Category: Blog

Yes, I like making videos. Oh, they’re far more time-consuming than I’d expected. It takes me hours to edit and upload a five-minute video.

However, in my opinion, videos have a chance of reaching far more people than (audio) podcasts, articles, and books.

Oh, I’ll still work on articles (short ones) and books (also short), because that seems to be what people have time for.

But, now that I’m learning more about videos, I see how they can be an art form in themselves.

The learning curve is steep, but I think I like this.

Here’s the first new how-to video. And yes, that is my foot next to one of the gravestones… blue nail polish and all!  (Obviously, I need to pay closer attention to what’s in the frame when I take the photo.)

How To Find Haunted Graves

Fiona shows you the kinds of headstones and graves that might be haunted, with real examples from a Maine cemetery. She explains which might be haunted, and why she’d investigate similar graves and grave markers. Note: This Kennebunkport cemetery is NOT recommended for ghost hunting.

Meanwhile, I appreciate those who “Like” these videos and sign up as Subscribers. Since I’m moving the Mandela Effect videos (to a separate video channel), I’ve been losing subscribers at my main channel (Ghost Hunting with Fiona Broome).

That makes sense, because many (most?) Mandela Effect enthusiasts aren’t interested in ghost hunting.

I didn’t really expect them to be. Those are two very different topics.

But, to keep my YouTube videos most visible, I need good subscriber numbers. So, every subscriber is appreciated, and I hope you’re among them!

This week, we decided to test a new action camera, and – perhaps – create some ghost-hunting related videos.

This video was recorded at Village Cemetery in Kennebunkport, Maine (USA), shortly after noon.

Walking Around a Maine Cemetery – Kennebunkport 1

This video is a short, silent walk around an eerie, historic Maine cemetery on a November afternoon. I recorded this video to test a new action camera I plan to use to document my ghost research. (The video is okay for something that’s just a test, but I’ll use my handheld gimbal stabilizer for future, similar videos.)

It’s a lovely, slightly unsettling cemetery with easy, roadside parking. The main hazard is a nearby golf course. (Yes, I brought home a golf ball that had landed near my feet.)

The cemetery is lovely and – aside from shouts of “fore!” by the golfers – it’s almost unsettlingly quiet. Even the traffic on the nearby road seems muted.

Many of the headstones (and some footstones) are ornate. A few markers on a raised berm mark family plots, with names and dates of all the deceased on just one, long marker.

Today’s video was just a test, but I put it online anyway. People who like “walking around” videos might enjoy it.

For our next test, we’ll put the camera on a gimbal stabilizer, and perhaps use a separate voice recorder so the ambient noise is clearer.  We’ll save the video at a higher resolution, too.

(Update: After thinking about this for a couple of days, I’ve now added a soundtrack… just peaceful music. Otherwise, even I think that video is boring! lol )

In general, I’m hoping to get out to haunted locations before wintry weather arrives. Right now, the autumn lights and shadows are magnificent, and accent old and ancient sites very nicely.

Meanwhile, I’m working on a video about this Kennebunkport cemetery (yes, that’s the link to it).  It includes examples of graves I’d investigate with a team.

---

Camera: Akaso Brave 7

 

 

As a ghost hunter, what I do during November depends upon where “home” is at that time, and how busy October/Halloween was.

Of course, October – especially Halloween – is always hectic for me. This year, in addition to talking with media contacts, I’d committed to a fresh, new article at HollowHill.com, every day of October 2022.

I’m both pleased and astonished that I was successful.

Oh, it was an exhausting schedule at times, but I’m still feeling victorious.

Now, I’m slowly returning to my desk, and here’s some of what I’d like to accomplish in the next month or two:

• Create videos highlighting essential points in my recent articles.
• Experiment with video equipment, in general.
• Update my free ghost hunting course. (That’s long overdue.)
• Revise and re-release several of my past, now out-of-print books.
• Finish several half-started, how-to books, and get them published.

But this November is also when my deeper research begins for the upcoming year.

And that’s a topic that may interest you, too.

If you’d like to turn cold, blustery weather to your advantage, here’s my article about how I use that time for ghost research… at home: What Ghost Hunters Do When the Weather is Awful.

This should be clear: The term “Mandela Effect” describes the phenomenon, not an explanation of it.

When a reporter or blogger claims the Mandela Effect is a “theory,” they haven’t done their homework.

Likewise, when the Mandela Effect is brushed off as “false memories,” the person is — perhaps conveniently — missing the point.

And they’re insulting our intelligence at the same time.

Yes, some odd memories can be explained as false memories. With a little research, you may be able to find where the mistake happened.

(If it’s a false memory, it’s not the Mandela Effect; it’s a false memory.)

But many people’s first-person stories about the Mandela Effect aren’t so easy to dismiss.

What’s not the Mandela Effect

Everyone has had a moment (or two or three) where they said, “Wait… I really believed [something] was real.”

That “something” could be a small incident, or it might be something big and troubling.

For example, an early, possibly traumatic moment may have been discovering that Santa Claus doesn’t deliver gifts on Christmas Eve, after all.

At the other end of the spectrum, there’s the frustration of thinking you left your car keys or the TV/streaming remote in a certain location… but it’s not there when you look.

Those aren’t the kinds of beliefs and memories we’d describe as the Mandela Effect.

Likewise, there are assorted other reasonable explanations for conflicts between what a person remembers and what actually happened.

Ruling out obvious answers

Here are some commonplace explanations for “different” memories of the past:

• • faulty news reporting
  • jokes taken seriously
  • hyperbole by those who like to stir up drama
  • what some scientists term “broken telephone effect,” referencing a party game (sometimes just called “telephone”).

Those are part of everyday life. When we find a reasonable explanation among them, we’re unlikely to think about our mistaken memories again.

In other words, if there’s a clear answer to our past confusion or misunderstanding, and it makes sense, it’s not the Mandela Effect.

Most of us recognize that.

We do our homework. We fact-check our recall and our memories.

That’s common sense.

If all the answers were simple, I wouldn’t have started the Mandela Effect website.

Once the novelty of a personal, baffling memory wears off, many of us keep looking for answers. That was — and still is — the reason for the Mandela Effect website.

At first, I hoped others might offer a simple explanation for my memories of Nelson Mandela’s funeral. (So far, no easy answer is a match.)

Then, when more memories — different from recorded history — emerged, the Mandela Effect became really interesting.

And fun.

Meanwhile…

I’m not sure whether to feel sorry for those who choose the simple “false memories” explanation.

They’re missing the intrigue of exploring a wealth of evidence, such as credible 19th-century doppelgänger reports, that may point to parallel realities and Many Interacting Worlds.

For me, that’s the fun part of Mandela Effect speculation and research.

Yes, for those who rush to simplistic answers, perhaps life may be complex and challenging enough.

That’s okay. They have my sympathy, and – really — I have nothing to prove.

However, I’m irked when small, vocal groups of critics (and reporters rushing to meet a deadline) suggest that we’re not bright enough to fact-check our own memories. Or throw other, badly flawed accusations at us.

My message to them is this: Attempting to brush aside the Mandela Effect as “false memories” will not make science vanish.

(After all, 19th and 20th century efforts to ignore quantum physics merely delayed its inevitable emergence as a serious study affecting everyday life and perceptions.)

I applaud those who continue to seek answers to the curious aspects of the Mandela Effect.

And I’d really like the insulting rhetoric to cease.

---

[This rant was expanded from part of a longer article at my Mandela Effect website.]

 

 

Recently, a friend commented on a podcast I’d recorded many years ago. He tactfully suggested that I might want to listen to it and perhaps revise it.

He was right. Listening to myself, I was hideously embarrassed.

Sure, my advice back in the early 2000s was among the best in the field. In fact, few websites — then or now — offered the scope of ghost hunting information I’ve been sharing since the 1990s.

But now…?

Ouch.

Some of my oldest advice no longer applies. (I mean, really… comparing film developing methods at Target and Walmart, for ghost photos…? And some of my earliest ghost orb analyses…? Yes, I’m blushing, even as I type that.)

So, short term, I’ve removed all of the old podcasts from Libsyn, where they’ve been hosted.

This is part of a bigger project, to update all of my materials related to paranormal research, as well as the Mandela Effect.

Some of the older materials – including podcasts – will return, either as-is or updated.

Others will be the basis of videos, so I can add visual content.

And really, many of my other, old podcasts might best be forgotten.

For now, I’d rather have no podcasts online than provide bad — or at least outdated — advice.

 

 

It’s one of those days when I feel more than a little misunderstood… but that may be the result of this heat wave. Many people seem a bit frazzled by it, and perhaps they’re venting.

And perhaps I am, too.

Though I’m still encouraged to see scientific references (including quantum connections to the Mandela Effect, albeit highly speculative at this point) I’m frustrated when people still want me to provide a definitive answer to their personal, alternate memories.

Worse, they want me to agree with whatever answer they’ve already selected.

The Mandela Effect is a phenomenon, not an explanation.

I’m still hopeful that people will understand that, so we can resume the fun, science-fiction-y conversations we had before the Mandela Effect went viral.

 

 

 

 

 

I am absolutely delighted to see this article at SK Pop, “What is the Mandela effect? Quantum Physics expert provides insight on evidence of multiple realities through reports of false memory syndrome.”

Here’s why, with a brief journey through Mandela Effect history.

Way back when…

Okay, it was 2009 – 2010, shortly after I launched the MandelaEffect.com website.

That’s when our related conversations were fun. It was speculative. Very sci-fi. Thoroughly geeky, and often hilarious.

We talked about quantum theories, and referenced holodecks, Star Trek episodes, Sliders (TV series), and so on.

Then people discovered that their memories of the Berenstein Bear books weren’t quite correct; the books were about the Berenstain Bears.

(George Takei was among the very first to post about this. And George, if you see this, we know each other through mutual friend Bjo T.)

And then, the Mandela Effect topic exploded.

Sharing our memories, theories, and insights, we found patterns of anomalies.

Some pointed to false memories, media errors, and simple confusions.

A few – like the more detailed memories of Nelson Mandela’s death and funeral, plus the Berenstain Bears topic – lingered and remained intriguing.

But then… trolls found us. Some reported obviously fake memories and — not realizing that I could see their IP numbers and time stamps, and consistent grammar/spelling errors — they tried to post supporting, “Me, too!” claims to enhance their credibility.

Big yawn.

And then, outside the Mandela Effect website, conversations turned ugly.

Conspiracy theories started.

Some were vicious. And they’ve lingered at sites like Reddit, etc. That’s why — to my chagrin — the SK Pop article says, “… the Mandela Effect is an interesting conspiracy theory in which many people misremember similar things about pop culture or lifestyle.”

No, the Mandela Effect was never intended as a conspiracy theory.

In fact, our discussions began as a quirky phenomenon I wanted to research among friends.

That’s all.

Our early conversations mixed speculation and science. We didn’t take ourselves seriously.

That’s why, when the topic became politicized in some circles, I walked away as fast as I could… but sadly. I’d loved our debates about the fun/sci-fi aspects of the Mandela Effect, and hated how they’d been lost in the din of contrived controversy.

I’d be thrilled if we’ve reached a tipping point where our whimsical, entertaining conversations — with the occasional quantum references — can resume.

Fingers crossed, the SK Pop article and others like them will restart fun, speculative discussions about the Mandela Effect.

It’s 2022 and it’s time for some big changes.

After several years in Florida, we’ve returned to New England and ready to resume ghost research in this area. It really is one of the most haunted parts of the United States. And, for me, one of the most fun areas to explore.

Of course, with snow still on the ground in some of my favorite parts of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, most investigations are still “on hold.”

This month (March 2022), I’ve started re-releasing the Mandela Effect archives books, so that people will understand the real roots of that topic.

(Yes, much of it can be attributed to false memories and mistaken news reports… but some of it isn’t that easy to explain. The latter are what interest me most, along with the fun of explanations straight out of speculative fiction.)

Mandela Effect – What is it?

Fiona Broome explains the meaning and origins of the phrase “Mandela Effect.” (It came from a 2009 conversation at Dragon Con that led Fiona to launch the ht…

I’m also working on re-releasing my most popular ghost-related books, and outlining new ones.

Later this year, I’m looking forward to researching remote, haunted locations with quirky histories.

One site that I want to explore more: America’s Stonehenge. I’ve investigated it in the past, but I feel like something (perhaps something big) was overlooked.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook for ghost-related news, and the latest Mandela Effect references… even if I’m wincing when those articles and reports seem not to understand the roots of that topic.

---

Thanks to Mikhail Nilov for the photo of trees, and to Blue Arauz for his photo of Maine.

Note: This is copied from my post at Medium. I suppose it’s kind of a manifesto, but – mostly – it explains what I’m focusing on, now.

---

Okay… I won’t bore you with everything I’ve learned in those 30+ years. Instead, here’s what I believe is important.

Most ghost hunters are sure of two things.

One is: Something odd is going on at haunted places. Usually, it seems to be both earthly (like a living person) but also unearthly (invisible, in most cases).

It’s there. Then it’s gone. Then it’s back again.

The second thing is: We don’t know what that “something” is.

Our ghost hunting tools and devices confirm the anomalies. But they can’t tell us what that “something odd” is, or why we sense or detect it.

So, after years of observing various ghostly phenomena — with devices that often distance us from it — we still don’t have answers.

Maybe it’s time to accept that we have no proof of ghosts. In fact, we may never have proof. Not the scientific kind, repeatable in a lab.

I suggest that it’s time to set aside the distractions and, instead, experience whatever-it-is… the ambience, the eeriness, and — perhaps — an encounter with an actual ghost.

That doesn’t mean you should drop your guard. Not wholly, anyway. After all, we’ve learned that some of what lurks at “haunted” sites can be dangerous.

Instead, let’s increase our awareness: Feel the cold spot instead of fixating on the thermometer. See what accompanies the EMF surge instead of concentrating on the detection equipment.

After decades in the field, I’ve learned the value of experiencing the haunting instead of making it a science experiment. After all, this is reality, not a lab.

We’ve measured and speculated and produced lofty theories.

They’ve led us nowhere.

Maybe it’s time to admit it’s a mystery. Perhaps it’s time to step into the wonder, and explore what’s there.

The most valuable part of ghost hunting may be the opportunity to experience an extraordinary connection with another time.

Let’s not squander this, staring at devices that merely confirm what we already know: Something odd is going on at haunted places.

Observe the phenomenon closely. Let’s use our five (or six) senses to their fullest.

That genuine encounter with “something odd” may be among our richest, most exciting adventures.

---

Here’s a sort-of related video, from HollowHill.com. Though I recorded it to explain the purpose of that website, the theme is similar to the article, above.

Why Ghost Hunting – Hollow Hill

Why do people go ghost hunting? Are they “hunting” ghosts like people hunt animals…?In this video, Fiona Broome explains that ghost hunters are hunting for…

 

As of August 2021, Hollow Hill contains around 300 articles (previously 500+). And, I’m continuing to remove really old & outdated posts (which will be updated as time permits).

I’ve also added a “News” page at that site, which includes site news (so I don’t need to keep posting it here), some general/recent news headlines that got my attention, and a list of my current/available books. (I’ll add to that page as more books are available.)

ALL of this is so YOU don’t waste time reading outdated articles (or getting lost at Hollow Hill, since it’s rather large), and I have more time for projects I’m working on for Halloween (aka “ghost hunting season”)… especially books. Including new books, such as stories from my favorite (and weirdest) investigations.

Speaking of books… I am revising my older books, and – as I release them – most will be in Kindle and (sometimes) in print, as well as at Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play, and so on.

---

Late July News

After weeks of work, Hollow Hill is back online. It’s far smaller (and continuing to be pruned & weeded), and navigation is sleeker with sitemaps organized by categories. That should speed load time, as well.

Hallowfields’ Ghost Hunting for Beginners course is now at HollowHill.com, too. (Hallowfields.com will redirect to it.) Merging the two websites streamlines maintenance. The course needs expanding, with links to content already at Hollow Hill… but that’s a later project.

In the near future, my Broome Theory info will be expanded with supporting evidence (pro and con), and become a book. Until mid-late August 2021, that site is mostly a placeholder… and, apparently, attracting a lot of attention.

I like that: What started in the 1990s as “what if…?” speculation (and tagged with my surname, jokingly, by slightly skeptical friends) is now fitting nicely into a larger context.

If some “ghosts” are alive & well in their own time, but we’re sensing them in our reality, perhaps that’s a two-way street. And that connects with the Mandela Effect, with the possibility that we – individually or collectively – can sometimes transit to, or at least sense things in, other realities.

Yes, that sounds terribly sci-fi, but… well, it’s fun to think about. Do I take it seriously? No, of course not, but there’s always that possibility that it might be true.

Now, with the Hollow Hill site redesign more-or-less complete, I’m fine-tuning this site and Hollow Hill – and working with the new managers of Ghosts101.com and MandelaEffect.com – before working on ghost-related books.

Mostly, I’m feeling good about progress!