Even though I’ve gotten sidetracked by all the controversial footage and theories I came to realize that that is not what I have the biggest problem with on the show, and that I honestly believe that the smoking guns are all red herrings (slight of hand) to keep viewership up BUT ALSO SERVE to give us something to think about other than thinking about those things that might cause us to turn the show off and not watch it.

I can’t see that GH is studying anything. There is really nothing of substance happening by a team supposedly interested in the paranormal. For example, if you had an interest in the paranormal and you found places that you declared as having paranormal activity would you be satisfied with what we see on the show? I mean, after 18 years of ghosthunting I’d hope I would have moved far beyond the “Yes, your home is haunted but you are safe. Goodbye.” stage some years ago. They just keep repeating themselves. They never even meet to discuss alternative actions or reevaluate their methods or (especially) how they can dig deeper into each investigation, etc etc. I believe we would see more of that IF in fact they were at all serious and not about entertainment with little concern for their (serious) audience.(not to mention all the problems with their methods and technology already discussed on here).

They just go from place to place because all TV producers know the public’s limited attention span demands it. Viewers are just interested in what they will see and hear at the next new place. And when that began to get old with some of the more critical viewers then they added controversy to spice it up a bit.

But back to my original question: Are viewers being led astray by controversy on purpose because there is nothing they care to offer us of substance? That is what is so lousy about TV in my opinion. No one cares to offer anything worthwhile– not just for the audience but for stars of the show as well, who are supposedly interested in their subject matter. What kind of sincere investigative interest does that show? And you can add the other shows mentioned on this site as being just like GH.

They even describe themselves as problem solvers due to being plumbers. Are any problems being solved that you can see? And I don’t mean “problems” as in its strictest definition only.

Maybe bringing this up is a mute point as I think TV is 99% pointless, but maybe someone will listen if we all get sick of it and call them on it. They sure aren’t afraid to spend a whole lot of money on nothing. It would just be nice in my opinion if they put all that money, time, and energy to better use, they have the resources. And I can’t for the life of me figure out why they don’t. What are they afraid of? Maybe viewership would soar? The history and science channels are still around.
My dream is one day they’ll quit scamming their audience or at least quit dumbing us down and putting so much effort into nothing and believing we will be satisfied.

For arguments sake I fully realize there are those who watch the show knowing it is highly suspect but do so for purely entertainment reasons. However, I think a sitcom, etc is one thing, but a show marketed as educational and serious that scams its youngest viewers (which I assume MOST of their audience is comprised of) should be called on it and exposed. Plus, I would just like to see something that is real, honest, and had something to offer for those with an interest in already maligned and controversial topics.

One thing I have learned is some awesome places to visit in the U.S. and overseas, not for the paranormal, but for cultural, historical, and architectural reasons.

I do feel all I learned from the show (my speculation) was their speculation of what paranormal activity is and how to "evidence" it (a classic example of circular logic ??). And since they are working in speculation I find their unwavering adherence to certain methodology, technology, and "evidence" very lazy, suspect, and un "scientific".

Again, only my opinions, which aren't any more valid or easliy proven than anyone else's, including GH.

I agree, anything is possible, but I still tend to think the production crew aren’t as careless as one might think. And if they are they still are for a reason, I would think by now anyway. I would also hazzard a guess that the skeptical viewers aren’t as big a minority as one might think either. Maybe on-line but not at home. In my opinion skepticism can be a progressive process as well as vary quite a bit between individuals and fluctuate depending on specific [paranormal] subject matter including the various components of this show and similar shows. And I still tend to think any channel or production team that earns its money off of stuff like this would be well aware of this about their audience.

Viewers may "wise up" eventually and then watch the show for different reasons, sometimes this happens quickly and other times not for a season or two. And if a production company is that careless and makes mistakes then they would (or should) expect this from their audience and therefore they may not "plan" anything but ignoring problems may be the same thing. Guilt by irresponsiblity?