When I started the IPAA allot of you and allot of you still do believe this is a good idea.
This program is based on the premise that it will focus on people that were not getting acknowledgment for years of doing service work. i.e.: Like groups that are doing things for charity, or events that actually make a difference in their community, their county, their state, and their country. But, it also focuses around all levels of experienced Paranormal Researchers as well as the less experienced. Truly the broadest of spectrums in the paranormal, virtually everything totally unknown or misunderstood by man.

The goals for the IPAA have not changed. First, let’s take a look at several factors; first, I tried desperately for ALL of you to find sponsors on my own, result? Doors were slammed in my face. Why? Because, we needed professional representation for the program, why again I asked? Well, sponsors want to know you’re legit; being the 1st year is definitely the hardest and a big learning curve at its best. I am sure you will agree on that. So, I rolled up my arm sleeves and went to work, I wrote everyone I could find, I called everyone I could find, spent hour and hours marketing and promoting and the ultimate goal was to find for US (as a whole) a professional management representative.

Finally we did. I was so relieved that someone believed in the concept, and the idea of all of you and what you contribute, teach, share, educate, research, and the ideas are endless. To believe!!
Yes we are a small group, and it is planned that it will grow a little each year, one baby step at a time and that is an important factor to me as the creator and founder of this program.

Even for a small group and a few volunteers, let me say it is a lot of work. The promoting, the marketing, the web site, the details for the nominees and keeping a database, acknowledging all of you that ask questions daily, issues that arise and are resolved daily, the artwork, the videos, and that's not even discussing the sponsors yet! And getting details worked out for an awards program and VIP Party all for YOU GUYS!

I didn't expect such a turn out on the nominations, the demand has grown, and I took the time to consider all the factors. The choices that had to be made and discussed with volunteers was also considered. This program is still for all of you and I want it to always be fair in all aspects for everyone down to the least known person or group to have a chance. So, with the demand of emails and so many wanting to be able to have a "Chance" for a nomination, I re-opened them, and moved the date forward.

So, the concept is still the same, the sharing, the networking and show casing your work...all the same.

Now to address issues with popularity, first and foremost to me everyone has the right to be nominated! No matter whom you are. If you have some peers that nominate you and you accept; that is your right in this program. The judges are not affiliated with this web site nor are they members. I do not want anything tainted at all for someone being looked over because of their popularity. But, being Popular is a main stay in our human psyche, we have very successful individuals here and as well as groups and they do have a fan base following and yes they have accomplished allot of different venues versus some who may not have...But, they all deserve the same opportunity's as the rest of us.

So, the premises of this program is in research, learn more, grow, share, and expand for our future generations to come, to encourage growth of knowledge, that we have all contributed to in the past 100 years and seen the major changes and yes challenges just in the last 10 years alone. We have room for everyone here that is responsible and has the dedication and the drive to seek forward in a postion direction.

Again this is the 1st year, a big learning curve for me, and choices are made and some good and some not so good. I am human just like all of you and believe in ALL of YOU no matter what you do or how you do it to learn and seek and guide and move forward. We are stepping forward, yes this is free, and NO we have no Winners yet, we will all know in March 2010.

So, if you have someone you want to nominate, they must be a member of the IPAA and fill out the submission form. If they are not a member and you want to nominate them please send me their contact email and I will let them know the good news. If they accept, you will see them on the featured members list on the main page. All Featured Members are Nominees!!

I hope everyone the best and brightest in all you do and look forward to seeing more of your work here, and networking. Believe me, all of you are of interest to many who do not understand the unknown and they come here to seek answers and I am honored that all of you are here to help the future! Good Luck to all of you that are nominated and I personally look forward to a wonderful celebration with all of you!

Blessings and Love & Light
Be with you all.
Laura Kimberley
Owner/Dir of IPAA