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The Haunted Librarian

~ Researching, investigating, and writing about the paranormal.

The Haunted Librarian

Tag Archives: ghost hunters

Amy Bruni–Still NOT Fired

16 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Breaking the News, Ghost Hunters, In the News, Slander

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

amy bruni, amy was not fired, ghost hunters, libel, slander

Amy Bruni

Amy Bruni

Amy Bruni took to her official Website and posted a well thought out and candid blog addressing the misinformation about her leaving Ghost Hunters. In it she adamantly denies that she was fired from GH. I encourage everyone remotely interested in this story or in slander and libel consequences in general to read the blog.

http://www.amy-bruni.net/my-departure-from-ghost-hunters/

Let’s put this story to bed for the last time!

A word of caution: In most jurisdictions the mere continuation of spreading slanderous/libelous comments makes one libel just the same as the originator of those comments.

Amy Bruni Was NOT Fired From Ghost Hunters

09 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Breaking the News, Ghost Hunters, In the News, Slander in Paranormal Community, Social Media

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

amy bruni, facebook, ghost hunters, not fired, reckless journalism, slander in paranormal community

Amy Bruni

Amy Bruni

Amy Bruni Was NOT Fired from Ghost Hunters

Contrary to reports, Amy Bruni was not fired from Ghost Hunters. Amy took to her Facebook account this morning (July 9, 2015) to set the record straight. Again. Unfortunately, it seems to fall on some deaf ears.

I agree with Amy; seems the story of her quitting doesn’t earn enough clicks. The author writes for an Internet publication that pays the writer for each “click” an article receives. The more clicks, the more money. Sweet deal, unless story ideas dry up.

As an attorney, I’m floored by the number of slanderous articles, posts, and the like that I read. Professional journalists should still vet out sources. They should still seek the truth. Just because an article appears online, rather than in print, it must still be factual. If not, the journalist destroys his reputation and credibility.

Unfortunately, Amy is also correct in stating that it would take a lot of money to sue. She has already taken the first step in hiring an attorney to address earlier inaccurate reports. Although his vocabulary is highbrow, his message should be heeded: Cease this erroneous reporting.

Amy Bruni Facebook Post

Amy Bruni Facebook Post

Ghost Hunters Returns for Season 10

21 Tuesday Apr 2015

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Ghost Hunters, Reality TV, SyFy Channel

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

adam berry, amy bruni, ghost hunters, jason hawes, reality tv, syfy channel

Ghost Hunters Season 10

Ghost Hunters Season 10

Ghost Hunters Returns for Season 10

Jason Hawes and his team of paranormal investigators return for their 10th season on the SyFy Channel, http://www.syfy.com/ghosthunters. The 13-episode season does not have an actual debut date; however, it is sometime in 2015. On average the show draws 1.7 million viewers. Over half of the viewership consists of adults, ages 24-54. The official page on Facebook still shows the Season 9 cast, https://www.facebook.com/GhostHunters.

In other news, former team member Amy Bruni took to Facebook this week cautioning fans that a recent article circulating the Internet claiming that she and fellow ghost hunter, Adam Berry, were fired is false. Citing heavy travel schedules and missing family, Bruni wrote that she was exhausted and made the decision on her own to leave the popular show. She now participates in public investigation events through her company, Strange Escapes, http://www.strange-escapes.com/. Bruni’s post is another great example of “reporters” whipping out sensational falsehoods on the Internet. Don’t believe everything you read on the Internet. Follow this blog for accurate and timely news.

Imploding Like a Rock Star

24 Tuesday Jun 2014

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Ghost Hunting, In the News, Media, Paranormal, Reality TV

≈ Comments Off on Imploding Like a Rock Star

Tags

ghost hunters, paranormal state, reality tv, ryan buell

Ryan Buell

Ryan Buell

Imploding Like a Rock Star

The paranormal community has identity problems. We are constantly barraged by skeptics. We all do our homework before we investigate.* We check our facts. We test our equipment. We do a lot to ensure the evidence we gather is the best and most accurate obtainable. Just when we gain a little more credibility, something comes along and sets us back.

As I see it, the paranormal community is divided into 4 categories: 1) Professionals, 2) Professional Celebrities, 3) Celebrities, and 4) Amateurs. The bulk of the people fall into the first category: Professionals. These are the people working in the field. They are investigating, writing, and observing all things paranormal. These are the working-class paranormal peeps. They don’t get paid for what they love; they do it for the love of it. They act respectfully and professionally.

Some move from the first group into Group 2: Professional Celebrities. They are “celebrities” because their education and skills elevated them to experts in the field. They’re on television. Do the conference circuit. Write the better books. They are the “face” of the community.

The third group contains people who are “celebrities” but haven’t a clue what they’re doing. They may have good intentions, they may have gone to the dark side, they may have let “fame” go to their heads. Professionals know who they are and try to avoid them. Unfortunately, the general public sees them as the real-deal. They’re not. This group is very small; however, the paranormal community should be cognizant that it may grow with continued media exploitation.

The final group contains the Amateurs. These are the thrill-seekers. They hunt ghosts because the celebrities make it look easy. These are the people who dabble and get into serious trouble. They are the folks who get their kicks in the black arts. They’re also the fools who get drunk, trespass onto private property, and burn the plantation down. The media loves this group! For them, they represent the para-community. Unfortunately, this group is growing.

Recently, two former television paranormal investigators made the news. Examiner.com broke both stories. Brian Harnois, formerly of Ghost Hunters, is accused of scamming fans by not refunding money or providing products. For those who watched the early episodes with Brian, you should not be surprised. I’m not. I always considered him the drama queen of the show and a distraction. His situation is minor and I hope he gets it together.

The second one is more troubling. Ryan Buell, star of Paranormal State, is accused of booking tours, selling tickets, cancelling the show, and then refusing to refund the money. In addition, there was some confusion as to the actual participants, which could be viewed as misleading. Originally, Chip Coffey was scheduled to appear on the “Conversations with the Dead” tour; however, he withdrew for “professional and personal” reasons. Somewhere along the line communication broke down, and Chip Coffey’s name was not removed from the program. Hence the misleading issue. This has since been rectified. The bigger issue looms. How much are we really taking about? According to Coffey’s post on Facebook, it hovers in the six figure range. Six figures! That’s a lot money. That’s huge. Since the story broke, the “Conversations with the Dead” website has been updated, displaying make-up dates and the removal of Coffey’s name. I hope the tour happens. Until then, Buell’s controversy has become a major paranormal distraction. It’s time he fixed it.

Paranormal people on television have a larger burden than the regular reality TV star. Viewers know that Honey Boo Boo does not represent the State of Georgia; however, the distinction cannot be made for paranormal investigators on TV. They shouldn’t waste the opportunity or blow it. It’s like a rock star imploding. It’s hard to recover from.

 

*I’m presuming that ALL paranormal investigators do this because they really should. There are professional responsibilities involved. But I’ll save that argument for another blog.

Dear Pilgrim Studios: Hire Me!

09 Monday Jun 2014

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Famous People, Ghost Hunters, Ghost Hunting, In the News, Media, Paranormal, Reality TV

≈ Comments Off on Dear Pilgrim Studios: Hire Me!

Tags

adam berry, any bruni, archer paranormal investigations, britt griffith, ghost hunters, pilgrim studios

The Haunted Librarian

The Haunted Librarian

Dear Pilgrim Studios, Hire Me!

Word traveled lightning fast when news leaked that Amy Bruni and Adam Berry were leaving Ghost Hunters. Damage control worked overtime with Amy expressing thanks to fans and provided vague clues about their future broadcasting endeavors. Rest assured; both she and Adam are developing a new paranormal show. That’s welcomed news! More—and better—shows are needed. However, if the 2013 season is any indication about quality and production value, I won’t hold my breath.

Last week another Ghost Hunter announced his departure. Britt Griffith also decided to exit, but his future plans are unknown. I’m sure Britt will land on his feet and be okay. He’s talented and educated. Desirable paranormal resume attributes. Not to diminish the departures of Adam and Britt, but Amy will definitely be missed. She brought 20 years’ experience and a sense of adventure to the show. Plus she’s the only strong female lead investigator in Prime Time.

Pilgrim Studios published a casting call to any paranormal-investigator TV wannabes. Apply now! Heck, I did. Sadly I am not what Pilgrim is looking for.

1. I’m female. Of the top 10 paranormal shows currently in production, only two (2) have female investigators. Not one has a strong female lead. [Note: Psychic mediums don’t count because they are the show. Even if they did, only Amy Allan works with a team.]

2. I’m not defenseless. I don’t scream, squeal, or faint. I do, however, say “Oh my stars.” And I have been testing out “Hell’s Bells.” Not sure either would catch on with viewers. Plus, I find that freaking out only freaks out the clients. Bad PR by the way.

3. I’m not a 20-something string bean tart. Nor do I have any tattoos. My co-founder at Archer Paranormal Investigations has enough for both of us. My size 2 days ended when I married.

4. I’m grounded in my beliefs and a practicing Episcopalian. I’m awestruck that God and religion don’t make it into the reality TV scripts. Without God, there would be no devil, or demons for that matter. Clergy are often an afterthought. Shameful! By the way, more religious people believe than non-religious. Catholics and Black Protestants believe more than any other religion.

5. I’m highly opinionated. I’m a lawyer. I have lots of opinions and enjoy sharing them. I’m naturally curious. I’m incredibly nosey. I seek answers, and I do my research. [Note: See blog “Just the Facts, Please!” for discussion.] I care about our clients and want to help them. Isn’t that why we’re there in the first place?

Now that I’ve talked Pilgrim Studios from auditioning me, maybe they will consider my argument. Please cast a strong seasoned female investigator. It’s not Ghost Hunting 101. Female investigators add a much desired component to Ghost Hunters. Plus, demographics and statistics support the decision. More women than men (64% compared to 50%) believe in ghosts. Seventy-three percent (73%) of Americans believe in some aspect of the paranormal. That’s 3 in 4 Americans. Women are the majority. Women are the primary household consumer.

If Pilgrim Studios is reading: I’m still interested in auditioning. Can I bring along Jenn and 2L?

 

Who Is “Slenderman”

03 Tuesday Jun 2014

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in In the News, Urban Legends

≈ Comments Off on Who Is “Slenderman”

Tags

archer paranormal radio, ghost hunters, slenderman, through the veil, windsor hotel

Slenderman

Slenderman

Who is “Slenderman?” And why did two 12-year-old girls attempt to kill their “friend” to gain his favor? Incredible–and outlandish–story this week on Archer Paranormal Radio. The API Gals are also discussing Through the Veil; Another Ghost Hunter Departs; and More Evidence from the Historic Windsor Hotel.

Tune in Thursday, June 5th at 7 pm EST on http://www.liveparanormal.com.

The Importance of Being Credible, Part 1

28 Tuesday Jan 2014

Posted by The Haunted Librarian in Ghost Hunting, Media, Residences

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

credibility, ghost hunters, lebeau mansion, t-shirts

The Historic LeBeau Mansion

The Historic LeBeau Mansion

The Importance of Being Credible, Part 1

First impressions count. Always have and always will. This especially applies to paranormal investigators. The old adage is in order as well: Dress to impress. When conducting investigations, paranormal groups should always be on their best behavior and look the part—not like the next urban clothing designer.

Matching T-Shirts:     The media has covered the unintentional burning at the LeBeau Plantation House on November 21, 2013. An amateur group of “ghost hunters” were arrested and charged with arson, simple burglary, and trespassing. Some in the group were reportedly wearing matching team t-shirts. They hoped that this alone would add credibility to their defense: The spirits were not communicating and the men wanted to provoke the spirits by setting a small fire. When exactly does provocation lead to good results? Never. However, some in the media have speculated that surely they must be real ghost hunters because they wore matching T-shirts. I disagree. Matching t-shirts does not make one a paranormal investigator.

Look Professional:     When representing any organization, you should look the part. Although we tend to track and trudge through mud and muck, we can still look respectable. I usually wear the same outfit when going on an investigation. I call this my “uniform.” This serves many purposes. In addition, it helps keep me focused and not have to worry about what to wear. I am a girl still. I wear jeans (properly fitted and not full of rips), rain boots, and a black top and cover. I wear my hair in a ponytail. I find that ghosts like ponytails and tug on them at times. Plus it keeps my hair out of my eyes and the camera lens. Gals: Wear a black bra. If not, you will illuminate like never before. And that is embarrassing. The reason for the black top may not be obvious to many (since there are far too few female investigators on television), but it helps minimize the flash flare from the digital camera. The jeans are for comfort and the rain boots for practicality. In the winter, I add a trench coat.

Back to Matching T-Shirts:   This has been a heated discussion in our group. Personally, I hate them. Further, I just won’t wear them. It is merely to placate my ego, but I don’t see how a T-shirt matters. I think they undermine that first impression. Our clients expect us to wear T-shirts. They’ve been watching too many TV shows where the ghost hunters show up in urban wear and look all “cool.” I’m there to instill confidence in the investigation. To add a level of professionalism to the field. If I’m ever on TV, I’ll be in my paranormal uniform.

 

 

The Haunted Librarian

Marietta, Georgia

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