An interview with Robert Knotts, member of the Indiana Ghost Trackers Discussion Forum.

 Danielle Garrison: 

Hello Robert, I'm Danielle Garrison the State Public Relations Coordinator with the Indiana Ghost Trackers.  I’d like to thank you for taking the time to answer a few of our questions, we are always captivated by why our members get involved with IGT.

Can you tell me a little about “Your Story”?

 Robert Knotts:

My story?  I don't really have a great one…  I have been involved in the paranormal in more aspect than just reading about it since I was probably about 16.  Started out playing with Ouija boards and ghost writing.  Eventually become more safe conscience about my situation…  Almost went into the priesthood to become an ordained exorcist.  Decided not to at the last moment.  I have been a member of a couple small groups, mostly once made up of people that I have met thru my interest.  Never been a part of a large group before, I have always enjoyed the smaller groups when going ghost observing.  More controlled and not as many people to try to keep track of…  Could be why I have not actually gone on a group hunting with you all, but I am also really busy and your hunts and meetings always fall on a class night or work night.  Plus, I am not one to just go to a place for investigations.  My prior groups were where someone has specifically asked for our help, and I am able to make my own scheduling for the investigations…  No offense, it just works differently with smaller groups…  I still enjoy reading and discussing your thoughts… I learn a lot more than I ever would researching on my own…

Danielle Garrison:

Being part of a large group is hard when trying to observe the paranormal.  IGT is working on this at the moment; we are experimenting with smaller groups and rotating members through hunts and investigation to lower the amount of people at these events.  We are very happy to have such a large organization, and we are continually working on growth issues.

Why did you get involved with IGT?

Robert Knotts:

I was once involved with other groups, smaller ones, that were there to help those who needed it.

Danielle Garrison:

Is this a life long passion/obsession? 

Robert Knotts:

I have been interested in ghosts ever since I read my first ghost story in 6th grade, so I would say yes.

Danielle Garrison:

Did you grow up in a house that had ghosts? 

Robert Knotts:

I did not grow up in a house, but did move into one after I was married to my wife.  We moved into her grandparent’s home after they were both gone.  They both passed away in the house, (many years apart) but they often came back to visit. 

Danielle Garrison:

Have you ever seen a ghost? 

Robert Knotts:

I have never seen the white shaped figure that everyone always thinks of.  I have seen movements in my peripheral vision, I have seen a cloaked entity, and then I have smelled things, rotten eggs, sewer smells where there were not sewers that would suddenly appear and then disappear just as quick.

Danielle Garrison:

 Are you an IGT skeptic? 

Robert Knotts:

I believe the possibility of ghosts does exist, I have seen a lot that has allowed me to come to that decision.  I however do not believe that every odd occurrence can only be explained as paranormal phenomenon.  I believe that there are often natural causes that with research can be explained. 

Danielle Garrison:

Do you believe we will ever provide proof of the paranormal? 

Robert Knotts:

That is not an easy question to answer…  There is not complete "textbook" that deals with this and will set us in the path of doing so…  Each spirit is different, and even if we are able to provide the proof, there will always be someone not willing to accept it. 
 

Danielle Garrison:

Do you believe completely that we already have proof of the paranormal? 
 

Robert Knotts:

No

 Danielle Garrison:

Are you psychic? 

 Robert Knotts:

Not even close… 

Danielle Garrison:

LOL too funny.  I love your candid response!

Do your children see or talk to what you believe is a ghost? 

Robert Knotts:

While living in my wife's grandparent’s home, my oldest daughter came out of her bedroom one day and was acting upset.  She was about 5 at the time, I asked her what was wrong and she told me that her grandpa called her "Bird legs."  I told her that grandpa wasn't even here, but before I could say anything after that, my wife grabbed my leg and said that is what her grandfather used to call her.  My daughter never met my wife's grandfather because he passed away about 2 months before I met my wife. 
 

Danielle Garrison:

Wow that is really interesting!

 What do your friends and family feel about you being a “ghost hunter”?

 Robert Knotts:

My friends sometimes find it weird but interesting…  My wife is often afraid that I am going to have something follow me home.  (I once did before I met her and mistakenly told her.) 

Danielle Garrison:

I know that having something follow you home is a concern for many of us.  I really enjoyed getting to know more about you.  Thank you for your time Robert!