use in paranormal documentation of any form, it is imperative that we note that no one group from the paranormal community is being singled out, and that this article is not an effort to defame, slander, ridicule or judge any individual, group or organization. Rather, this article is examining the use of poetic license only and questioning what place poetic license has, if any, in the documentation of paranormal encounters.
It’s strange that so many paranormal investigators are striving to find and reveal the truth about paranormal encounters to the public; only to have the truth of the matter degraded by acts of poetic license. Such acts totally defeat the original purpose and the public sees a fluffed up version of paranormal instances instead of actual case facts. The question arises why the retelling of paranormal encounters requires poetic license at all. Aren’t paranormal encounters interesting enough in their own right? We are dealing with the paranormal—the “beyond normal” which should be intriguing enough in the mere accurate retelling. In fact, even a little of bit paranormal activity on its own, is incredible and miraculous.
Poetic license is used to either add extraordinary descriptions to something that is already extraordinary, or it is used to eliminate or omit certain facts, either for the sake of time or page space. Further, poetic license often results in elaborations that never really occurred; instead the result is an ostentatious presentation of something that is already incredible: an encounter that really requires no special effect to be retold or to have an impact.
Relying on poetic license to report paranormal encounters becomes an act of trying to see the forest through the trees. The truth is there, but it is buried under exaggerated, fantastical, and unneeded elaboration. While paranormal encounters are very real, there is little need to embellish the documentation in an effort to obtain ratings, acknowledgement, or acclaim. In actuality, poetic license is ruining the credibility of all paranormal investigators, their research, and their findings. How can paranormal research ever be brought into a serious light, when it is presented so light heartedly? How can the truth ever be reasonably and effectually presented to the public when it is shaded by special effects and inflated presentations?
Sadly, seeing is not necessarily believing—real life cases are often tainted by falsifications—falsifications, that are used to exaggerate the truth. Inaccurate documentation, whether unintentional or otherwise, really has no place in the representation of paranormal encounters and makes it next to impossible for the truth to be revealed. Isn’t that what we are all striving for? Isn’t that what the paranormal community, as a whole, should be striving for? “The truth is out there” buried beneath the rubble of inflated presentations; thus, it becomes necessary as a paranormal community to make every attempt to clear away the rubble and the falsehoods so that truth about paranormal activity finally has its day in the light.
To this, the SPIRITS of St. Petersburg voice their opinions;
Response: Brandy Stark
I wanted to add my $.02 about the "poetic license" discussed in this week's newsletter. I agree wholeheartedly with Dayna Winters about the abuse of this idea, especially in regards to media (particularly television).
When I first started investigating the paranormal ten years ago, there were few resources and contacts. Other than a single online group of ghost enthusiasts who advised me, most of my information came from self-study. I was fortunate to be in the university at the time, so I was able to direct my research towards the role of ghosts in society and culture (as expressed through religions and the humanities). In conjunction with my research, I also started doing ghost investigations by myself, and I had to feel my way along since the advice I received was so limited in scope. It was nearly four years later that I found other local residents who were interested in what I was interested in; thus, 7 years ago the SPIRITS of St. Petersburg organization was born. We built ourselves from the ground up, streamlining and reworking our techniques over years of practice until we found a way that we are not only comfortable with, but that also produces viable results.
It is very difficult for me to watch the “documentary styled” paranormal shows. I have found that, though they do offer some positives to this field (ten years ago, I could not discuss my interest without being thought of as “freakish”; now it’s much more mainstream), I feel that the negatives far outweigh the positive.
It is my opinion that television gives a very inappropriate airing to what it really takes to do this sort of investigation, and that the “reality” seems far more exciting than what the experience is. What of the hours of research that goes into every site visit? Dealing with homeowners who are nervous, afraid, skeptical or excited? Sifting through research during and after the investigation? Rooting out the pranksters? Dealing with individuals who are hostile to the ideas of ghosts, or paranormal investigation? Trying to rule out natural causes on an investigation? Performing archival research into the history of the home or the area? Follow up interviews with homeowners, along with the post-investigation rechecks? Often, very little of this is documented or shown.
Unlike the groups on television, corporations do not fund many organizations. The members of the SPIRITS must spend their own money on equipment; we do it out of love and interest, not for the glory. We investigate because we want to help others who are afraid or curious, and we, ourselves, seek answers. It is not for ratings. I agree that equipment is an important aspect to research, I also have to say that it is not the only aspect that goes into an investigation.
In the hundreds of investigations I’ve participated in, few match up to what is shown on television. The average phenomenon is EMF, temperature, EVP, or sensitive-related. On rare occasions do we get high levels of activity, but when we do it does help to justify our research. However, it is my feeling that if there was a lot of activity on EVERY investigation that there would be a problem with our research – mostly that we are not ruling out natural phenomena. Compare this to a television show, such as “Ghost Hunters” on SciFi, where a multi-hour investigation is condensed into 1 hour. Results flow rapidly, and information is spontaneously reported. It does not reflect the accuracy of the methodology of an investigation, nor the sometimes slow and tedious aspects of what we do. I believe that is truly part of the research and has just as much right to be aired.
Lastly, I wonder about the respect shown to both the living and the dead. Some television programs leave the homeowner open to ridicule, particularly when nothing is discovered or the phenomena is dismissed as natural. “Pop” shows, such as “Fear Factor” or “Paranormal Celebrity” also create an atmosphere of mocking, rather than serious research. It aggravates me to no end to see young adults, who are psychologically determined to be at the highest level of suggestibility, given equipment, told ghost stories, then sent out to film what happens when they replicate how the ghost died. What of respect for the dead? If ghosts are, indeed, disembodied personalities, don’t they deserve the same respect as anyone else? What happens if something goes wrong? These are young people putting themselves into dangerous situations, physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is just inappropriate the whole way around.
I have seen an explosion of interest in the paranormal since the advent of televised investigations. I fear that some groups are “bandwagon hoppers” – interested in it because it is popular. I also worry about ethical standards, as each group is self-monitoring. As of yet, there is no legislation decreeing how paranormal groups should behave. If the interest keeps growing, how long until that is reversed?
I also feel that it creates a heightened sense of competition among ghost hunters; those who are “old school” and established now have to work with (or against) up-and-coming groups, often all within the same territory. Because paranormal investigation is very subjective in interpretation, it also creates friction between groups over what is legitimate and what is not.
Quite frankly, it also takes some of the “specialty” out of paranormal investigation. I have students who ask if I watch VH1’s “Paranormal Celebrity,” and I always answer “no”. (I’m sorry, but when VH1 gets a paranormal TV show, the field is completely overly saturated).
I truly thank Ms. Winters for her contribution. As the senior investigator and founder of the SPIRITS of St. Petersburg, I also strive to show the reality behind what we do. It is exciting enough on its own without the use of “poetic license”. I hope that the TV stations will sit up and take notice, but I doubt it. I think that the main-line investigation groups are stuck waiting until the next big fad comes along for television to abuse before we are freed of these albatrosses.
Sincerely,
Brandy Stark
www.spiritsofstpetersburg.com
Poetic licensing and mainstreaming the paranormal.
Debbie S.
Whether you term it ghost hunting, paranormal scientific research or paranormal investigation, the sudden rise of ghost hunting in popular media is endangering decades of valuable work, by both dedicated lay persons and those holding professional degrees, to substantiate paranormal evidence and govern paranormal research and investigations.
Having no training, no guides or mentors these newbie “ghost hunter wannabes” see a couple of TV shows and assume enough knowledge to run off and “do investigations” proclaiming instant evidence and success without understanding concepts like pareidolia and apophenia, where every image becomes the face of a spirit, every EVP a voice of the dead. Even far worse than these false-positives results by the well intentioned, is the newest element of “thrill seekers” who simply are seeking out the scare they will get by hearing a loud noise in a pitch dark room. A perfect example of this is the newest ratings grabber, ‘Celebrity Paranormal Project’. This show, if nothing else, is a perfect example of what NOT to do if you find yourself investigating the paranormal.
Worst of all is the total lack of acceptance or even consideration for the psychological conditions greeting them by a client looking for help. Failing to recognize underlying causations to a “haunting” by ignoring a client’s emotional, psychological or life crises status, a newbie stands a very good chance of worsening any imbalances an individual may be experiencing in their personal lives. Where do you draw the line?
Should you find a need for help with what you feel may be paranormal in nature, please, do closely consider the experience and reputation of a person or group you call to help. Ask questions; how long has the group been in existence? How many investigations has your group done? What skills are used during an investigation? What guarantees are offered to protect confidentiality? Can you provide references? Just who the heck are you people anyway?
Poetic License in the Realm of Paranormal Activity
Mary N.
Reality is certainly not the by-word in televised paranormal shows. Crammed into the space of 60 minutes are instances of supposed activiity that would leave the average viewer in awe. Certainly the "ghost-hunting" team on the TV screen has indeed entered into the unseen realm of the paranormal. After all, we can hear the footsteps of "unseen entities", see the door that
was previously open now closed..the list goes on. How cooperative the spirit world is! If only it were so for those of us involved in serious paranormal research!
The VH1 entry into this arena of the unseen, "Celebrity Paranormal," centers around actors who are given an assignment at a location that is considered haunted. They are given the story of the haunting/s and then, "guided" by a computer to the site of the apparition, they attempt to re-create the haunt. Amazingly enough immediately things begin to "happen." Has the other world responded to these celebrities on cue? Consider this: what we watch unfold are merely ACTORS being given their CUE to perform and to follow their SCRIPT in order to make a "successful" EPISODE. Poetic license at its best (or worst)!
Sincere researchers into the field of the paranormal have no cues, no script to follow. Hours of thorough investigation may uncover little or nothing. Certainly the typical hunt does not yield the abundance of phenomena that occurs in shows like "Celebrity Paranormal." Instead, dedicated professionals, such as the SPIRITS, continue to research and explore, seeking to learn from every investigation for the sake of the learning itself..not for the money and the viewer ratings.
Use of Poetic License in Paranormal “Reality” Shows
By: Jennifer Sunday 12/03/06
poetic license
Also, artistic license. The liberty taken by a writer or artist in deviating from conventional form or fact to achieve an effect. For example, I've never seen grass or a tree of that color; but that's artistic license. [Late 1700s]
In addition to what my fellow SPIRITS of St. Pete members have added I decided to focus on the safety issues or shall I say, non-safety issues stemming from the use of poetic license in the recent surge of ghost hunting “reality” shows.
I have seen several paranormal “reality” shows that utilize occult practices which are used to encourage or even enrage entities into performing on camera. I have heard investigators invite entities to hit one of their group members and even ask to have something throw at them. Other occult practices that are engaged in are Ouija Board use, table tipping, and even going so far as to allow an investigator to channel a spirit. Without appropriate knowledge of protective shielding, etc., these shows might entice inexperienced and naive investigators to open themselves up to a "world" of trouble, ask and you shall receive! I know of only one show that provided some form of ancient protection rituals, I am unsure if these were even legit since all signs point to the added hype of the shows as these were sometime offerings of chicken blood poured on a candle, etc. The thrills and freak show factors are sill much more entertaining then the explanation of shielding yourself in the protective white light! Which is more attention getting for ratings? Such occult practices may also not only place an investigator in an uncompromising position but also the homeowner who is reaching out for help in either proving or disproving a haunting. Toying with or riling up an entity might only result in worse situations for the homeowners or business owners.
The SPIRITS of St. Pete are huge advocates of non-evocations, channeling, use of Ouija boards and such. We believe in safe and scientific practices using even “controlled hunts.” This is not common place on these “reality” shows. There is a reason for using such safety factors which only experienced and professional paranormal investigators tend to abide by, not only for themselves but for the people who so desperately place their trust in these groups. Poetic license: great for ratings, not so great for tried and true paranormal investigators.
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