Little information is known about Steven Spielberg’s paranormal project that is due out this year.
From the little information that is out there about this project, it seems like it is going to be a social networking site revolving around the paranormal. TechCrunch has a small excerpt on this.

“The Rising will have original video content with a permanent host in addition to the social network where users can share stories and experiences”

I understand why Spielberg is doing this; besides having a personal interest in the paranormal, there is a very high demand for paranormal information nowadays. Just like when Ghost Hunters came out in October of 2004, the show itself got great reviews and drew in massive amounts of viewers to the Sci-Fi channel. It’s easily one of their highest rated shows.

Paranormal shows always brought in the ratings, but now there seems to be a new feel to this whole thing. Before mainstream shows came on the air, many of us paranormal buffs used to resort to personal investigations and readings. Now it seems like there are hundreds of faked images and videos on the net every day. I mean, it’s overwhelming. It seems now that people are either more accepting or more open to the possibilities of ghosts. Not because of there being some proof out there, but more because there are hoaxes and clever producers cashing in on this idea. Making the paranormal TV’s new “Reality show” victim.

The Rising, is supposed to be a social networking type of website that will bring together all types of paranormal enthusiasts so that they may connect with others, share their experiences and even share their own proof. This is great. A very good bandwagon to jump on for Hollywood producers. Where does this leave the rest of us? The investigators and reporters that come from a skeptical background and are in it for the truth, not the money?

Well for starters, I believe it might make it harder for us to distinguish actual evidence collected by true researchers to that of hoaxes and fakes made by kids or hoaxers. We all know how this plays out.

Some could say that it’s become more difficult to get possible evidence examined by scientists because of all the hoaxes and jokes being played today. Take for example the Georgia Bigfoot case that was a major story recently. Making headlines on CNN and FOX news. This hoax just set back the cryptozoology community back. After the hoax was unearthed, I didn’t stop hearing from people comments like: “I don’t know why people believe in these things…” or “See? all this stuff about UFOs or Bigfoot is fake.” I mean, it’s not like these people were open to the possibilities before, but it just reinforces ignorance. It annihilates the search for the truth.

I hope this is a good project for the paranormal field. I truly do. I’m just weary that it might become a myspace type of place. Filled with kids that send racist/ignorant messages to each other and is an ideal tool (weapon?) to spread hoaxes and ignorance.

All I can say is get ready to see thousands of pictures of dust particles passed around as “Orbs” and the endless youtube videos of “ghosts” and idiots in Bigfoot costumes making a mockery of this.