Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about VESPER
Practical answers about investigations, membership, privacy, methods, and how the organization is being built.
Does VESPER charge for residential investigations?
VESPER’s initial model is to keep residential investigations free rather than create a financial incentive around a client’s fear or uncertainty. Future public events, media, merchandise, and other projects may support the organization.
Does VESPER guarantee that a location is haunted?
No. VESPER does not begin with that conclusion and does not guarantee paranormal findings. A conventional explanation, unresolved result, or inconclusive case can all be legitimate outcomes.
What happens after I request an investigation?
Your submission is reviewed first. VESPER’s first follow-up will be by email so we can clarify details and determine whether a phone conversation, preliminary visit, or investigation is warranted.
Do I need evidence before I contact VESPER?
No. You do not need to prove that something paranormal is occurring. If you have records, activity logs, original photos, audio, video, or security footage, those may help us evaluate the report.
Will my case be made public?
Not without appropriate permission. Private cases can remain confidential, be anonymized, or be discussed publicly only under agreed conditions. Permission to record is not the same as permission to publish.
Where does VESPER investigate?
VESPER is based in Northeast Ohio. Most early work will be regional, but cases elsewhere in Ohio and occasional out-of-state opportunities may be considered when practical.
Does VESPER conduct background screening on applicants?
Yes, for applicants who advance through review and interview and receive a conditional invitation. Before Prospective Membership begins, VESPER may review official criminal court records, sex-offender registries, correctional or offender databases, and other relevant public records. A record is not automatically disqualifying; VESPER considers the nature and seriousness of relevant conduct, how much time has passed, any pattern, and its relationship to the responsibilities of membership.
Do I need paranormal-investigation experience to join?
No. Experience can help, but VESPER is also interested in historical researchers, photographers, audio/video specialists, technically minded people, writers, interviewers, organizers, skeptics, and others willing to learn.
How often will members meet or investigate?
Once members are trained and active, the realistic maximum in many periods is about twice per month. Some months may be quieter. Reliability matters more than constant availability.
Is there a probationary period?
Selected applicants may enter an approximately 90-day Prospective Member period. Full membership depends on actual participation, reliability, judgment, teamwork, and willingness to follow VESPER standards—not simply the passage of time.
Do members have to believe in ghosts?
No. Members do not need identical beliefs. What matters is a shared commitment to fair evidence review, constructive disagreement, learning, confidentiality, and teamwork.
Does VESPER use provocation?
VESPER does not treat unnecessary provocation as a default investigative method. We prefer research, observation, documentation, environmental context, and questions asked without manufacturing drama.
Can I donate to VESPER?
A Support option may be added later, after the organization has established a body of work worth supporting. Until VESPER has an appropriate charitable status, any contributions would be clearly described as non-tax-deductible support rather than charitable donations.