| AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PARANORMAL COMMUNITY |
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What bothers you most about what you do (Remember: its not all supernatural!)? Does an encounter with an opposing, conflicting, or negative view of paranormal phenomena challenge you, or your convictions? Are you confident enough to talk to others in an open forum about what you do, and how you do it? Are you ready for their reaction, whatever it may be? Are you ready for Univ-Con VII? But, is this “paranormal problem” really all about the media representation of the subject matter, or is there something we, as a community of investigators, writers, and lecturers, are saying or doing that is wrong (or offensive)? Let’s take a hard look at the manifestational reality of the situation, and challenge the media, ourselves, and our public to really approach this subject with a humanistic slant, rather than portraying it through a technological lens, and promoting it with law-like generalizations. What is really manifesting at haunted locations? The reality of these locations is the presence of a past (however fragmented it may be). Let’s respect that social context, and its personal history. Let’s demand, from all of us who are presenters, more than just an opportunity to speak our minds, and promote our personal agendas. Let’s really investigate what we investigate, who’s doing it, and how it’s being done! Let’s not stop there! Let’s demand that the media report substance, not sensationalism, or “pseudo-journalism”, because, in the end, paranormal legitimacy is based on embodied substance (not mere emotion, or subjectivity, or even scientific measurements!). This substantive element involves traces of presentation, content, and representation. So, to the paranormal community, both participant and observer, I challenge you to join me, and create a difference that is going to occur here and now! Specifically, come and listen to what I (and others) have to say. I personally challenged myself to be professional, substantive, relevant, and humanistic. Whether you agree with me, or other presenters, you will leave with ideas, and something different (not necessarily paranormal) to think about! After all, it’s all a matter of presenting contextual integrity, using non-verbal communication skills, and an open exchange of ideas, if there is willingness to hear these “other” voices! What better forum for this to occur in than at Univ-Con VII! But, and this is the important ingredient, it is up to all of us to meet that challenge, and to take it to the next level: that would be paranormal! Or, should I say, extra-ordinary? There is no room for “passive” watches here! Personally, I can’t wait!! Can you? SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER!!!! John Sabol, Archaeologist and “Ghost Excavator” |
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