Suggested Rules of Investigation for Unusual
Controversial subjects generate polarized responses.
Record or write down everything as soon as possible, no matter how
inconsequential or insignificant it might seem at the time.
Always credit your sources and respect requests for anonymity.
Always be ready for anything, anytime. Look for coincidences when
investigating claims of the unusual. Often, there may be a
synchronistic element at work.
It is impossible to be too objective when scientifically investigating
claims of the unusual.
Always assume there is a mundane explanation until proven extraordinary.
Appearances can be deceiving. There may be more happening than meets
If you publicize claims of the unusual, choose your words wisely, for
your "spin" may have tremendous influence.
Media coverage of the unusual, because of its sensational nature, is
often inaccurate and cannot be accepted as totally accurate by the
The human mind, when faced with the unknown, reverts to basic primal
symbols to rationalize its experience.
When investigating claims of the unusual, one cannot reach conclusions
based on intuition alone.
There is a possibility that the (sub)culture itself may cocreate
manifestations of unexplained, individually perceived phenomena.
We must be extremely careful not to perpetrate our own beliefs,
suspicions, or actual experiences into the minds of those who
desperately want to have a "special" event happen in their lives.
*Reprinted with the author's permission
Mysterious Valley by Christopher O'Brien, St. Martin's