About Ghost Help

In late 1996, the Ohio Paranormal Investigation Network was formed with a few friends who were interested in the paranormal. The interest grew from research projects which were meant to stimulate the writing abilities in the minds of young college students; it ended up molding and shaping the direction of some of their lives.

The group began as a way to investigate local urban legends as well as to research folkloric beliefs. The group began to investigate cemeteries (hey, it was the "in" thing back then). The group was then invited into the homes of some of their friends and families to help with ongoing claims of paranormal activity. In early 1997 the group split; one group continued to investigate cemeteries and began to do some other not so nice things while the responsible core of the group continued to help those in need and kept the O.P.I.N. banner.

The group has gained and lost members over the years and has been rebuilt from the ground up numerous times and Brian, the Director and founder as well as only remaining original member, last revived the group back in 2006 after returning from his honeymoon. Sadly, after the group had enjoyed a great 2011 celebrating 15 years it suddenly disbanded and Brian made the tough decision to shut down the group once again.

What was O.P.I.N.'s philosophy? They were a small team of paranormal enthusiasts who investigated the paranormal by applying logic, science as well as interviewing to collect case study information. They believed that the study of ghosts should start with those who are in need of help and not to merely sit in a dark house and expect a ghost to show up. In other words; they felt studying ghosts starts with the living and not the ghosts themselves. The technology was there to assist, not to control the investigation and they realized that a majority of ghost cases were in fact explainable. They worked to empower those who were dealing with the situation and did not merely focus on collecting "evidence" as those in need came first, but proper documentation brought the group the case study information that will eventually be published.

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Brian D. Parsons -Director
Contact Brian

"The Ohio Paranormal Investigation Network website began as a one page site on the free Geocities web site service back in 1998, in 2000 I moved the site to Angelfire (it still exists, yet not updated since 2007 when I acquired the GhostHelp.net url. The name Ohio Paranormal Investigation Network was actually suggested by myself, partially as a joke since most groups had names that were true acronyms and partially because our goal was to network. The networking aspect was aimed not only toward other groups but to professionals in various field who could assist us in various aspects of research, investigation, as well as with case study dissemination. This aspect proved to be harder than the concept and while utilized for a few years while I was solo it was never without issues. When I moved the team to the GhostHelp site I intended to begin to move away from the Ohio Paranormal Investigation Network name. The name itself is partially used by over a dozen groups in Ohio and it's a mouthful to say! So, as of September of 2011, the group is now known as GhostHelp, or the GhostHelp network. While I have no immediate intentions of reforming a group (never say never) the website will remain as a self help site for those in need and education site for investigators. I am no longer taking investigations, but I am willing to assist other groups. I am also working on some new books for this and other paranormal/anomalous fields and will be hitting the paranormal radio and convention scene in 2012."

Brian released his first book, "Handbook for the Amateur Paranormal Investigator or Ghost Hunter: How to Become a Successful Paranormal Group" early in 2008. If you're a new group or aspire to be a ghost hunter or paranormal investigator this is a must-have book. This book tells it like it is straight from the trenches. He also released a companion book a few months later, "Betty's Ghost: A Guide to Paranormal Investigation" that furthers the investigation aspect as the reader takes an over-the-shoulder look at how he approaches cases. In 2010, Brian released his third book as a follow-up to the first Handbook with "Handbook for the Amateur Paranormal Investigator II: The Art and Science of Paranormal Investigation". This book is geared toward those who know the basics beyond what is portrayed on television and the internet and this next chapter takes a step forward into the world of client centered paranormal investigations. Learn the art of the interview including basic body language that can help in interviews as well as everyday situations. Learn advanced interview techniques that are simple to use that will help your client remember the most detail and provide you with an accurate picture of your upcoming investigation of the location. Evidence review, and other topics that are rarely mentioned with investigations, are discussed tool by tool. Learn the reality behind the tools and methods used in the field of paranormal investigation that goes against the popular ways of doing things.

Brian is also trained under ParaNexus and is the Regional Director for the state of Ohio and serves on the Board of Directors. He has appeared at numerous conferences and conventions as a speaker and frequently appears on paranormal podcasts and internet radio shows.

Please visit Brian D Parsons.com to book Brian for an appearance on a radio show, library, conference/convention, or other event.