Alt. guage discharging all the time???

ok update: when measuring across the two field terminals we were getting only around 8.8v with the engine running.
"If not, be sure that there is power on the blue field lead with key "in run." If so, you should be able to hook/ unhook the temporary ground on the other field terminal and see a small spark in low light." Did that and saw the spark.
Went ahead and replaced the alternator today just to rule that out, went to turn the key and same thing, discharge! Fired it off and same thing, constant discharge. I guess i will start looking at electrical connections.....