Things That Go Bump In Your Wallet
Benjamin Radford, LiveScience's very own bad science columnist, examines a new, relatively lucrative phenomenon: ghost tourism. He is, shall we say, less than complimentary.
Ghost tourism has boomed over the past decade, propelled by the public's interest in the mysterious and supernatural. There are hundreds of ghost tours offered across the country, from Hollywood ("Come see Haunted Hollywood and ghosts of the stars!") to New England ("Visit Boston's infamous haunted locales!").
Some places have more historical lore to draw upon than others. Salem, Massachusetts, for example, exploits its infamous witch trials of the 1690s, while tourists, goths, wannabe vampires, and Anne Rice fans flock to New Orleans, Louisiana, with its reputation for mysticism and voodoo.
Many tours tout their guides as "Certified Ghost Hunters" or "Certified Paranormal Investigators," though that's like claiming to be a "Certified Kitten Petter." For better or worse (usually worse), anyone can call himself or herself a ghost hunter; there is no accrediting institution, and "certifications" can be bought from online diploma mills for about $50.
Ghost tours can be a very lucrative business: It is a service with little overhead and start-up costs.
We here at Blue Crab Boulevard know a worthwhile scam business opportunity when we see one! Therefore, we are accepting candidates for accreditation as certified paranormal investigators from the Professor Gaius Paranormality Research Academy and Coffee Shop®! That's right, for a mere $49.95 (bargain price!) we will certify you as a paranormal-type person with a minor in tour guiding. It's a license to mint money. Cash only, small bills with non-sequential serial numbers.
By feeblemind, Monday, 29 October , 2007 @ 11:29 am
I may sign up. Will you take $50 in Monopoly money?
By Gaius, Monday, 29 October , 2007 @ 5:21 pm
Sure. It’s just as good as the certification is!
By Bleepless, Monday, 29 October , 2007 @ 6:59 pm
Used bills. You forgot used.
By mockinbird, Tuesday, 30 October , 2007 @ 2:16 pm
I’d like to make application. Wait a minute, the coffee better be Peet’s or Starbucks.