With the current wave of paranormal groups popping up all over the country, not to mention the flood of new TV programs about the paranormal, it’s not surprising that people are coming out of the woodwork to promote their “haunted” inns, houses, and other establishments. It’s a sure-fire way to generate some cash. Advertise that your place is haunted and wait for the cash to come in – if it’s haunted, they will come.

Got a bed & breakfast? Business is a little slow? Just mention on your brochure that the place has ghosts and you’ll get customers. All you have to do is mention that a few of the guests or employees have seen shadowy figures or heard unexplained sounds in the night. There seems to be no end to the number of people who will pay you money just to wander around with their camcorders and EMF meters. Got an old house you’re trying to fix up but you’re slightly strapped for cash? No problem. Offer “ghost hunters” the opportunity to wander around the place… for a fee.

Every town seems to offer ghost tours these days. People are more than willing to pay good money to follow you around and listen to spooky stories. Especially if you dress in a cape and carry a lantern.

Everyone seems anxious to exploit the current interest in ghosts and hauntings. Hell, even me. I wrote a book. Color me guilty. I just wonder where it’s all going though. The exploitation seems to reaching epidemic proportions. It reminds me a lot of the Spiritualist Movement which swept the country after the Fox sisters started claiming to hear bumps and scratches in their home in 1848. Suddenly, mediums, psychics, and spirit photographers  popped up all over the place. Most, if not all, turned out to be frauds and I suspect the same is true today.

Are ghosts real? I believe they are, but I also believe that there are more than a few people out to make some easy money by making false claims. If you’re planning to go on a ghost hunt or a ghost tour, and if you’re not expecting anything more than just a laugh and a good time, then by all means go! However, if you’re serious about this kind of thing and you’re after some hardcore evidence of life after death, maybe you’d better shy away from the ghost tours and strike out on your own.