Joined: Jan 14, 2004 Posts: 1894 Location: Georgia
Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 8:06 am Post subject: general protocol
To begin, I’d like to see the following
All Ghost Hounds investigation participants will be of at least 18 years of age. Investigation participants may be asked to furnish government-issued state ID showing proof of age.
All Ghost Hounds investigation participants will be required to sign release waivers - a very necessary legal CYA (cover your arse) document to keep people from trying to sue me or anyone else involved in Ghost Hounds if they get hurt, or their property is lost, stolen or broken, and makes people assume full responsibility for their own actions.
Investigation teams will be limited to no more than 6 (six) persons at a time. At locations where there is sufficient room for more than one team to operate simultaneously without interfering with another team, or where no time constraint prevents two or more teams working in assigned shifts, we will split teams in to equal numbered sub teams (Team A, Team B, Team C, etc) to be comprised of no more than 6 (six) persons each.
Thats all I have for now - feel free to chime in with your own ideas! _________________ Patrick Burns
Founder and Director, Ghost Hounds
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." - Albert Einstein
Joined: Jun 29, 2005 Posts: 928 Location: Gainesville,Ga
Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 8:14 am Post subject:
I think that these are good ideas, I know that you want to protect not only yourself, but everyone else as well. Multiple teams will work as long as the teams get together at some point and compair notes. Thank you Patrick for the time and effort that you put into Ghosthounds.
Joined: Jul 11, 2006 Posts: 659 Location: Riverdale, Ga
Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 8:21 am Post subject:
I agree Patrick. The extra bits of info you were giving us last night was pricless and it all makes sense to me. 1. Ghost Hounds tee shirt, $20.00 2. Dinner with the hounds, $ 24.00 3. Fire ant bites to foot while hunting with Patrick Burns, PRICELESS
Joined: Nov 23, 2005 Posts: 214 Location: Columbus, Georgia
Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 9:06 am Post subject:
Hi, Patrick!
Just a thought.... If you intend to have IC's from all over Georgia who are scouting out places and scheduling investigations, is it possible to schedule IC meetings in a more central location than Atlanta? Just wondering....
Kimberly _________________ Our imagination is stretched to the utmost, not, as in fiction, to imagine things which are not really there, but just to comprehend those things which are there. Richard Feynman
Along with the waiver, I think each team member should sign an agreement to proper etiquette during the investigation, and an agreement to not partake of any mood altering substances at least two hours prior to an investigation. Plus, the agreement that the team leader (would that be the IC?) has the right to remove any team member from the investigation if their behavior warrants it.
Also, I know you want to prevent cliques and rotate teams, but is there going to be any way for someone to discreetly let you know if there are people they absolutely do NOT want to investigate with. Since investigating includes dropping shields for so many people, it would be helpful to know you wouldn't be forced to investigate with someone you truly distrusted (as opposed to someone you didn't know) without being dropped from the investigating rolls.
Joined: Nov 23, 2005 Posts: 214 Location: Columbus, Georgia
Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 11:20 am Post subject:
Building on what Pam offered above, one of the groups I participated in back in Ohio made members reveal what medications they are taking and to sign an agreement that they would comply with prescribed medications. This prevents any interference with perception and interpretation by non-medicated chronic conditions.
Kimberly _________________ Our imagination is stretched to the utmost, not, as in fiction, to imagine things which are not really there, but just to comprehend those things which are there. Richard Feynman
I also agree with Pam about a code of etiquette. Maybe a general "will not investigate under the influence" waiver could be built into a code of ethics that each investigator would sign.
I think that our reputation is on line every time we pick up the phone and all the way through the investigation itself.
I'm thinking if we have investigators sign a waiver and a code of etiquette, that we need to make sure to have a hard copy on file somewhere. It sounds as if we might end up creating a small manual for new investigators, just to make sure they have all the information they need to have.
Joined: Sep 03, 2006 Posts: 393 Location: Warner Robins, GA
Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 5:22 pm Post subject:
I think a small manual would be a good idea but nothing fancy.. it could get pretty costly. It could go over just a basic run down of what is expected, the papers they need to sign, copies of those papers for themselves to keep, etc. _________________ Guess what! I've got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell!!
Joined: Jun 09, 2006 Posts: 609 Location: Duluth, GA
Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 5:28 pm Post subject:
You should be able to buildout something here on the site that will allow you post up the guidelines you want people to follow then have them enter in their name and email address as a digital signature (just to keep the cost down).
I can check with my attourney at work to see if digital signature is binding in Georgia. We have a lot of odd Judges on the bench here in Georgia. A photocopy or a faxed contract is legally binding, maybe the digital signature.
If someone wants to send me a disclosure to work on I would be happy to draft it out and bring a couple of copies to GS. I would be happy to be "Kinko's".
I do have a copy of a disclosure I use for a trade group I run. It is a good format to start from.
Joined: Jun 07, 2006 Posts: 246 Location: Monroe Georgia
Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 6:14 pm Post subject:
JessiCaM wrote:
I think a small manual would be a good idea but nothing fancy.. it could get pretty costly. It could go over just a basic run down of what is expected, the papers they need to sign, copies of those papers for themselves to keep, etc.
it wouldnt be that expensive, everyone here basicly has a computer and printer, so just put the manual on here in a members only section with the papers that need to be signed, have the person print and sign the required papers and mail them to whoever will be in charge of that sort of thing. simple and cheap _________________ Co-Founder East Georgia Paranormal (E.G.P.)
Joined: Sep 03, 2006 Posts: 393 Location: Warner Robins, GA
Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 7:01 pm Post subject:
yea but we would have to keep a few hard copies for those few people who dont have printers... I know i know.. who doesnt have a printer?? lol.. actually i dont hehe _________________ Guess what! I've got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell!!
Joined: Jun 07, 2006 Posts: 246 Location: Monroe Georgia
Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 7:18 pm Post subject:
JessiCaM wrote:
yea but we would have to keep a few hard copies for those few people who dont have printers... I know i know.. who doesnt have a printer?? lol.. actually i dont hehe
you dont have a printer? omg... printers are so cheap now its crazy we just buy a new printer when the ink cartrages are empty... its cheaper believe me when you can buy a new printer with cartrages at sams for 50 bucks but repacement carterages are 30.00 each.... so 50 bucks for a new printer with cartrages or a pair of cartrages for 60 bucks hmmmmmm what would you do? and you can always give the old printer away _________________ Co-Founder East Georgia Paranormal (E.G.P.)
Joined: Sep 03, 2006 Posts: 393 Location: Warner Robins, GA
Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 7:48 pm Post subject:
haha yea I know.. I dont have a printer. It is pretty crazy. I have a scanner lol, just no printer. Doesnt make much sense to me. But my huband loves his scanner. _________________ Guess what! I've got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell!!
JessiCaM--for those who don't have a printer, you could download the manual as a word document, then send it via internet to Kinkos to print out. For less than $5 you could have 2 copies, one to send in and one to keep for your records (always a good idea). Of course, that's assuming we end up going with a manual---we are still in brainstorming mode here.
Now, here's another idea to chew on. As we all know, some prospective investigation sites are very security conscious. How would everyone feel about voluntary background checks, like the kind used for taxi drivers and the like? Denisee says they're only about $15 (although I think it might vary from county to county), but it would be yet another incentive to help the IC's convince reluctant site owners.
Joined: Sep 03, 2006 Posts: 393 Location: Warner Robins, GA
Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 9:05 pm Post subject:
I think it would be fine. I mean, for those who wouldnt agree to it they would just sit out for those types of investigations where one is needed, unless that is, it would end up being a mandatory thing. But I mean, going to outdoor sites, like cemetaries, I dont see why one would be needed. I can see how it would maybe help people feel more comfortable with strangers on thier property and such. _________________ Guess what! I've got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell!!
Joined: Jan 14, 2004 Posts: 1894 Location: Georgia
Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 4:11 am Post subject:
ScaryMom wrote:
Hi, Patrick!
Just a thought.... If you intend to have IC's from all over Georgia who are scouting out places and scheduling investigations, is it possible to schedule IC meetings in a more central location than Atlanta? Just wondering....
Kimberly
Thanks for the input on this Kimberly!
Its my HOPE that the ICs will function pretty much on their own and that meetings wont be necessary. A special forum for ICs only will be set up here on the site where they can discuss their concerns, tips, ideas, etc.
If its deemed that regularly the ICs need to "meet", we'll have to do it by way of teleconference. People are going to be so spread out that it just wont be practical to meet at a single, physical location. Especially since this IS all a volunteer effort, once you factor in travel times, gas, etc... its just not going to happen in person.
Fortunately there is an excellent instant messaging / voice conferencing software called Skype that I've used in years past to great success. The voice conferences are much better audio quality than even telephone.
Waivers...
Code of ethics...
Background checks...
teleconferences
Oh MY!
This is all starting to sound more and more... like a BUSINESS! A business that makes no money no less!
What AM I getting myself into??? LOL! _________________ Patrick Burns
Founder and Director, Ghost Hounds
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." - Albert Einstein
I agree, very intensive. To be an IC, they need to be self sufficeint, and responsible for the documentation. All you should have to do is monitor the requests. I think as an honor system, IC's can tell you if they have all of the documentation prior to launch. If some one is serious about being a part of the group and a team, pulling paperwork together and getting it on time only further demonstrates responsibility and commitment.
I for one am a realist and i would not be a very good IC at this point. I would want to interact in a couple of teams for a while. If this is the direction you choose to steer Ghost Hounds, anyone volenteering needs to understand the level of commitment not only to the community, our field, but also to the reputation of Ghost Hounds.
As you said it is a labor of love. I do love seeing the ideas floating about.
Joined: Dec 03, 2004 Posts: 309 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga
Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 6:53 am Post subject:
I'm sure there are a lot of Ghost Hounds that are willing and can travel to different areas for investigations, so a list of those members should be kept also, yep more paper work . A posting of upcoming investigations and sign up sheet could be posted. Those that live in that area, of the upcoming investigation, should get priority to be first for the investigation but have room for out of towners to sign up too.
I do have a question, what else is new, right........lol????
Where is all the data collected going? WIll it become property of Ghost Hounds or will the individual that gets the evidence get to keep it, will those individuals get the credit for the pics/EVP's that they get?
Along with the no substance use while on investigations, no perfumes should be used, or anything else that affects the senses.
Sounds like a good plan Patrick, best of luck with it! _________________ Inquiring minds want to know!
You can't outrun death forever,
But you can make the Bastard work for it!
Joined: Jan 14, 2004 Posts: 1894 Location: Georgia
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 2:37 pm Post subject:
Fireman4u wrote:
Where is all the data collected going? WIll it become property of Ghost Hounds or will the individual that gets the evidence get to keep it, will those individuals get the credit for the pics/EVP's that they get?
Hi Ed,
Good questions. Re: where is the data going... my plan is to have an online "case files" section where the report and data collected will be posted together. This will be viewable by the general public. In instances where the property owners have requested that details not be publicly disclosed, access should be restricted to the participating team members only.
Re: who owns the data... I think policy on this will be basically the same as its always been. Data (photos, video, audio, instrument readings, etc) belongs to the individual who collected it, and they are free to publish their individual data elsewhere. In lieu of participating on said investigation, the participant grants Ghost Hounds a non-exclusive, open-ended license to republish the data and report for perpetuity.
Re: credits... the investigator who collected the data will be credited for all data they collected in the final report. Since the final, complete report will be comprised of the accounts of several people, anyone wishing to republish the entire report elsewhere would need to secure permission and credit the event as a Ghost Hounds sponsored investigation.
That's the plan as I visualize it. Any comments? _________________ Patrick Burns
Founder and Director, Ghost Hounds
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." - Albert Einstein
How do you police it so that the information input is accurate and nobody is making stuff up as far as evidence goes? I know alot of teams aren't up to par and think every orb is paranormal, etc... _________________ Helen
Joined: Dec 03, 2004 Posts: 309 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 4:43 pm Post subject:
Thanks Patrick for clearing it up, sounds like a good plan! I for one will be interested in seeing all the evidence from all the teams, as nosy as I am........lol, posting the investigations on line is a great idea! You brought up another concern of mine and that was what information the property owners would want posted.
Will each team have some time of form for the owners to fill out to give permission for information to be posted or state what they would allow to be posted?
Also will each team have some type of liability form for the owners to fill out releasing them from an liability in case of injury to one of the investigators? _________________ Inquiring minds want to know!
You can't outrun death forever,
But you can make the Bastard work for it!
Joined: Sep 03, 2006 Posts: 393 Location: Warner Robins, GA
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 5:17 pm Post subject:
ghostgeek wrote:
ScaryMom wrote:
Hi, Patrick!
Just a thought.... If you intend to have IC's from all over Georgia who are scouting out places and scheduling investigations, is it possible to schedule IC meetings in a more central location than Atlanta? Just wondering....
Kimberly
Thanks for the input on this Kimberly!
Its my HOPE that the ICs will function pretty much on their own and that meetings wont be necessary. A special forum for ICs only will be set up here on the site where they can discuss their concerns, tips, ideas, etc.
If its deemed that regularly the ICs need to "meet", we'll have to do it by way of teleconference. People are going to be so spread out that it just wont be practical to meet at a single, physical location. Especially since this IS all a volunteer effort, once you factor in travel times, gas, etc... its just not going to happen in person.
Fortunately there is an excellent instant messaging / voice conferencing software called Skype that I've used in years past to great success. The voice conferences are much better audio quality than even telephone.
Waivers...
Code of ethics...
Background checks...
teleconferences
Oh MY!
This is all starting to sound more and more... like a BUSINESS! A business that makes no money no less!
What AM I getting myself into??? LOL!
hey patrick, I have a ventrilo server that I pay for monthly that only a few people have access to. If you would like, you can use it for confrences that may need to happen for IC's. I can make a specific room on the server and if you would like give it a password (although only about 5 people have access to it, all very close freinds who would stay out if i asked them to). The sound quality is great on it and you can download it for free from the website. Just a thought. _________________ Guess what! I've got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell!!
Joined: Mar 30, 2006 Posts: 104 Location: Muncie, IN
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 9:54 pm Post subject:
what about the people who live out of GA? what will we do? i know i wanna jump in on this. _________________ a sea of black, my feelings are, lost in a dessert, but feels like drowning, the ghosts of my thoughts scream like banshees inside my head, no rays of moon light to help me on my way, so i sit here in silence, pretending i'm not here. i see before me a night so dark, no hand to hold, no arm to grip, just alone here, gide me
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Ghost hunting is a potentially hazardous activity due to numerous environmental variables. Outdoor ghost hunts typically take place in dark areas such as cemeteries and old buildings which may contain unseen hazards that pose risk of bodily harm, damage to property or even death. We do not recommend anyone venture into an unfamiliar area without first surveying potential hazards during daylight hour
Forum FAQ
Search
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
LOL!
. A posting of upcoming investigations and sign up sheet could be posted. Those that live in that area, of the upcoming investigation, should get priority to be first for the investigation but have room for out of towners to sign up too.
