Haunting and Scaring who is fair game

Comment

Comment by Harvey A on June 28, 2009 at 11:40pm

Thanks for posting this Pete, my haunt has a seperate entrance for little kids that bypasses the scary stuff so they can enjoy the holiday as well. I believe that if you scare them when they're young, they come back when they're older and vandalize or ruin things later in life on Halloween. Never give kids a reason to turn sour on a holiday.

Comment by Pete on June 24, 2009 at 7:04pm

The photo did spark this particular post, but there are other things that fuled the fire (which will remain anonymous).
The post was intended to raise awareness of what some unthinking haunters may unwittingly do. as well as suggest what I think most all GoErs believe in.

That said I think I made the point.
The picture in question (the spark) was presented in a context that could easily be misconstrued and interpreted incorrectly.

No offense either way, just an opportunity to raise awareness.

And yes I'm already building (with Bud in hand)

Comment by Gary Berger on June 24, 2009 at 6:35pm

I think almost everyone totally misconstrued what was meant by the photo and by the tag line. We do not target children, exactly the opposite, but the parents MUST take partial responsbility in this. We warn everyone prior to them going in and it is posted on a rather LARGE sign stating the inside of the haunt is for older kids and adults. But most parents believe or rather drag their children through, not expecting what is about to happen. We usually stop the haunt in its tracks and walk them out when they get that scared. But some parents are very stubborn and make their children go through with them anyway. Our front yard is for the little ones and we do have someone the tours them through as well.

The photo was just meant to be a spoof on those "Priceless" commercials. But since the great 2009 uprising of the infamous photo, I have deleted it from the seventh circle of "oops holy crap sorry about that"...never to be heard from again....at least until the sequel:)

Everyone just sip on a few cold ones, relax, build a propr or two.....and simma down now.

Comment by Hauntcast on June 23, 2009 at 7:28pm

I think it's OK to scare young kids up to a point. Giving them a startle is fine just don't try to traumatize them. If you mean under kids under 5, I agree. Over five I think is alright within reason.

Comment by Eric on June 23, 2009 at 7:21pm

love the guide lines ! PRINT! haha

Comment by Jdubbya on June 23, 2009 at 1:06am

Add me to the list of those who agree whole heartedly with your guidelines. We take extra steps to ensure little kids are not scared out of their little wits, including removing masks, having a separate candy station for those too afraid to walk the whole haunt, and even personally walking them through the "graveyard" and showing them how things work. Parents love it and so do the kids. Scare a little kid to death on Halloween and they may just learn to dislike the holiday. I cringe when I watch vids of chainsaw wielding idiots chasing little ones down a driveway. We really do target teens and adults for the most part. Can't beat a good scream from a grown man!

Comment by WitchOtastic on June 23, 2009 at 12:37am

As a Mom of 3 kids...all my children learned very young about what's real and what's not...but I have many little ones in the neighborhood who are scared to death of my house. I walk all the way to street to give them candy and to let them know it's ok....I want them to come back next year and see the mean scary witch ya know. BUT TEENS...Ohhhh Yea!!!!! Game On! I agree with your points Pete 100% as well.

Comment by Steve O on June 22, 2009 at 10:26pm

LOL - I think we saw the same pic. To each their own, but I happen to agree with your points 100%.

Teens were created to have their misguided courage exploited. It's part of being a teen. But toddlers?! Jeeesh.