Steven Matrix wrote:


Oh Garsh oh Darn WTH was I thinkin? Seriously there is no such thing as an expert in my opinion. Even demonologists study from a theological point of view..going in with an assumption that this being is evil because it's harming people. Kinda like hunters think wolves are evil for eating chickens..I think it's more perspective and less good and evil. Speaking of free thinking...what makes us as a species assume we are the be all to end all? If something invisible can indeed hurl furniture, possess people, make smells come out of nowhere and know information that there is no ordinary way 'it' could know..does that really make us the highest thing in the realm???

TressesOfNephthys wrote:


I agree and I think that the whole demon hunter thing from what I've seen is the latest craze. I especially love the fact the go around with a huge ego and plastic bottle of holy water...

There are other fields where experts disagree. Look at the concept of concepts of space where big bang was argued out for years until finally it was observed in another distant galaxy. I think we will see the same in paranormal studies, as video quality improve and other equipment is researched in the field I think some of these experts will have to rethink their ideas. Such is the way of any scientific study!

Amanda_O wrote:


We are the be all to end all because we've been programmed to think we are.

You are correct, at the very least in regards to the spiritual and the paranormal; there is no such thing as an expert. People study for countless hours, parroting what someone else has said; then they, in our society of followers, classify themselves as experts; when in reality, they are the experts in the knowledge of nothing.

I think if we look at various things we all see a similar pattern. How we interpret those things will depend heavily on what influences (good,bad or indifferent) that spiritual/religious exposures and experiences we have had. I have always found it interesting that if you read stories (or if 'investigate anecdotal evidence' is more your thing) no matter where in the world the story is from there is, according to it's type, definitive commonalities. Most, not all, have some kind of vampire accounts, lady in white accounts, death by suicide, mother grieving for still born or dead child, death by violence..well you get the idea. These sorts of accounts, and even a lot of common behavioral elements are found within all no matter if it is European, Chinese or what have you. Sure there are differences but the core of the story is there.
I don't think that reading those accounts, understanding as best one can the ways of the people when and where ever those accounts are given, is a waist of time or doesn't count.

Amanda_O wrote:


There is nothing wrong with reading up on those things if you are compelled to do so; however, studying it for countless hours and parroting what has been read will not make one an expert. It makes them well read. Lol.

I'll go back to your original statement; "there is no such thing as an expert..." I agree.

LOL..I never implied that it did. I am saying its a good way to study something long term..sort f like looking at the plague in London from today's perspective..you never fail to see something new.

I wish I had a nickel for every REAL "Paranormal Expert" I've met. I'd have exactly $0. . .

tyrstag wrote:


Just remember, this is not an exact science. Paranormal research regardless of what you may hear from some avenues, is still a work in progress. I don't think anyone can or should go to one individual as the source of concrete information, mostly because in the mere act of doing so you limit yourself from formulating your own theories and thus advancing the field.

The whole premise behind this site is to allow EVERYONE to share information. To make sure that the person sitting in his back yard listening to the voices in the wind has the same voice as the scholar who has been in the field for 50 years. That's not to say that we should not respect the opinion of those who have devoted their lives to the field. But at the same time it should not devaluate what John Q. Public has to say or add.

But in the same breath, lets not be disrespectful to other investigators. Whether they're on TV, off TV, or on the street with a sign saying "The end is near...".

I wasn't intending to be disrespectful. My point really was that there are so many so called experts, or self proclaimed experts, but most of them have no more knowledge or experience than I do. I don't call myself an expert and I honestly believe that there aren't any TRUE experts in this field.

Either no one is an expert or everyone is, take your pick.