So my group has been meeting for the past several months. Planning. Getting things together. Revamping everything we do, how we operate. Starting over from scratch. We've been working on a new website to roll out in conjunction with the ghost tours I was going to be conducting at work. We've practiced investigating at several member's homes. WE have our whole process down cold. We conducted an investigation for a friend of a member. They claimed they had experienced some stuff. We went three times. Never caught a damn thing. Debunked a couple of things.
So we were all set to investigate two businesses in So Cal. HAd everything all set up. Worked really hard to establish a good relationship with the owners. Conducted pre-investigation interviews.
And what happens? Both businesses have now shut us out.
Business one's excuse? THey have been approached by another group that wants to conduct an ongoing investigation. And the group got them to sign an agreement granting them "exclusive investigation rights" So supposedly no other group can come in and investigate. Are you frickin kidding me?
Business two's excuse? They had another group come in there and conduct an investigation. The group was rude, careless (broke several items), inconsiderate and unprofessional. So they would just rather not have any groups in there after this experience.
And guess what? It was the same group in both cases.
You have to spill the beans in here man...which group is this? I KNOW it's not PPI. Groups like this should SERIOUSLY take a look at themselves and see how wrong they are. I tend to take cases and forward them to other groups when we are too "stuffed" with cases. I would REALLY like to know who this group is so that I NEVER give them a case.
See, this is the part that has me complexed. The group that had the signed "contract" said he could not give me the name of the group and was "not at liberty to disclose that information" due to the agreement they signed.
The other owner said the group called themselves "SoCal Ghostbusters"
That name right there should say it all. But I cannot find anything on this group. No website, nothing.
Thankfully both businesses were nothing like the Whaley House, SD Maritime Museum, etc. Cuz that would suck of places like those got closed off. One was a rest in Escondido, and a the other was a hobby store in San Diego. I'm going to try and approach both in a couple of months and see what happens. Maybe in the fall. I'm thinking that this ghostbusters group will pretty much fall apart by then. If it wasn't for items being broken, I'm pretty sure I would have been able to get my group access. The hobby store was were several items were broken. Apparently some fairly pricey models. Hopefully this group has to pay.
I've heard of this kind of thing happening to other groups as well. Its just annoying that groups of kids think they know all about doing this stuff just from watching a couple TV shows.
That is really to bad man, hope it all works out for you.
To reiterate what Dave said; this is definitely NOT PPI. I have never heard of a group making the homeowner/business owner sign a "contract" stating that no other group could go in and investigate. That is just ridiculous and unconscionable. I have never heard of this group either. It's a shame that someone couldn't explain to those business owners that no group should make anyone sign a contract. That just isn't how paranormal groups conduct themselves. MOST paranormal groups, that is. Given enough time, you should be able to find out who these individuals are. As for you and your group (pep talk time), just keep doing what you are doing and your reputation will speak for itself. Keep the faith, my friend. :)
Quote from: CACPIR_Dave on June 02, 2008, 02:48:46 AMSee, this is the part that has me complexed. The group that had the signed "contract" said he could not give me the name of the group and was "not at liberty to disclose that information" due to the agreement they signed. The other owner said the group called themselves "SoCal Ghostbusters."
If SoCal Ghostbusters is not a registered business, any agreement they made others sign is just a paper fantasy. Are there any business majors or business law students on this forum that can comment on this?
Quote from: PPI Karl on June 02, 2008, 01:26:06 PM
Quote from: CACPIR_Dave on June 02, 2008, 02:48:46 AMSee, this is the part that has me complexed. The group that had the signed "contract" said he could not give me the name of the group and was "not at liberty to disclose that information" due to the agreement they signed. The other owner said the group called themselves "SoCal Ghostbusters."
If SoCal Ghostbusters is not a registered business, any agreement they made others sign is just a paper fantasy. Are there any business majors or business law students on this forum that can comment on this?
Bona fide paranormal investigators and their groups aren?t a "business" to begin with. We are not an enterprise. Nobody gets paid. We are all volunteers and we do not profit from this. Whatever this "paper-fantasy" contract is, the one thing for sure that it isn't, is legal. It is just a group of people feebly trying to look like they know what the heck they're doing and making a mockery of it in the process. Any group that is genuine, experienced, and worth their salt would NEVER ask a client to do this and any person or persons with half a brain wouldn't agree to it in the first place. Wouldn't surprise me if this group's next move was to charge for their services.....and demand per diem in top of it. :(
I agree; legally a non-competition and non-disclosure contract between an individual and a business isn't worth the paper it's printed on.
A lot of paranormal groups claim to be "non-profit organizations", when in fact they aren't. I work for a non-profit organization, and we are considered a "business" by the IRS and we are required to file certain paper work to maintain our 501-C non-profit status. Any group that claims to be a non-profit organization but fails to file the necessary paperwork with the IRS is just asking for trouble. If they are charging for their services or accepting donations they are just compounding their problems.
I'd be willing to bet its Southern California Ghost Hunters. I know that one of their members is an attorney.
Quote from: PPI Glenn on June 03, 2008, 01:56:11 AM
I'd be willing to bet its Southern California Ghost Hunters. I know that one of their members is an attorney.
What's funny is I had actually considered putting in an application and such with that group, until I dug a little further. They actually have orb phots in with their evidence. I'm not even talking like "cool" orb photos, I'm talking the kind you get all the time. Hey, if you go through their training program, you get a certificate and degree though!
Please if you guys ever hear anything bad about FPIE promise me you will let me know. I already know thier founder is a big idiot though so don't bother with that.
Never heard of the group but just googling them... they seem to just about cover everything as a bona fide business and their mission statement says it all. 8)
- Dr. Laura Meininger, founder of Southern California Ghost Hunters has attained her Ph.D., in Metaphysics with Celestial Visions School of Metaphysical Arts.
http://www.southerncaliforniaghosthunters.com/
(http://www.southerncaliforniaghosthunters.com/miss.jpg)
Quote from: johnny on June 03, 2008, 12:37:11 PM
Never heard of the group but just googling them... they seem to just about cover everything as a bona fide business and their mission statement says it all. 8)
- Dr. Laura Meininger, founder of Southern California Ghost Hunters has attained her Ph.D., in Metaphysics with Celestial Visions School of Metaphysical Arts.
http://www.southerncaliforniaghosthunters.com/
(http://www.southerncaliforniaghosthunters.com/miss.jpg)
Well, Dr. Meiniger's school says it all: "Celestial Visions School of Metaphysical Arts". ::) Something tells me this isn't an Ivy League school. Can't be sure, but I just have this feeling. ::)
Their website is a joke. They are "Orb Happy". 98% of their photos are orbs.
"Oh...there an orb checking out Laura's car"
"Orbs at a private residence..on the curtain".
please...... ::)
Ohhhh, Orbs in the buttermilk, shu orb shu.....
(http://www.pacificparanormal.com/images/ORBFREE.jpg)
That's PPI's stand. Are you in good hands?
Well, I've decided. I'm going to create a new front page for our group's website. Its going to state that by visiting this site and continuing further into the site, you agree to not visit another group's website. Also, you agree that upon the moment you mention mt group's name, you will never even utter the name of another group as well.
oooh look another orb!!! wheeeeeee!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euZ0j7vtKEQ
Quote from: PPI Glenn on June 03, 2008, 01:56:11 AM
I'd be willing to bet its Southern California Ghost Hunters. I know that one of their members is an attorney.
Apparently not a very great attorney. As was said before by Brian, if they are going to operate as a business the IRS recognizes them as a business and they have to file tax papers. The IRS is not very kind to people posing as section 501-c organizations. They have to be registered with the IRS to even be considered non-profit at all. Maybe we should send an anonymous tip to get them audited ;)
sounds sorry dude. I wish I lived in SD so I could be in the group PPi. I love you guys. I bet I could learn so much from you guys. Will it be ok if you broke the contract. What will be the problem. Dave do not give them nothing ok this sounds fishy.
Quote from: bellalaghoste on June 05, 2008, 07:22:46 PM
Will it be ok if you broke the contract. What will be the problem.
Seriously....if you broke their "contract", what would they do.... Send you to (dramatic music here): DA DA DA DAAAAAAA: "
Paranormal Prison"? ::)
ha ha tracy that what i am saying.
Tracy, you crack me up!!! :D
Quote from: TAPS Tracy on June 06, 2008, 10:29:13 AM
Quote from: bellalaghoste on June 05, 2008, 07:22:46 PM
Will it be ok if you broke the contract. What will be the problem.
Seriously....if you broke their "contract", what would they do.... Send you to (dramatic music here): DA DA DA DAAAAAAA: "Paranormal Prison"? ::)
Grrrrrrr they just bought the FLIR that I had been saving up for from my contact :( I wanted to get my CCTV and stuff first, other deals they have arn't nearly as good.
Who's 'they?'
Quote from: MichaelF (FPIE) on June 17, 2008, 01:25:53 PM
Grrrrrrr they just bought the FLIR that I had been saving up for from my contact :( I wanted to get my CCTV and stuff first, other deals they have arn't nearly as good.
The Southern Ca GHost Hunters.
Quote from: TAPS Tracy on June 18, 2008, 10:23:15 AM
Quote from: MichaelF (FPIE) on June 18, 2008, 09:05:01 AM
The Southern Ca GHost Hunters.
aka: "The Dark Side"
Led by the notorious Doctor Evil herself... :)
Doesn't she claim to have a fake PhD in metaphysical studies or some other nonsensical bulls#@t?
Quote from: PPI Brian M on June 18, 2008, 02:12:51 PM
Quote from: TAPS Tracy on June 18, 2008, 10:23:15 AM
Quote from: MichaelF (FPIE) on June 18, 2008, 09:05:01 AM
The Southern Ca GHost Hunters.
aka: "The Dark Side"
Led by the notorious Doctor Evil herself... :)
Doesn't she claim to have a fake PhD in metaphysical studies or some other nonsensical bulls#@t?
Yes, she does. I think in this case, PhD stands for "Piled Higher and Deeper. ::)
This is from an earlier post but this was my comment on this:
Well, Dr. Meiniger's school says it all: "Celestial Visions School of Metaphysical Arts". : Something tells me this isn't an Ivy League school. Can't be sure, but I just have this feeling
Looks like the 'ol Celestial Visions School of Metaphysical Arts is kaput. Their domain name is no longer registered.
Quote from: TAPS Tracy on June 18, 2008, 05:01:09 PM
Quote from: PPI Brian M on June 18, 2008, 02:12:51 PM
Quote from: TAPS Tracy on June 18, 2008, 10:23:15 AM
Quote from: MichaelF (FPIE) on June 18, 2008, 09:05:01 AM
The Southern Ca GHost Hunters.
aka: "The Dark Side"
Led by the notorious Doctor Evil herself... :)
Doesn't she claim to have a fake PhD in metaphysical studies or some other nonsensical bulls#@t?
Yes, she does. I think in this case, PhD stands for "Piled Higher and Deeper. ::)
This is from an earlier post but this was my comment on this:
Well, Dr. Meiniger's school says it all: "Celestial Visions School of Metaphysical Arts". : Something tells me this isn't an Ivy League school. Can't be sure, but I just have this feeling
Quote from: PPI Glenn on June 23, 2008, 02:28:37 AM
Looks like the 'ol Celestial Visions School of Metaphysical Arts is kaput. Their domain name is no longer registered.
Quote from: TAPS Tracy on June 18, 2008, 05:01:09 PM
Quote from: PPI Brian M on June 18, 2008, 02:12:51 PM
Quote from: TAPS Tracy on June 18, 2008, 10:23:15 AM
Quote from: MichaelF (FPIE) on June 18, 2008, 09:05:01 AM
The Southern Ca GHost Hunters.
aka: "The Dark Side"
Led by the notorious Doctor Evil herself... :)
Doesn't she claim to have a fake PhD in metaphysical studies or some other nonsensical bulls#@t?
Yes, she does. I think in this case, PhD stands for "Piled Higher and Deeper. ::)
This is from an earlier post but this was my comment on this:
Well, Dr. Meiniger's school says it all: "Celestial Visions School of Metaphysical Arts". : Something tells me this isn't an Ivy League school. Can't be sure, but I just have this feeling
Oh, bummer. It looked so successful, too. I guess this means that her diploma is no longer good, huh? ::)
Quote from: TAPS Tracy on June 23, 2008, 01:06:19 PM
Quote from: PPI Glenn on June 23, 2008, 02:28:37 AM
Looks like the 'ol Celestial Visions School of Metaphysical Arts is kaput. Their domain name is no longer registered.
Quote from: TAPS Tracy on June 18, 2008, 05:01:09 PM
Quote from: PPI Brian M on June 18, 2008, 02:12:51 PM
Quote from: TAPS Tracy on June 18, 2008, 10:23:15 AM
Quote from: MichaelF (FPIE) on June 18, 2008, 09:05:01 AM
The Southern Ca GHost Hunters.
aka: "The Dark Side"
Led by the notorious Doctor Evil herself... :)
Doesn't she claim to have a fake PhD in metaphysical studies or some other nonsensical bulls#@t?
Yes, she does. I think in this case, PhD stands for "Piled Higher and Deeper. ::)
This is from an earlier post but this was my comment on this:
Well, Dr. Meiniger's school says it all: "Celestial Visions School of Metaphysical Arts". : Something tells me this isn't an Ivy League school. Can't be sure, but I just have this feeling
Oh, bummer. It looked so successful, too. I guess this means that her diploma is no longer good, huh? ::)
Like it ever was good??
Dang, and I was all setup to use my Tuition Assistence and GI bill there....
Why is my group having all the luck with the nutjobs in So Cal. You guys aren't sending em my way, are you? LOL
So I get an email from this woman claiming she has some paranormal activity going on in her apartment and it is causing, and I quote, "great distress" to her son. So I figure, ok, its warranted to look into.
So I contact her, takes several emails back and forth to finally get more than, "its evil and upsetting my son, can you please come and do something about it?"
Here's what I find out:
Her son is less than 2 months old.
He cries at night.
There is no other type of paranormal activity going on.
Seriously, that's it.
So I tell her there is nothing paranormal going on. I don't have kids myself, but I am pretty sure that's normal. I suggested she contact a relative or friend who's had kids before or a pediatrician to ask for advice.
Now she's mad at me and threatening to sue me for false advertising since I won't waste my group's time and go out to her place and conduct a thorough investigation.
I kid you not. Well, look out, she may come PPI's way. Maybe I should direct her to So Cal Ghost Hunters. I'll tell her they can probably do a better job for her since their director has a PhD.
Quote from: PPI Glenn on June 23, 2008, 08:34:44 PM
Quote from: TAPS Tracy on June 23, 2008, 01:06:19 PM
Quote from: PPI Glenn on June 23, 2008, 02:28:37 AM
Looks like the 'ol Celestial Visions School of Metaphysical Arts is kaput. Their domain name is no longer registered.
Quote from: TAPS Tracy on June 18, 2008, 05:01:09 PM
Quote from: PPI Brian M on June 18, 2008, 02:12:51 PM
Quote from: TAPS Tracy on June 18, 2008, 10:23:15 AM
Quote from: MichaelF (FPIE) on June 18, 2008, 09:05:01 AM
The Southern Ca GHost Hunters.
aka: "The Dark Side"
Led by the notorious Doctor Evil herself... :)
Doesn't she claim to have a fake PhD in metaphysical studies or some other nonsensical bulls#@t?
Yes, she does. I think in this case, PhD stands for "Piled Higher and Deeper. ::)
This is from an earlier post but this was my comment on this:
Well, Dr. Meiniger's school says it all: "Celestial Visions School of Metaphysical Arts". : Something tells me this isn't an Ivy League school. Can't be sure, but I just have this feeling
Oh, bummer. It looked so successful, too. I guess this means that her diploma is no longer good, huh? ::)
Like it ever was good??
Exactly my point! :D
Quote from: CACPIR_Dave on June 24, 2008, 10:48:16 AM
...Maybe I should direct her to So Cal Ghost Hunters. I'll tell her they can probably do a better job for her since their director has a PhD.
I think that's an excellent idea. :)
Quote from: PPI Brian M on June 24, 2008, 01:15:07 PM
Quote from: CACPIR_Dave on June 24, 2008, 10:48:16 AM
...Maybe I should direct her to So Cal Ghost Hunters. I'll tell her they can probably do a better job for her since their director has a PhD.
I think that's an excellent idea. :)
I'll second that......
I would love to do that, but the thing is, I don't want this group basting my group's name everywhere.
Man, I just checked out their website. Talk about some pieces of work!
I mean, I know this other group in So Cal, PPI I think they are called ;D (just kidding), have some wacky photos, but So Cal Ghost Hunters takes the cake!
Quote from: CACPIR_Dave on June 24, 2008, 04:54:29 PM
I would love to do that, but the thing is, I don't want this group basting my group's name everywhere.
Man, I just checked out their website. Talk about some pieces of work!
I mean, I know this other group in So Cal, PPI I think they are called ;D (just kidding), have some wacky photos, but So Cal Ghost Hunters takes the cake!
They are the "Orb" kings!
Your case kind of troubles me a little bit. There is no other paranormal activity going on, but she thinks that her baby is crying due to being frightened by some evil presence. We may know that it's not uncommon for a 2 month old to cry, the fact that she doesn't seem aware of this is a little troublesome. It makes me wonder if she may need to seek some medical help. She could have a type of post-partum (I'm sure I spelled that wrong) depression or something else going on. If she thinks her son is being bothered by evil now, what if tomorrow she thinks he is possesed by it? That's what worries me.
It's your case, do with it as you will, but I personally would humor her a little bit and get her to seek some medical help.
Sounds like she is a first time Mom that is overloaded...maybe in several ways.
Is she a single parent? Makes me worry for the child's safety if she isn't operating on all cylinders. Michael makes a good point: What if she starts to think her child is evil? Just the thought of it is a scary road to go down. The fact that she is "mad" at you and is "threatening to sue" you, makes me think she is definitely a few fries short of a Happy Meal.
Quote from: CACPIR_Dave on June 24, 2008, 10:48:16 AM
Now she's mad at me and threatening to sue me for false advertising since I won't waste my group's time and go out to her place and conduct a thorough investigation.
Hi Dave,
Unfortunately there are times when clients will not be pleased with your decision to pull the plug on an investigation. Clients should understand that an interview does not commit your group to conduct an investigation, especially when you determine it's not appropriate to conduct an investigation. Don't worry... she has no legal grounds to sue, but it would probably be in your best interests to sever all communications with her immediately.
Michael, while I'm not disagreeing with you, we've found that in cases such as this its best to just leave them alone. I know that may sound harsh but with some people there just isn't a good way to suggest seeking medical attention.
Quote from: MichaelF (FPIE) on June 24, 2008, 05:34:48 PM
Your case kind of troubles me a little bit. There is no other paranormal activity going on, but she thinks that her baby is crying due to being frightened by some evil presence. We may know that it's not uncommon for a 2 month old to cry, the fact that she doesn't seem aware of this is a little troublesome. It makes me wonder if she may need to seek some medical help. She could have a type of post-partum (I'm sure I spelled that wrong) depression or something else going on. If she thinks her son is being bothered by evil now, what if tomorrow she thinks he is possesed by it? That's what worries me.
It's your case, do with it as you will, but I personally would humor her a little bit and get her to seek some medical help.
And just because someone doesn't have the legal grounds to sue, it sure doesn't stop them. And it won't stop you from having to pay for an attorney.
Quote from: PPI Brian M on June 24, 2008, 06:55:50 PM
Quote from: CACPIR_Dave on June 24, 2008, 10:48:16 AM
Now she's mad at me and threatening to sue me for false advertising since I won't waste my group's time and go out to her place and conduct a thorough investigation.
Hi Dave,
Unfortunately there are times when clients will not be pleased with your decision to pull the plug on an investigation. Clients should understand that an interview does not commit your group to conduct an investigation, especially when you determine it's not appropriate to conduct an investigation. Don't worry... she has no legal grounds to sue, but it would probably be in your best interests to sever all communications with her immediately.
Yeah, I haven't heard from here and this all happened last week.
I've debunked several cases just through phone interviews. There was one couple that were saying over the course of two weeks, their kitchen chandelier would start to sway. A quick internet search and I discovered there was a series of small earthquakes that seemed to occur at the same time the lights moved.
i'm not worried about her suing me. Besides, I'm in debt too much, I don't have any money and our assets, home, cars, etc are all in my wife's name since she had way better credit than me at the time! LOL
I'm pretty sure that if this ever did get to court, the judge would laugh at her and rule that she has to pay for my attorney fees.
Quote from: PPI Glenn on June 25, 2008, 12:31:09 AM
And just because someone doesn't have the legal grounds to sue, it sure doesn't stop them. And it won't stop you from having to pay for an attorney.
Quote from: PPI Brian M on June 24, 2008, 06:55:50 PM
Quote from: CACPIR_Dave on June 24, 2008, 10:48:16 AM
Now she's mad at me and threatening to sue me for false advertising since I won't waste my group's time and go out to her place and conduct a thorough investigation.
Hi Dave,
Unfortunately there are times when clients will not be pleased with your decision to pull the plug on an investigation. Clients should understand that an interview does not commit your group to conduct an investigation, especially when you determine it's not appropriate to conduct an investigation. Don't worry... she has no legal grounds to sue, but it would probably be in your best interests to sever all communications with her immediately.
Hi Glenn,
I agree that people file suit without the legal grounds to do so, but this sounds like an empty threat to me. Unless she's got money to blow on attorney fees for a hopeless law suit, no attorney would pursue legal action against someone who refused to conduct a
paranormal investigation in a private residence. No self respecting attorney would take such a case on contingency or a pro bono basis. All she did was exchange a few e-mails and had a phone conversation. She didn't pay for any services, and there are no damages, and there was no contract for services. It would be laughed out of court.
Any attorney who took a case like this could be counter-sued for filing a frivolous law suit and have their license to practice law revoked by the Bar. I'll bet you could find a rival attorney who would take
that case on a pro bono basis. ;D
Heh, one of my good freidns wives is an attorney, I think she would take care of me, especially since there would be no real risk.
I know I'm a sucker, but my main goal is to help people, and people need all types of help. I'm pretty decent about bringing up sensitive topics and reccomending stuff in a certain way. I would far prefer to attempt that, then to read in the paper next week that she did something terrible to her child.