How do I submit a story?
Please see the Story Submissions page for directions and rules on submitting stories.
How can I get in touch with an anonymous author, or an author whose email address is no longer valid?
As some of the stories are quite old, not all the email addresses listed are still valid. Unfortunately, I can only keep addresses current when the author keeps me updated on any address changes. All stories are published on the site with the latest known address for that author. Anonymous authors will remain anonymous and I neither give out nor keep the contact information for anonymous authors.
Did you ever get an update or ending for [insert story title here]?
Again, I can only provide updates when the author sends them. Sometimes an author will end a story with promises of updates that are never sent. I apologize for the inconvenience.
May I use these stories on my web page?
If you can gain permission of the original author, you may use that story on your web page. Otherwise I cannot give you permission to use the stories.
I am writing a book. May I print these stories in my book?
Again, you need to get permission from the original author(s) to use these stories in published form. However, occasionally information revealed in a story here is helpful to researchers. In such a case, you may paraphrase as long as you provide a footnote in your book referencing both this website and the original author of the story.
Can I read these stories to my students or use them in coursework?
Yes, clearance is granted for educational, NON-PROFIT use as long as it does not involve the stories being distributed beyond your classroom/coursework.
How can I remove or edit my story or contact information?
Email me at obiwan@ghosts.org with the requested changes.
Are these stories real?
I do my best to weed out the obvious fakes. Due to the nature of the content matter it is obviously a judgment call. On the whole I tend to include any story that is well-put-together and sounds earnest on the part of the author. You will have to decide for yourself which stories you choose to believe.
When will you add my story on the site?
When I get around to reading it.
Why didn't you add my story to the site?
This could be for any number of reasons, but the most common are:
1. A lack of proper grammar, spelling, and/or punctuation.
2. An absence of narrative/story/"plot." In other words, the story needs to make sense to others when read aloud. Note that (1) and (2) often go together. If the grammar/spelling stinks and there are missing words and numerous typos, it tends to make your story incoherent.
3. Inappropriate subject matter such as graphic sex and UFOs. ;-)
4. An attempt to use the story submissions process as a forum for your own personal "ghost hunting" ramblings. This isn't a blogger site, folks.
5. Absence of believability. This factor is a bit subjective, but some of the stories I receive seem too over-the-top or inconsistent to be true. If you think this was a factor in your story's rejection, try rewording things in a more down-to-earth manner, with more hard facts and detail and less sensationalism.
You are always welcome to resubmit your story.
Why are there so many grammar errors in the stories?
I do not edit for grammar and spelling, as it would be time-prohibitive. Thus some stories may contain spelling and grammar errors. I do try to be selective when I add stories, but sometimes a story with errors is so intriguing that I add it anyway despite poor grammar.
What's with these "Black eyed kids" stories I keep hearing about? Where can I read the original story?
Please see the Black Eyes Kids FAQ for more on this phenomenon. The original story is located here.
This page (http://www.ghosts.org/stories/storiesfaq.html) last updated 8/04/06.