Last night I was watching the movie Zathura–OK, I know it's for kids but I happen to like it anyway ;).  To my surprise, during a commercial break I was suddenly listening to a teenager (barely out of pre-teen stage; I'm trying to guess how old he actually is) talking about "The Othersiders".  I couldn't believe what I was listening to, so this morning I hopped on over to the Cartoon Network's web site and lo and behold!  It has finally happened…

Forget "Psychic Kids".  We now are going to be treated to a version of "Ghost Hunters–The Early Years".  A team of very young people are going to do a complete imitation of GH, down to most of the equipment used and the methodology.  They have a team leader, case manager, tech specialist; well, you get the idea. 

A thermal camera elicits the comment  "I think it's really cool because it is just like predator vision" (!)  They parrot the same questions used by most groups currently on TV in search of EVPs (It's so cool!).  EMF detectors, night vision cameras–all that seems to be lacking is a FLIR.  Apparently the network did not feel comfortable putting such an expensive piece of equipment in such little hands.

Maybe it's just me, but the paranormal craze has now reached new heights (or lows, depending on your point of view).  Now pre-teens and teens are going to be begging mommy and daddy to buy them at least one or two pieces of equipment so they can go ghost hunting.

I find the concept humorous.  For one, it is coming out in June, way ahead of GH's college edition.  Not only are they beating them to the punch, but there doesn't appear to be any grownups, at least in the preview, having to teach them how to use this equipment and interpret any results (unproven results, but that's a subject for another thread).   No Steve and Tango needed.  Looks like the kids have gotten a handle, probably from watching tons of Ghost Hunter episodes, on the cameras, meters etc., and on how said equipment is used by the majority of ghost hunting teams.

But the funniest part of this is the fact that it points out just how simple it is even for youngsters to learn how to use the equipment and interpret the results, at least in the way that adult paranormal investigators interpret them.  No Ghost Hunting 101 for $200 with Jason and Grant.  No need for a grownup tech manager like Steve to teach classes on the intricacies of the EMF meter and what questions to ask during an EVP session.

If youngsters like this can go around acting like miniature versions of TAPS, why is TAPS and other like groups milking the adult population to the tune of $$ to learn what are basically simple pieces of equipment that have been designed for scientific purposes and re-invented as ghost hunting tools?

I have to admit I am a tad upset that TV is now tapping (excuse the pun) the younger crowd in an increasing attempt to grab another piece of the paranormal popularity pie.  Maybe this was the next logical step, since many kids-my 8 yr. old niece included-watch GH religiously, this was bound to happen.  The market is getting saturated with these shows and many stations are dipping their toes into the pool to see what works with the audience and which one is going to be the next Big Show.  But this is ridiculous.

OK, tell me my views are too negative and I'm taking this too seriously.  But c'mon, when is this going to stop?  What's next–Toddlers of the Paranormal?

Please check it out and let me know what you think. Note how members of the team almost parrot the words of TAPS members.   I am really confused about how to take this except for the aforementioned fact that it shows how GH and other like shows are really much ado about nothing.  If kids like these can do the exact same things, and apparently just as well, it really calls into question just how difficult is it to go ghost hunting and make a show out of it?  And why the need to have classes to teach adults about the theory and practice of paranormal investigation when these youngsters appear to have gotten a good grasp of the very same things that GH does?

http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/theothersiders/

blinddog50 said:

Except Ryan Buell…..his ass is mine.

Sic'im blinddog!

Thanks for the link Oubliette.  Geeze, I'm under the weather today and find you've all covered my feelings on the subject quite well.  I agree, this is a fad which will soon go the way of the pet rock and mood rings.  Harry may have a point.  Oversaturation may well be GH's downfall in the end although I can come up with a few other scenarios that can sink it as well.    My head hurts from it all but the meds are helping!

Learjet said:

I'm not sure I like the impression this will give other kids. Kids will get the idea that it's cool going to abandoned buildings at night when it's downright dangerous, from unstable floors/ceilings, possible asbestos dust to stumbling upon squatters. I'm not worried about the TV kids that have a film crew with them but those they impress to do likewise on their own. 

Kids have been doing incredibly stupid things at night for years.  Abandoned buildings?  As a 15 year old?  Count me in.  I'm sure my dad did as well as his dad.  My son shall do it and his son.  There's a very strong stupidity gene in the Revenant bloodline. 

Although, you bring up a point.  One day, a kid will get hurt.  His friends will say they were ghost-hunting, won't mention the beer and bottle of Wild Turkey (the real reason why they actually went), and people will cry out over it.  There will be public outrage and the works.  It's inevitable…    

alicat said:

You feel you can get away with anything and you can live forever.  

---

Wait…you mean I can't and I'm not? 

This is exactly why police put up "No Trespassing" signs, have security guards and monitor sites like the abandoned Essex County Hospital.  Unfortunately it's a tall order because we know most people will at least try to take a "peek" and they are arresting people at record numbers. It's just so tempting and some people see "no trespassing" signs as a red flag indicating there must be something forbidden to see or experience.

What kids don't realize is that production companies must have insurance in place for any incidents that occur and that puts the burden on the directors, producers and crew to make sure nothing happens.  If it does, production can be shut down immediately and the company can be rejected for insurance in the future which can basically put the company out of business.  Kids and irresponsible adults don't think along those lines.  They are totally clueless as they are only thinking of the immediate thrill and not the consequences of their actions.