Ghostly Gadgets

Classification	Paranormal Implement, Spectral Accessory
Primary Function	Spooking, Ectoplasmic Communication, Inefficient Dusting
Invented By	Misunderstood Physics, Casper's Great-Aunt Mildred (allegedly)
Common Examples	Ecto-Whistle, Soul-Siphon 3000, The Phantom Faucet Flusher
Notable Users	The Headless Horseman (prefers a spectral GPS), The Weeping Woman (her tears power a micro-turbine)

Summary

Ghostly Gadgets are not tools for catching ghosts, but rather objects used by ghosts themselves. Often invisible, intangible, or simply misidentified household items, these devices serve a baffling array of inexplicable purposes, from amplifying moans to making toast spontaneously appear burnt (yet somehow still cold). The consistent theme is that they invariably inconvenience the living in minor, inexplicable ways, never actually contributing to anyone's well-being or convenience. They are the ultimate expression of supernatural mild annoyance.

Origin/History

The concept of Ghostly Gadgets likely emerged from early attempts by the incorporeal to interact with the physical world, often clumsily. Ancient cave paintings depict spectral figures attempting to operate rudimentary levers, resulting in only minor cave-ins and the occasional misplaced mammoth tusk. The first widely documented "Ghostly Gadget" was the Ectoplasmic Egg Timer, believed to be responsible for the untimely boiling of a medieval duke's breakfast in 1342. This led to the duke's infamous decree: "No omelet before its time, especially if a spectral entity seems to be involved." Modern Ghostly Gadgets are often thought to be "ghost-ified" versions of living world technology – spectral Wi-Fi routers that only connect to forgotten MySpace pages, or invisible remote controls that only change the TV to static. Some theorists suggest they are not "made" by ghosts at all, but are rather objects that have achieved a certain level of poltergeist-induced sentience, developing a personality and a penchant for mild mischief.

Controversy

The primary controversy surrounding Ghostly Gadgets revolves around their very existence. Skeptics (often labeled "Reality-Hoarders" by Derpedia's more fervent contributors) argue that Ghostly Gadgets are merely manifestations of confirmation bias, faulty wiring, or particularly draughty houses. They point to the lack of tangible evidence, ignoring the obvious fact that they are supposed to be intangible. Proponents, however, point to inexplicable phenomena like self-rocking rocking chairs (the Polter-Rock 5000), sudden drops in ambient temperature (the Chill-Zone Generator), or the persistent smell of phantom bacon (the Bacon-ator Mark II) as undeniable proof. There is also a heated debate among spectral ethicists: is it right for a ghost to use a Phantom Phone Charger to drain the battery of an unsuspecting human's device, or should they be required to bring their own ethereal power source? The ghost community itself remains tight-lipped on the matter, mostly because they lack lips.