Darkness
I haven't had any first hand experiences with phantoms or ghouls, and really don't think I ever will. Something tells me this is pretty safe bet. I also think it's reasonably obvious anyone who does think they have had an encounter with the supernatural is a bit of a fucking irrational mentalist, to be blunt.

Whilst we're here, one thing i've never understood about paranormal investigators is their insistence they conduct all their investigations in complete darkness. I mean why? What effect other than injecting the added element of their own innate fear would this matter experiencing the supernatural?

I've watched many of these paranormal investigations shot in complete darkness and watched these muppets frighten themselves to death as they work themselves up into a hysterical frenzy, only to risk serious injury walking into walls and doors, etc. It seems needlessly pointless, though amusing to watch their hilarious antics communicating with the creeks and moans of old masonry and the wind.

Lao Tzu remarked if there were ghosts then the highways would be extremely crowded.
( Jahled Three shades of black, Thu 13 Sep 2012, 14:17, 3 replies)

Paranormal-types work in the dark,
because the dark is spooky, and it increases the chance that their audience will see something that isn't there.
( monster munch person, man, woman... camera... TV?, Thu 13 Sep 2012, 14:48, closed)

It's sort of obvious really, and the only real way they are actually going to get half an hour's television
It really wouldn't work in the middle of Hampstead Heath in broad daylight, despite the fact logically anywhere would and should be haunted.

So what we are really watching are TV shows observing ignorance, stupidity, and people experiencing fear, as they seem to be actually taking it all very seriously. So perhaps mental illness as well.
( Jahled Three shades of black, Thu 13 Sep 2012, 15:04, closed)

I'm not
too sure why anyone would sit down and watch that drivel for more than 3 minutes without changing channel or leaving the room.

Mind you, it also sounds like you're describing Big Brother.
( social hand grenade I was a lurker before you were a lurker, Thu 13 Sep 2012, 17:22, closed)