I promise I won't make this list quite as long but I still feel these 'rules' are very important.

DON'T:  This may be a harsh one to start with but I'm going to do it anyway.  Don't whisper ESPECIALLY during an EVP session.  When communicating, you should use your regular speaking voice.  If you whisper, it could come across as muffled on the recording device and be mistaken for something else.  It's easy to want to whisper when you're sitting in the dark but try to get past that.  I think one of the funniest things I remember when I was with my previous group was when we were reviewing an EVP session and one of the members whispered something.  The other team member said "no whispering" to which she whispered "sorry."  It was laughable but the plus side is they acknowledged it was them whispering so there was no mistake in that instance.  Just don't whisper.

DO:  Tie back long hair.  I have ridiculously curly hair so I can only imagine what a loose strand would look like in a photograph.  My suggestion is either put on a baseball hat or invest in some fun hair ties or headbands.  Just keep that hair back.  

DON'T:  I'm not a fan of provoking so I say don't dare a spirit to show itself.  You can ask it to, but don't 'demand' it.  Saying things like "come at me" or "what, are you scared?" is just asking for trouble.  

DO:  Keep communication handy.  This includes cell phones (on silent of course because even the vibration setting will emit a noise) and walkie talkies.  You want to be able to get in touch with the command center or other teammates if the need arises.  Command center will need communication to announce rotations and wrap up.  

DON'T:  When heading to an investigation, don't spray on that fancy perfume or body spray.  Even if others on your team know you have it on, teams after you could mistake it for evidence after you've left the room.  Just keep it simple and use deodorant only.  Please, for the sake of those around you, don't forget the deodorant.  

DO: HAVE FUN!  I can't stress this one enough.  Yes there are rules to follow and yes I said no horseplay but still have fun.  This is a hobby and while you want to get the information and evidence, you have to remember this should be a fun hobby to have.  Having fun and creating a positive environment could entice the spirits to come around.  Who wants to hang around a negative Nelly all night?  I know I don't.

Well guys, this is just an idea of what I think basic rules should be.  The list really could probably go on and on and on but I don't want to bore you to tears.  Too late?  Darn it.  :P  Thank you for hanging in there.  As always, please let us know of any investigation ideas in the Central Florida area (doesn't have to be strictly Orlando) and let us know of anything you'd like to see blogged.  The more information out there, the better this field will be.  Also, any groups looking for a joint investigation, we are open to that as well.  We would love to meet new people in the field.

I hope everyone has a great Thursday evening and remember, the weekend is just right around the corner.  :) 

~Jamie~

One of the suggestions we received for a blog posting was a Do's and Don'ts of an investigation.  We thought this was a great way to start so here we go.  

First off, let me say these are just our opinions of simple rules for investigating.  I feel a lot of these should be common sense and not anything new.  

DO:  Always be safe.  Never put yourself or any member of the team in danger.  If for whatever reason you feel uncomfortable or in any kind of dangerous situation, fall back and regroup.  

DON'T:  Never scream, yell or run away if startled.  Instead, calmly tell your group that you need to go back to the command center to collect yourself.  If you don't want to admit you are scared (Rob would NEVER admit it though I'd know, oh yes, I'd know), just make an excuse to get back, saying you need to upload pictures, listen to an EVP or get new batteries.  Anything but run.  

DO:  Stay with your group.  Always.  Even if you think you see or hear something away from your assigned team, make sure they come with you.  Anything you experience could be discounted if you are alone.  This goes with needing to go back to the command center to check those pictures (see above), get the team to go with you.  

DON'T:  When doing an investigation, there is no smoking, drinking alcohol or any mind altering substances.  Smoke from cigarettes could be mistaken for some form of manifestation.  I don't think I need to expand on the drinking and drugs part, do I?  I didn't think so. 

DO:  Make sure to check all equipment before the investigation.  This includes making sure batteries are charged the day before, fresh batteries for the non-chargeable equipment, lenses are cleaned and you have everything packed up.  There would be nothing worse than getting to the site and you find you are missing that pesky voice recorder.  A checklist would be a great way to get ready for an investigation.  

DON'T:  There should be no horseplay during an investigation.  I'm not saying don't have fun, but know the time and place.  Respect should be given to the site, the client and any potential spirits still inhabiting the area.    Extra respect should be given in locations such as cemeteries, battlefields, hospitals, etc.  

DO:  Respect your team members, clients and their ideas and theories.  Even if you don't agree, listen to what they have to say.  You never know, their theory could be right.

DON'T:  This is a no brainer, don't lie.  This includes not exaggerating what you experienced.  Keep to the facts and nothing more.

DO:  Log, log, and log some more.  Keep notes of things that happen.  This includes coughs, sneezes and throat clearing so later during the review, there is no second guessing that noise in the distance.  A good idea is to be sure to have a watch so you can record the time for the log for these occurrences.

I think we'll stop with a "DO" for now.  Stay tuned for a part 2 in a couple of days.  Like I said earlier, these are our opinions of what 'rules' should be for an investigation.  OTP, as do most other groups, have a protocol list that is handed out to members to follow.  The protocol are basic, easy to follow and common sense rules.