I’m Not Addicted to Reality TV, but… (posted by CK)

No really. I’m not a reality tv addict. Granted, I watch, in the interest of scientific inquiry, more than my fair share of Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, Destination Truth, and the other shows that make up the usual gamut of paranormal and cryptozoological entertainment. And, okay, I happen to love anything related to the Kardashians and the Jersey Shore crew (don’t judge me). But I’d still like to think that I’m somewhat in control of the societal conditioning that results in the creation of even more new reality programming each year (Ahem, Moonshiners, I’m looking at YOU!).

The truth of it, though, or the reality of it, if you will, is that Americans adore reality tv. We love drama. We love seeing real people in various situations: awkward, enriching, life changing, devastating. Every show, then, that focuses on some aspect of reality has to offer something different to its audience in order to keep them coming back season after season. The paranormal programming realm is no exception. A new crew of researchers and investigators must necessarily offer something new.

That being said, why not blend the classic aspects of paranormal reality shows with those aspects of other reality programming of which we just cannot seem to get enough? Surely, I can’t be the only one wondering what these investigators are really like and what happens that the viewing audience just isn’t privy to during the investigations. And, I hope, hope, hope that I’m not the only one dismayed by the staged reality presented to viewers as if we were too stupid to identify such staging: really, Jay and Grant just happen to have a film crew with them to film them fixing a freaking urinal when they get “the call” for a great investigation?! Really?! I’m insulted…

If you’re going to give me reality, do it right. Make it real, for starters.

I think the question becomes, then, how this can translate to what Ghost Story TV is doing. Of course, we want to bring a new aspect of reality to paranormal research and programming; we’re looking into segments of the show that meet just that desire (but, of course, it’s all hush hush for now so as not to spoil any surprises!) – but beyond that, we can incorporate the reality that so many other groups have entirely disregarded in favor of staged “reality.” As Adam said, let’s let the audience see how the group dynamic works as we discuss, argue, and occasionally downright blunder through hypotheses regarding the paranormal and through evidence analysis. Watch me (CK) fall down steps, trip over wires, and light my own clothing on fire during investigations (admittedly, I am not the most graceful of God’s creatures). Watch Marty pull a prank. Watch Jeremy fall asleep in strange places (i.e., on a coat rack). Watch Jim take a brief production spaz (eventually, I hope, there will be a techo remix of Jim-isms.). I feel like so many of the shows cut some of the best footage sometimes (sometimes, not always, though; and thank you, cable shows, for that) in an effort to take themselves more seriously than they really need to. So why not break that pattern, draw in a broader audience that can enjoy a potentially paranormal experience vicariously at the same time they get the chance to simultaneously get a dose of paranormal theory and research as it exists REALLY?

It’s time.

What’s New with GSTV (posted by CK)

Hey everyone,

The Halloween season is upon us here and we’ve been BUSY!

We made our presence known at Horror Realm Con in Pittsburgh, did a great investigation at Molnar’s Marina in Bunola, and last weekend attended Gary Cangey’s State of the Paranormal Address in Butler just last weekend. We’re in the midst of editing a bunch of full episodes, lining up investigations, and negotiating with a few channels for local airing of a whole season – WOWSA!

I’m working with Jim to pull together our first official mailing of our newsletter with our official goings-on and updates, so keep your eyes peeled!

We’ll also be posting here more regularly in the near future as we continue to get organized. You can expect updates and musings from the crew very soon! Drop us a line and let us know what’s on your mind!

Awesome things are afoot for us!

Love and light,

CK

Welcome to the Ghost Story TV blog

Greetings all,

Welcome to the Ghost Story TV blog spot.  Here you will find opinion and questions from the G.S.I. / GSTV crew about a wide array of topics
which deal with the paranormal and other related areas of thought.   The paranormal offers an enormous amount of room for ideas and interpretation
so we really want to encourage you to give your feedback and to debate.  However, we ask that you please do be thoughtful and considerate.

Thank you.  Ghost Story TV