In 2005, I launched two major projects. The first was Plagiarism Today, the site you’re reading this on right now. The second was Bernie Baxter’s Traveling Sideshow, a home haunted attraction I run with my partner, Crystal. Both projects are still going on to this day.
In many ways, the two projects are polar opposites to one another. Plagiarism Today is a digital‑first project that grew to become my full‑time job. Bernie Baxter is an almost purely meatspace project that is completely an avocation.
But that’s what I love about haunting. It’s a creative outlet that built with lumber, paint, and actors. Despite all the walkthrough videos on the internet, there really is no way to experience a haunted house digitally. It’s an analog experience that truly does not have a digital equivalent. Haunts are a safe place to unplug and simply live in a truly unique moment.
