I think if spirits want someone to know about them, they will do something to make themselves known. i don't think they need people prodding and poking at them. I think sometimes that is why the living are actually "haunted" by the dead. The wish to be left in peace.

Wow Rozeo, what a question! I hope that many weigh in on this one, all opinions welcomed!

OK, folks I will try and make this short simply because I could write an essay on this subject. I dont like provoking spirits. Common sense says to put your self in their position and then think how you might react to a complete stranger being offensive. And why would they wish to talk with some one taunting them to get a reaction, and dont they have a right to privacy? Remember they dont know you and they owe you nothing. If you want them to speak to you be respectful, polite, and honor their wishes if they do not. AND consider this when attempting to talk with an older spirit, might your manner of dress appear to be disrespectful? These folks lived in a time when ankles were covered on females and some ghost teams show up wearing shorts and tight tube tops. How about your speech? Why would they talk to some one swearing and dressing in a manner they find offensive?

Good question. And ethically, is it just the right thing to do?

What are they, performing poodles? (And I would not even make a poodle "perform", speaking for myself.)

Good topic, Rozeo. I thought about this,also. This isn't a game or something to do for ratings. There has to be some respect. I watch a show called Ghost Adventures and sometimes it would bother me, their lack of repect for the dearly departed. The cast would provoke and be over dramatic...

I admit I like photography, but when I attempt it I ask, let spirits( if any is around) what my intentions are and what I am about to do.

Excellent attitude Cyn, I would always choose respect. AND... you are so right its about ratings too. I never say much about this but I bought a Roku box for my TV that allows you to get many more networks to watch. Some are pay and some are free, and there is a few paranormal shows. The shows from the public access stations are all unedited. I watched a show by an unknown group visiting the Goldfield Hotel or Washu Club, one of the very popular spots known for activity. My first surprise was that they had to pay to visit the site and had to book way in advance. That said they had one specific night (or two if they paid more) to investigate. MY opinion is that many have the attitude "I paid and I'm not leaving with nothing." So they get nasty to get something to record, and worse may be the shows with producers etc. They want ratings and you cant do they by saying we spent two nights but nothing happened.

That's sad. If a network hires your group then professional freedom goes out the window. I often wondered if some footage caught on tape is often doctored.

People actually re-enact peoples' deaths to contact their spirit? Wow, that's insanely disrespectful. If I were a spirit and someone were to do that, the only reason I'd want to speak to them would be to tell them they're an asshole.

I tend to agree Aelita. I did find out a few things and one is that these groups have to pay money to visit some of the more "popular" ghost sites. Maybe the attitude is this... We paid for this block of time and if nothing happens then we will Make something happen! To me its a supreme lack of respect I wouldn't talk to them either.