1) No matter what the phenomena are always keep notes on everything that happens. When you investigate the paranormal, write everything down or use a tape recorder even if the data seems superfluous at the time.
2) If you are told something by anybody make a note of their names and contact details. If they wish to remain anonymous respect this too.
3) Stay ready! Always be prepared for any event at any time of the day or night.
4) Keep an eye on any seeming coincidences when investigating claims of the paranormal. There may be a synchronicity to the events.
5) At all times, remain objective and scientific during your investigations of the paranormal.
6) Unless you have been able to prove otherwise, consider a perfectly rational and ordinary cause for the event when you investigate the paranormal.
7) Never believe your eyes and ears - appearances can be deceiving. The event could be far more complex than initially meets the eye.
8) If you do decide to make your observations public try not to cause hysteria and choose to underplay the event rather than hype it.
9) Don’t believe media claims in the absence of your own evaluated proof when you investigate the paranormal activity in your area- this kind of coverage tends towards exaggeration.
10) Never reach your conclusions using intuition alone when you seek to investigate the paranormal. Combine your intuition with practical skills and techniques when you investigate the paranormal.
11) Don’t perpetuate your own individual beliefs when investigating a strange event. Your involvement in the paranormal sub-culture may tend to sway your perceptions unbeknownst to you. People are sometimes very desperate to have other-worldly events but you must never buy into their fears or feelings.
12) Use the Internet as a means of research and education as it is wonderful educational tool.
13) As a beginner you need to bear in mind that you need to be fairly dispassionate when you investigate the paranormal. If you have any pre-conceived notions they will affect your objectivity and distort your results.
14) Talk to your community so that they know who you are and what you are doing out there in the dark! Label yourself a ‘local investigator’ and develop a work ethic as a trustworthy witness not the local crazy person!
15) Start a local network of other people who seek to investigate the paranormal.
16) Communicate efficiently with others by making appointments to conduct surveys or collect data.
17) Choose to investigate any and all reports even if these are unlikely to yield any results. Work on the premise that anything may be relevant to your investigation.
