Birds of a feather. A group of like minded individuals, all bound by blood or marriage, decided to seek out an adventure of the most unorthodox kind: a public ghost hunt. In 2000, paranormal reality shows were becoming increasingly popular, and thrill seekers as well as serious seasoned investigators sought out locations such as The Mansfield Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio. This is when and where Deadframe began their quest for the unexplained.

As a team we've investigated hospitals, cemeteries, private residences, prisons, hotels, a museum, mall and even a safehouse for slaves. In 2003 we received a scientific research permit from The United States Department of the Interior for investigating claims of paranormal activity within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park System. We were invited to speak at the 2004 Cleveland premier of the Universal Pictures film White Noise. Later that same year, we were accompanied by the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Ohio's largest newspaper, to an investigation at the West Virginia State Penitentiary. Deadframe has been featured on broadcast and internet radio, and in several ghost anthologies. We are very proud of what we've achieved, but most of all, we are proud of the knowledge we have gained in our research.

What makes a solid investigative team? Communication is essential. Sharing the same goals, but respecting the path that each person takes to arrive there. Some people have an innate sense of awareness, a sensitivity that allows them insight others are not aware of or perhaps just choose to ignore. Several Deadframe members are clairsentient, one clairaudient, another more skeptical in their approach, and each of these traits is instrumental to our findings.

We don't have any strict rules or guidelines, though there are a few issues that seem to arise for most teams:

1. Be respectful of other groups when on a public investigation.
This sounds pretty elementary, and it actually is, but some seem to forget it. It doesn't matter if your approach differs from the next team - what matters is that you handle every investigation with professionalism and mutual respect. If you think Team A is out of line for using a ouija board for instance, you are certainly entitled to that opinion. But remember, it's just that - opinion. There are no definitives in paranormal research and this is all the more reason to remain open minded.
2. Bring plenty of extra batteries.
This item is crucial. It may sound a little "hokey" to a new investigator, but batteries are constantly drained during investigations. This includes brand new batteries, fresh out of the pack. There are theories as to why, but the fact remains that it happens to us on each and every investigation. Ask around. We're not alone.
3. Be prepared for long hours with little to no evidence.
We've said it many times, but true paranormal research is akin to fishing. You can sit there for hours on end, and see/feel absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. This does not negate the possibility of activity, it just means that many locations require multiple visits. And a lot of patience.