Saturday, March 03, 2007
Friday, March 02, 2007
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Description of tonight's XZone Radio Show...
12 am – 02 am Eastern Kal Korff – The Finality of Bigfoot, The Exposing of Billy Meier, The Alien Autopsy Hoax by Ray Santilli, SecretWars Update.It seems that Rob McConnell is closing the door on Sasquatch on the XZone for now, but folks like myself and Sean Forker and Steve Kulls and Steve "Indy" Pickett will pick up the slack as far as getting out info on a radio show, so this is not too discouraging to me. Rob has the right to do with his show what he wants, much as we do with ours. I still support Rob either way, and have no problem with him at all. I still salute you, Rob.
John Bindernagel, B.S.A., MS, Ph.D.
I am a 67 year-old professional wildlife biologist who is seriously studying the sasquatch or bigfoot in North America. My interest in this animal began in 1963 when, as a third-year-student in wildlife management at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, I was laughed at for raising the report of an animal described as an "ape-man" for possible discussion. My field work began in 1975 when our family moved to British Columbia, partly in order for me to begin field work on this
species. In 1988, my wife and I found several sasquatch tracks in good condition in the mountains not far from our home on Vancouver Island. Plaster casts which we made from these tracks provided the first tangible evidence I encountered for the existence of the sasquatch. Wildlife biologists such as myself regularly depend on tracks and other wildlife sign as evidence for the presence of bears, deer, wolves, and other mammals, recognizing that tracks constitute a more reliable and persistent record of the presence of a mammal species in an area than a fleeting glimpse of the animal itself. Although I now have no doubt regarding the existence of the sasquatch, this was not always the case. However now that I am satisfied that the sasquatch is a real animal, subject to study and examination like any other large mammal, I am much more concerned with addressing ecological questions such as how it overwinters in the colder regions of North America, than with dwelling on the controversy of whether it does or does not exist. I remain aware, however, that many people are not aware of the large volume of information that exists about this species and I understand why others are less ready than I am to treat it as a real animal.
Author's e-mail address: johnb@island.net
species. In 1988, my wife and I found several sasquatch tracks in good condition in the mountains not far from our home on Vancouver Island. Plaster casts which we made from these tracks provided the first tangible evidence I encountered for the existence of the sasquatch. Wildlife biologists such as myself regularly depend on tracks and other wildlife sign as evidence for the presence of bears, deer, wolves, and other mammals, recognizing that tracks constitute a more reliable and persistent record of the presence of a mammal species in an area than a fleeting glimpse of the animal itself. Although I now have no doubt regarding the existence of the sasquatch, this was not always the case. However now that I am satisfied that the sasquatch is a real animal, subject to study and examination like any other large mammal, I am much more concerned with addressing ecological questions such as how it overwinters in the colder regions of North America, than with dwelling on the controversy of whether it does or does not exist. I remain aware, however, that many people are not aware of the large volume of information that exists about this species and I understand why others are less ready than I am to treat it as a real animal.
Author's e-mail address: johnb@island.net
This Sunday's Guest...
Dr. John Bindernagel with Dr. Jane Goodall Dr. John Bindernagel is our guest Sunday night at 9:00 EST, but make sure to tune in an hour before that for our roundtable. The special two-hour show begins at 8:00 EST and can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sasquatchexperience As always, please tune in and support great research.
Review: The Sasquatch Experience Lite
This was a fun and short show, despite all the technical glitches. Sean and I were joined by James Baker, a co-worker of Sean's and now our new Associate Producer. We discussed a sighting from 2005 in Sean and James' home county of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania which was reported to the BFRO. We also discussed Infrasound, as well as other items in the Sasquatch world. It was a fun show despite the technical glitches, and I enjoyed it. Our next show is Sunday at a special early start time of 8:00 P.M. EST and will be a two-hour show. The first hour will be a roundtable with special guests, then the second hour will be an interview with Dr. John Bindernagel. The URL is http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sasquatchexperience As always, please tune in and support great research.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tonight... Sean Forker is back with "The Sasquatch Experience Lite"
9pm EST, Sean Forker returns with Henry May, with Special Guest Host and new Associate Producer, James Baker. Tonight we will be discussing a sighting report from 2005 in Lycoming County, PA. Please tune in and support great researchers who dedicate a portion of their time to our show!
Grievances of the Bigfoot Community by Matt K. Used with Permission
Dysfunction of the Bigfoot community. I've only been in this internet community for about 5 years or so, and since my first observation of it, nothing has changed. I have heard many well respected researchers who have been doing this since the 70's and before talk about how this is the way it's always been. Every topic of Bigfoot research has it's advocates and antagonists. Pro-kill/no- kill, call blasting/quiet listening, carry a weapon/don't carry a weapon, gentle giant/violent beast, the list goes on and on. The debate shouldn't even be about any of these things. The true heart of the matter is what are each individuals intentions. What is their goal? What is their main objective? These are where the differences take place. The other things are just details of how one intends to carry out their objective in this field, so why argue about it or be concerned with it? Does it infringe on your own intentions?
At one point in time I felt pulled in opposite directions by some of these pointless debates. I felt I had to choose one side or the other. Then I realized the problem wasn't in those issues, but the fact that my intentions, my main objective was just in fact different than those of the people I was trying to either side with or argue against. Our main enemy in this entire thing is lack of communication and trust. There are various reasons for that, but one of the main ones, that could be resolved, is a barrier we have placed on ourselves.
Pro-kill vs. No-kill. The most heated debate amongst the Bigfoot community of researchers. My question is "Why?" This is where goals and intentions come into play stronger than any other argument. Do you want to prove the existence of Bigfoot to the public, or to yourself? If your answer is the public, then any amount of rational thought behind the problem can one only come to an absolute conclusion. You need a body, or at least part of one. Science will settle for nothing less. The public will settle for nothing less. For those who believe a photograph or video will do the trick, then I have to say you are either not thinking this through rationally, or you are not interested in proving it's existence to anyone other than yourself. Let's just say you do somehow manage to get a photo or video. It's not going to be of National Geographic caliber. Odds are it's going to be no better than any of the hundreds of photos we already have that we dub "blob squatches." There are entirely too many variables in any given situation for someone to execute the goal of achieving clear photographs and or video. Not only the problems of maintaining controlled thought and body movement enough to take the picture, you also have to have the correct settings for the amount of light, the correct exposure settings, the right kind of film, a proper lens, the correct angle, the proper focusing, as I said, too many variables. Even if you were able to obtain a clear photo or video of a Bigfoot, who would believe you? How would you prove to anyone it wasn't someone in a suit, or some sort of special effects? Don't take my word for it, ask Bob Gimlin. Film documentation is not enough. As far as DNA samples are concerned, without a specimen to compare it to, they mean nothing to the scientific community.
We live in a world where we have become disillusioned, we are a generation who has seen everything. We no longer are concerned with the magic and wonder of the world's secrets. Myths and fairytales are things for children. Unless you have something someone can walk up and touch or stare at from behind a glass wall, we don't care enough to look at the "evidence." The new God of the world is television. That's what we believe. We believe Ray Wallace was Bigfoot, and otherwise it's just something comical thrown into a movie or commercial for amusement purposes. Anything that can be hoaxed, will be considered worthless. A physical body is the only thing that can't be hoaxed. For those who want to point fingers and scorn others for trying to obtain a physical specimen, if you are in it for the same reasons, and you honestly feel the same can be obtained by other methods, then why not apply some of your own ideas? If you think you can capture one live, or you feel photographic evidence is enough, then pursue that. If both sides are after the same thing, then instead of attacking those who have a different plan of accomplishing that goal, share your information back and forth, and then everyone will be closer to accomplishing what they are after. Someone you might be attacking, may hold that missing puzzle piece you need to accomplish your own goal.
Another problem this community faces is general public support. We are cast in a shameful light in the majority of documentaries, movies, and news reports. Maybe shameful isn't the correct word, it's more of a tongue-in-cheek thing really. Whether it be the crazy old town drunk, or the widow woman living in a trailer with her 18 cats, they always seem to make an appearance for the camera. When a building burns down, do the news reporters interview the crackhead that was across the street watching it burn, or do they interview the fire chief? The answer here is obvious. The reason for that is because the subject of Bigfoot is considered entertainment, and not real news. We are not looked at as professionals, we are looked at as hobbyists and crazies. The media has already convinced the public that Bigfoot does not exist, so who in their right mind would spend so much time and resources looking for it? Of course we in the community stand back and scoff right back at the public because they do not understand, they don't know the things we know. We could try to educate them, but in today's lifestyle that would take up entirely too much time. The public's attention span is limited as it is. That's the reason newscasts mix in some humorous stories in between the war efforts and today's latest homicide. Quite frankly can you imagine trying to explain the concept of weight displacement and dermal ridge patterns to someone who is picturing Harry and the Hendersons since the first second you mentioned the word "Bigfoot?" It's a losing battle. With those kind of preconceived notions, we end up with the documentaries we have in the public sector. A handful of weirdos and crazies, maybe a few minutes of "real" researchers, and then the rest of the time devoted to skeptics with their PhD's posted below their names ripping apart the crazy persons claims. It's an age-old entertainment technique being used. The same type of entertainment could be found in a coliseum in ancient Rome. Two slaves worked half way to death, then put into an arena with five highly trained soldiers, a few tigers, and a roaring crowd surrounding them. I mean honestly, do more people in America watch "Survivor" or "Nova?" The public is the majority, and the majority's voice is always heard. The question is, who is our majority, and who is speaking the loudest?
Honestly speaking, the Bigfoot community is seething with people who have true motives other than what they are claiming. I'd say strictly from observations I've made and people I've talked to, that 85% of the people in the research community either lie about sightings and experiences they've had, are falsely identifying experiences they have had, or have no experience what-so-ever. I'm not even talking about the so called "armchair researchers. " I have no problem with people who for whatever reason do not go out into the field, but still have an interest in the subject, and like to discuss it amongst other enthusiasts. That is fine. I do however have a problem with those people when they try to tell someone else who does go out into the field that they are wrong in their observations and conclusions. To me that is overstepping a boundary. No, my main grievance lies within the confines of our own research community. The people with the ulterior motives.
Sadly enough I feel that most of these individuals contaminating the research community aren't even aware they are doing it. They have been living under false pretenses for so long that they've become caught up in it, and do not even realize their own motives. What may have started out innocently enough as a genuine interest in a subject has become a drug to feed their social needs that they are unable to obtain elsewhere. These people have very little in their lives, not many friends, and are socially awkward. Within the Bigfoot community they have become "somebody." They get an opportunity to socialize, to get a glimmer of the spotlight's attention, and to add a bit of excitement to their otherwise mundane lives. It is all about their own needs being met internally. Bigfoot research is just the means they use to accomplish this. It could be UFO's, Ghosts, Knitting, Kite Flying, anything that allows them to feel they are a part of something bigger, something that allows them to live in a fantasy world outside of the reality of their own. Unfortunately these individuals take it to extremes. They pollute the community with false reports. They make up stories that supposedly happened to make Bigfoot into whatever they want it to be, and not what it actually is. A lot of these types of people are considered "Bigfoot Romantics." Not all of these people are "Romantics" and not all "Romantics" are these type individuals however. In fact, I would say a large majority of these type individuals fall beneath the radar. They can use other people's research and sound like they are being honest and know what they are talking about. The internet provides them with the curtain to hide behind, and only by getting these people out into the field can you reveal the truth about their "Wizard of Oz" personas.
The other individuals with booming voices in the research community is the people with "Fame & Fortune" as their motives. The "media hounds." The people out to make a name for themselves and receive publicity for their actions. Unfortunately it's usually someone else's actions or research these people claim to be their own. Normally the person who loves to be in front of the camera, or interviewed by the local newspaper, is actually the person who does the least amount of actual research on the subject. Of course these individuals act like they absolutely hate this burden of being the "spokesperson. " They act like they are making a sacrifice for the greater good. Do not be deceived by this act. If that were the case they would rotate the duties amongst other individuals, or they would give credit to other people from where their information originally came from. They in fact love the spotlight, and the attention they receive. It boosts their ego to a level where they feel superior to other researchers and common folk. None of that would even bother me, or really cause any problems within the community if it weren't for one simple aspect. They use other people's work and findings as their own. Who is going to know more about a subject, a person who was there and actually witnessed the event take place, or a person who heard about it at dinner a week later? How much of the event is going to stay intact and true by the time it works it's way to wherever it ends up? How often do the "media hounds" spice it up a bit, or add their own creative flair to make it sound grander than what it actually is? These "media hounds" are not just in front of the camera or a news reporter. Some of them go no farther than the internet to get their rise to fame. They can become know it alls and gurus on the internet, after all who is going to prove them wrong via the web?
As far as "Fame & Fortune" are concerned in relationship to motives, don't kid yourself. There are two sides to this one, first you have the person who is driven by these goals, then you have the people who accuse others falsely of wanting to obtain this goal. The majority of the time, the people who are accused of this being their sole motivation are being falsely accused. Most of the intelligent people in this community already know that chasing after these goals are a goose chase at best. Some simple research you can do on your own is ask yourself who proved the existence of the Panda to the world. Name in history? Hardly. You aren't going to open up any mainstream history book and find the information, nor are you going to discover that the man made a fortune off of his discovery. The only people making money off discoveries are scientists, and that's in the form of misappropriated grants. They do not give the local guide who led them to the location to make the discovery millions of dollars. Sure you might get a small amount of fame in the beginning, but once Bigfoot is proven to the world it will eventually find it's way into zoos and museums and become just another strange animal alive in the world. Someone might even pay you for your story or movie rights. Does that make you famous or rich? Of course not. You'll be a flash in the pan at best. You're never going to find "The Person Who Found Bigfoot" on the New York Time's best seller list. Once it is proven, the public isn't going to allow themselves to eat crow. The media isn't going to allow egg to be repeatedly smeared on their faces. It will be buried as quickly as possible and turned over to science. Let's say you are somehow the lucky one who finds yourself in possession of a Bigfoot body. Who is the mystery billionaire that's going to make you rich? What if the Government decides it needs to take over the situation? No, I'm afraid if you were the "lucky" one, you would find yourself in a very dire situation indeed. At the very best you could plan it all out strategically, find a private buyer, and make your money. Then you can worry about Uncle Sam trying to figure out where you got all this money, and try to hide any connections you had with the buyer. As far as the fringe market is concerned, ask any well known Bigfoot author, or any documentary film maker how much profit they have earned off the subject. I promise you it is even less than you can imagine. Nobody is making a living off of Bigfoot outside of conning private individuals into giving them money and equipment.
What can be done to rectify the situation? Is it even possible? I would like to think so. I'm certainly not shallow minded enough to believe we can get everyone on the same page or in agreement with one another. I do however believe it is possible to shift the majority and the loudest voice being heard, but it takes cooperation from many individuals. We have to ask ourselves are we in this together or separately. Do we have a common goal over all, or are our motives other than what we portray to the community?
Individuals who are involved with the Bigfoot community, who are in it for internal socializing reasons, need to admit this to themselves. Once they have done that, they need to seek the passion that got them where they are in the first place, and put that to good use. Accept the findings of the field researchers for what they are. Do not try and make Bigfoot something you want it to be, but just observe and listen to the evidence collected, and learn what it really is. Then draw your conclusions from there. If you are not a researcher, and just an observer, do not try to portray one on the internet or in life. That's only doing more harm than good in the long run. I promise you, people in this community will talk to you, and discuss things with you regardless of how much or how little you know, or how grand of a story you can tell. If you think it would be neat to have an encounter, put forth the time and money it takes to put yourself in situations where that could take place. Don't make one up to get attention and admiration from others in the community. All you're accomplishing is misleading people and keeping our research held back by chasing dead end leads. If you think it would be neat to have Bigfoot on your property, but don't have any there, then just deal with that. Make friends with people who do have it, and visit their homes. Talk to them. Ask them questions about it. You'll be surprised to find out that the ones who really do have this happening on their properties don't really enjoy it all that much. It's not some magical event where they make a connection with some mythical beast. Most of the time all it does is cause turmoil in their private lives.
"Media Hounds." If you like the attention, be a true representative to the community as a whole, not just yourself. Give credit to the people you have obtained your information from. Show people that there is more than just a handful of people who are doing true research. The more names and findings of credible people you get out into the public eye, the more our voice is heard, and the shift of the majority starts to happen. You don't have to worry about losing your limelight. There are plenty of people who do not like the attention of the media, but still have valuable information to contribute. Be a liaison between the media and the research community, but be respectful of other people's hard work. If you want to give out information from a second hand source, talk to the person before hand and ask them if it's ok. Ask them if they would like the recognition. The answer may surprise you.
"Fortune Seekers." Wake up. If you have figured out a way to make a fortune off of this subject, then by all means do so. I don't see how you're going to accomplish anything by being alone in your endeavors. I've never known a time for fortune and greed not to go hand in hand. If you are looking for wealth, the odds are you are not wanting to share that wealth. The same probably holds true for any information that you might have that could be beneficial to the rest of the community. You probably hold it close out of paranoia that someone else might come along and make your "fortune" before you. There are numerous ways to share information without giving out exact details. The odds are since you're in it for the money aspect, you do not have large amounts of money at the time being. Maybe if you were willing to share your ideas or findings, other like minded individuals would help contribute to the cause. Of course this would come at a price. Any investment made would expect a profitable return in the case of a successful outcome. I do not personally agree with money being the key motivation, but it is motivation none the less. There have been many great things achieved throughout history with money as the motivational factor. I just don't see where the fortune is to be made, and I think if someone accomplished their goal it would actually make a lot of other people happy as well. "Fortune Seekers" just need to realize their common goal with everyone else, and try to make their money on their own while working together.
As far as the media is concerned, we already hold the key to changing it. We just need to put forth a group effort. We have amongst our ranks many talented and knowledgeable people in the media industry. Documentary film makers, authors, journalists, all these type of individuals could create quite a library of media from the inside. It takes a lot of work, time, and money. Not to mention many outside resources. As a single person I can't imagine how much work must go into a project, but as a collective no obstacle is too large. Granted we know not everyone is going to be able to contribute, or would even have the desire to do so, but some of us are. If even some of the talented people out there could start doing projects together, and spread the cost and workload amongst them, we could accomplish two or three times as much in the same amount of time. We need more REAL documentaries, we need more REAL books, we need more REAL articles and essays published, more REAL conventions. There's a magazine for everything, why not Bigfoot research? If we put enough out there, it will start getting more recognition. If we're putting good quality, informative, true information out there, we will start to gain support from places we haven't had it in the past. Some of us have already taken on these tasks, and I truly commend you for doing such. I'm sure some of you have put yourselves out there financially, knowing you will not make very much profit if any. I know some of you are very good at what you do. If those of you out there doing this could imagine what it might be like to work with other like minded individuals, think of the things you could accomplish. Eventually with enough material out there, someone will have to take notice. Just think what one single documentary presenting the right material could do if it were to be picked up by the Discovery or Travel channel. Bigfootville was not a big budget feature. It only dealt with the state of Oklahoma. Over time however, it has become a major documentary due to the fact that everyone has seen it at least once. What if that was a documentary done by actual researchers, putting forth real evidence, and real information? What if the most recent Bigfoot book was one done by a collective of field researchers, putting forth the most updated knowledge and techniques from the field? That is how we shift the majority. That is how we guarantee what the loudest voice is that's being heard by the public. We can sit back and complain about things, or we can work on changing them. It's too large of a task for any one person working alone to accomplish.
By writing this I hope I have inspired some people positively, or at least got people to think about things. That was my goal. I'm not expecting people to join hands and sing, but maybe a few of us can join together in one common cause and get something accomplished. I'd also like to point out these are just my opinions and thoughts about the Bigfoot community as a whole. If you disagree with me, that's fine, I respect that. I just hope you respect my opinion as well. That's what it all boils down to in the long run. Too many of us have a lack of respect for others. If we had that respect we so desperately need, we'd probably be a lot closer to solving this mystery than we are.
Matt K.
At one point in time I felt pulled in opposite directions by some of these pointless debates. I felt I had to choose one side or the other. Then I realized the problem wasn't in those issues, but the fact that my intentions, my main objective was just in fact different than those of the people I was trying to either side with or argue against. Our main enemy in this entire thing is lack of communication and trust. There are various reasons for that, but one of the main ones, that could be resolved, is a barrier we have placed on ourselves.
Pro-kill vs. No-kill. The most heated debate amongst the Bigfoot community of researchers. My question is "Why?" This is where goals and intentions come into play stronger than any other argument. Do you want to prove the existence of Bigfoot to the public, or to yourself? If your answer is the public, then any amount of rational thought behind the problem can one only come to an absolute conclusion. You need a body, or at least part of one. Science will settle for nothing less. The public will settle for nothing less. For those who believe a photograph or video will do the trick, then I have to say you are either not thinking this through rationally, or you are not interested in proving it's existence to anyone other than yourself. Let's just say you do somehow manage to get a photo or video. It's not going to be of National Geographic caliber. Odds are it's going to be no better than any of the hundreds of photos we already have that we dub "blob squatches." There are entirely too many variables in any given situation for someone to execute the goal of achieving clear photographs and or video. Not only the problems of maintaining controlled thought and body movement enough to take the picture, you also have to have the correct settings for the amount of light, the correct exposure settings, the right kind of film, a proper lens, the correct angle, the proper focusing, as I said, too many variables. Even if you were able to obtain a clear photo or video of a Bigfoot, who would believe you? How would you prove to anyone it wasn't someone in a suit, or some sort of special effects? Don't take my word for it, ask Bob Gimlin. Film documentation is not enough. As far as DNA samples are concerned, without a specimen to compare it to, they mean nothing to the scientific community.
We live in a world where we have become disillusioned, we are a generation who has seen everything. We no longer are concerned with the magic and wonder of the world's secrets. Myths and fairytales are things for children. Unless you have something someone can walk up and touch or stare at from behind a glass wall, we don't care enough to look at the "evidence." The new God of the world is television. That's what we believe. We believe Ray Wallace was Bigfoot, and otherwise it's just something comical thrown into a movie or commercial for amusement purposes. Anything that can be hoaxed, will be considered worthless. A physical body is the only thing that can't be hoaxed. For those who want to point fingers and scorn others for trying to obtain a physical specimen, if you are in it for the same reasons, and you honestly feel the same can be obtained by other methods, then why not apply some of your own ideas? If you think you can capture one live, or you feel photographic evidence is enough, then pursue that. If both sides are after the same thing, then instead of attacking those who have a different plan of accomplishing that goal, share your information back and forth, and then everyone will be closer to accomplishing what they are after. Someone you might be attacking, may hold that missing puzzle piece you need to accomplish your own goal.
Another problem this community faces is general public support. We are cast in a shameful light in the majority of documentaries, movies, and news reports. Maybe shameful isn't the correct word, it's more of a tongue-in-cheek thing really. Whether it be the crazy old town drunk, or the widow woman living in a trailer with her 18 cats, they always seem to make an appearance for the camera. When a building burns down, do the news reporters interview the crackhead that was across the street watching it burn, or do they interview the fire chief? The answer here is obvious. The reason for that is because the subject of Bigfoot is considered entertainment, and not real news. We are not looked at as professionals, we are looked at as hobbyists and crazies. The media has already convinced the public that Bigfoot does not exist, so who in their right mind would spend so much time and resources looking for it? Of course we in the community stand back and scoff right back at the public because they do not understand, they don't know the things we know. We could try to educate them, but in today's lifestyle that would take up entirely too much time. The public's attention span is limited as it is. That's the reason newscasts mix in some humorous stories in between the war efforts and today's latest homicide. Quite frankly can you imagine trying to explain the concept of weight displacement and dermal ridge patterns to someone who is picturing Harry and the Hendersons since the first second you mentioned the word "Bigfoot?" It's a losing battle. With those kind of preconceived notions, we end up with the documentaries we have in the public sector. A handful of weirdos and crazies, maybe a few minutes of "real" researchers, and then the rest of the time devoted to skeptics with their PhD's posted below their names ripping apart the crazy persons claims. It's an age-old entertainment technique being used. The same type of entertainment could be found in a coliseum in ancient Rome. Two slaves worked half way to death, then put into an arena with five highly trained soldiers, a few tigers, and a roaring crowd surrounding them. I mean honestly, do more people in America watch "Survivor" or "Nova?" The public is the majority, and the majority's voice is always heard. The question is, who is our majority, and who is speaking the loudest?
Honestly speaking, the Bigfoot community is seething with people who have true motives other than what they are claiming. I'd say strictly from observations I've made and people I've talked to, that 85% of the people in the research community either lie about sightings and experiences they've had, are falsely identifying experiences they have had, or have no experience what-so-ever. I'm not even talking about the so called "armchair researchers. " I have no problem with people who for whatever reason do not go out into the field, but still have an interest in the subject, and like to discuss it amongst other enthusiasts. That is fine. I do however have a problem with those people when they try to tell someone else who does go out into the field that they are wrong in their observations and conclusions. To me that is overstepping a boundary. No, my main grievance lies within the confines of our own research community. The people with the ulterior motives.
Sadly enough I feel that most of these individuals contaminating the research community aren't even aware they are doing it. They have been living under false pretenses for so long that they've become caught up in it, and do not even realize their own motives. What may have started out innocently enough as a genuine interest in a subject has become a drug to feed their social needs that they are unable to obtain elsewhere. These people have very little in their lives, not many friends, and are socially awkward. Within the Bigfoot community they have become "somebody." They get an opportunity to socialize, to get a glimmer of the spotlight's attention, and to add a bit of excitement to their otherwise mundane lives. It is all about their own needs being met internally. Bigfoot research is just the means they use to accomplish this. It could be UFO's, Ghosts, Knitting, Kite Flying, anything that allows them to feel they are a part of something bigger, something that allows them to live in a fantasy world outside of the reality of their own. Unfortunately these individuals take it to extremes. They pollute the community with false reports. They make up stories that supposedly happened to make Bigfoot into whatever they want it to be, and not what it actually is. A lot of these types of people are considered "Bigfoot Romantics." Not all of these people are "Romantics" and not all "Romantics" are these type individuals however. In fact, I would say a large majority of these type individuals fall beneath the radar. They can use other people's research and sound like they are being honest and know what they are talking about. The internet provides them with the curtain to hide behind, and only by getting these people out into the field can you reveal the truth about their "Wizard of Oz" personas.
The other individuals with booming voices in the research community is the people with "Fame & Fortune" as their motives. The "media hounds." The people out to make a name for themselves and receive publicity for their actions. Unfortunately it's usually someone else's actions or research these people claim to be their own. Normally the person who loves to be in front of the camera, or interviewed by the local newspaper, is actually the person who does the least amount of actual research on the subject. Of course these individuals act like they absolutely hate this burden of being the "spokesperson. " They act like they are making a sacrifice for the greater good. Do not be deceived by this act. If that were the case they would rotate the duties amongst other individuals, or they would give credit to other people from where their information originally came from. They in fact love the spotlight, and the attention they receive. It boosts their ego to a level where they feel superior to other researchers and common folk. None of that would even bother me, or really cause any problems within the community if it weren't for one simple aspect. They use other people's work and findings as their own. Who is going to know more about a subject, a person who was there and actually witnessed the event take place, or a person who heard about it at dinner a week later? How much of the event is going to stay intact and true by the time it works it's way to wherever it ends up? How often do the "media hounds" spice it up a bit, or add their own creative flair to make it sound grander than what it actually is? These "media hounds" are not just in front of the camera or a news reporter. Some of them go no farther than the internet to get their rise to fame. They can become know it alls and gurus on the internet, after all who is going to prove them wrong via the web?
As far as "Fame & Fortune" are concerned in relationship to motives, don't kid yourself. There are two sides to this one, first you have the person who is driven by these goals, then you have the people who accuse others falsely of wanting to obtain this goal. The majority of the time, the people who are accused of this being their sole motivation are being falsely accused. Most of the intelligent people in this community already know that chasing after these goals are a goose chase at best. Some simple research you can do on your own is ask yourself who proved the existence of the Panda to the world. Name in history? Hardly. You aren't going to open up any mainstream history book and find the information, nor are you going to discover that the man made a fortune off of his discovery. The only people making money off discoveries are scientists, and that's in the form of misappropriated grants. They do not give the local guide who led them to the location to make the discovery millions of dollars. Sure you might get a small amount of fame in the beginning, but once Bigfoot is proven to the world it will eventually find it's way into zoos and museums and become just another strange animal alive in the world. Someone might even pay you for your story or movie rights. Does that make you famous or rich? Of course not. You'll be a flash in the pan at best. You're never going to find "The Person Who Found Bigfoot" on the New York Time's best seller list. Once it is proven, the public isn't going to allow themselves to eat crow. The media isn't going to allow egg to be repeatedly smeared on their faces. It will be buried as quickly as possible and turned over to science. Let's say you are somehow the lucky one who finds yourself in possession of a Bigfoot body. Who is the mystery billionaire that's going to make you rich? What if the Government decides it needs to take over the situation? No, I'm afraid if you were the "lucky" one, you would find yourself in a very dire situation indeed. At the very best you could plan it all out strategically, find a private buyer, and make your money. Then you can worry about Uncle Sam trying to figure out where you got all this money, and try to hide any connections you had with the buyer. As far as the fringe market is concerned, ask any well known Bigfoot author, or any documentary film maker how much profit they have earned off the subject. I promise you it is even less than you can imagine. Nobody is making a living off of Bigfoot outside of conning private individuals into giving them money and equipment.
What can be done to rectify the situation? Is it even possible? I would like to think so. I'm certainly not shallow minded enough to believe we can get everyone on the same page or in agreement with one another. I do however believe it is possible to shift the majority and the loudest voice being heard, but it takes cooperation from many individuals. We have to ask ourselves are we in this together or separately. Do we have a common goal over all, or are our motives other than what we portray to the community?
Individuals who are involved with the Bigfoot community, who are in it for internal socializing reasons, need to admit this to themselves. Once they have done that, they need to seek the passion that got them where they are in the first place, and put that to good use. Accept the findings of the field researchers for what they are. Do not try and make Bigfoot something you want it to be, but just observe and listen to the evidence collected, and learn what it really is. Then draw your conclusions from there. If you are not a researcher, and just an observer, do not try to portray one on the internet or in life. That's only doing more harm than good in the long run. I promise you, people in this community will talk to you, and discuss things with you regardless of how much or how little you know, or how grand of a story you can tell. If you think it would be neat to have an encounter, put forth the time and money it takes to put yourself in situations where that could take place. Don't make one up to get attention and admiration from others in the community. All you're accomplishing is misleading people and keeping our research held back by chasing dead end leads. If you think it would be neat to have Bigfoot on your property, but don't have any there, then just deal with that. Make friends with people who do have it, and visit their homes. Talk to them. Ask them questions about it. You'll be surprised to find out that the ones who really do have this happening on their properties don't really enjoy it all that much. It's not some magical event where they make a connection with some mythical beast. Most of the time all it does is cause turmoil in their private lives.
"Media Hounds." If you like the attention, be a true representative to the community as a whole, not just yourself. Give credit to the people you have obtained your information from. Show people that there is more than just a handful of people who are doing true research. The more names and findings of credible people you get out into the public eye, the more our voice is heard, and the shift of the majority starts to happen. You don't have to worry about losing your limelight. There are plenty of people who do not like the attention of the media, but still have valuable information to contribute. Be a liaison between the media and the research community, but be respectful of other people's hard work. If you want to give out information from a second hand source, talk to the person before hand and ask them if it's ok. Ask them if they would like the recognition. The answer may surprise you.
"Fortune Seekers." Wake up. If you have figured out a way to make a fortune off of this subject, then by all means do so. I don't see how you're going to accomplish anything by being alone in your endeavors. I've never known a time for fortune and greed not to go hand in hand. If you are looking for wealth, the odds are you are not wanting to share that wealth. The same probably holds true for any information that you might have that could be beneficial to the rest of the community. You probably hold it close out of paranoia that someone else might come along and make your "fortune" before you. There are numerous ways to share information without giving out exact details. The odds are since you're in it for the money aspect, you do not have large amounts of money at the time being. Maybe if you were willing to share your ideas or findings, other like minded individuals would help contribute to the cause. Of course this would come at a price. Any investment made would expect a profitable return in the case of a successful outcome. I do not personally agree with money being the key motivation, but it is motivation none the less. There have been many great things achieved throughout history with money as the motivational factor. I just don't see where the fortune is to be made, and I think if someone accomplished their goal it would actually make a lot of other people happy as well. "Fortune Seekers" just need to realize their common goal with everyone else, and try to make their money on their own while working together.
As far as the media is concerned, we already hold the key to changing it. We just need to put forth a group effort. We have amongst our ranks many talented and knowledgeable people in the media industry. Documentary film makers, authors, journalists, all these type of individuals could create quite a library of media from the inside. It takes a lot of work, time, and money. Not to mention many outside resources. As a single person I can't imagine how much work must go into a project, but as a collective no obstacle is too large. Granted we know not everyone is going to be able to contribute, or would even have the desire to do so, but some of us are. If even some of the talented people out there could start doing projects together, and spread the cost and workload amongst them, we could accomplish two or three times as much in the same amount of time. We need more REAL documentaries, we need more REAL books, we need more REAL articles and essays published, more REAL conventions. There's a magazine for everything, why not Bigfoot research? If we put enough out there, it will start getting more recognition. If we're putting good quality, informative, true information out there, we will start to gain support from places we haven't had it in the past. Some of us have already taken on these tasks, and I truly commend you for doing such. I'm sure some of you have put yourselves out there financially, knowing you will not make very much profit if any. I know some of you are very good at what you do. If those of you out there doing this could imagine what it might be like to work with other like minded individuals, think of the things you could accomplish. Eventually with enough material out there, someone will have to take notice. Just think what one single documentary presenting the right material could do if it were to be picked up by the Discovery or Travel channel. Bigfootville was not a big budget feature. It only dealt with the state of Oklahoma. Over time however, it has become a major documentary due to the fact that everyone has seen it at least once. What if that was a documentary done by actual researchers, putting forth real evidence, and real information? What if the most recent Bigfoot book was one done by a collective of field researchers, putting forth the most updated knowledge and techniques from the field? That is how we shift the majority. That is how we guarantee what the loudest voice is that's being heard by the public. We can sit back and complain about things, or we can work on changing them. It's too large of a task for any one person working alone to accomplish.
By writing this I hope I have inspired some people positively, or at least got people to think about things. That was my goal. I'm not expecting people to join hands and sing, but maybe a few of us can join together in one common cause and get something accomplished. I'd also like to point out these are just my opinions and thoughts about the Bigfoot community as a whole. If you disagree with me, that's fine, I respect that. I just hope you respect my opinion as well. That's what it all boils down to in the long run. Too many of us have a lack of respect for others. If we had that respect we so desperately need, we'd probably be a lot closer to solving this mystery than we are.
Matt K.
Editorial: "Heironimus-Gate," 3 Years Later: Is It As Bad As We Think?
On March 1st, 2004, a shocking revelation was made by Greg Long, Kal Korff and Bob Kiviat on the Jeff Rense Show about the Patterson Movie-it was a hoax, and these individuals claimed to have proof, not to mention the fellow who allegedly wore the suit, Bob Heironimus. Last year, I wrote an editorial about this, located Here but I have changed a bit as far as my attitude towards the detractors of Heironimus and company and am trying to be a bit more objective about it, as evidenced in past editorials I have written on this blog and the ABSC blog (links found Here Here and Here ). These links should give my readers plenty to chew over. Is Heironimus a liar? Is Bob Gimlin telling the truth? That's up to you to decide, whether you fall on the skeptical side or the pro side. Now, Mr. Korff is continuing to pursue criminal charges against Mr. Gimlin for consumer fraud, although I don't see how that can be enforced since Bob G. does not own any rights to the film, but we'll see. Korff is planning to do this around October 20th of this year, along with releasing the recreation of Mr. Heironimus walking in a Philip Morris-made Bigfoot suit. He is also writing a book with Heironimus which will ostensibly answer all the critics. Again, we will see. Korff wants Gimlin under oath and to confess his part in a hoax, and then he will drop all charges if this happens. However, a friend of mine who works in the legal profession says Korff does not have a case. Once again, we'll see. Regardless, we must continue our Sasquatch research whether the film is real or not. Let us solve the mystery one way or the other and leave the film behind and focus on the other pieces of evidence. So I would say that things are not as bad as some might think for Sasquatch research.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Cryptomundo Headlines/Mississippi Meeting Banner
Mississippi Bigfoot Meet & Greet
March 17th 2007
Paul B. Johnson State Park
Highway 49 South of Hattiesburg, MS
Pavilion 33
11 AM - 4 PM
This will be a meeting of Mississippi Bigfoot Enthusiasts!
Bring your stories, we’d love to hear them
&
we all want to meet you!
All out of state visitors welcome too.
Covered Dish Dinner at 12 noon.
There is no fee; the covered dish is your ticket.
We will supply plates/cutlery/napkins/coffee.
This will be a meeting to get to know one another and to share stories and research. Bring anything you think will be of interest to the group.
Guest Speaker: M. K. Davis at 2:00 PM
Details on Park & Pavilion
Located in the heart of Mississippi’s pine belt region Paul B. Johnson State Park is the gateway to a natural wonderland marked by majestic long-leaf and
loblolly pines, delicate dogwoods, and ancient oaks. The deep forests surrounding Paul B. Johnson provide a picturesque setting for a variety of outdoor activities.
15 Miles south of Hattiesburg, off U.S. 49, 319 Geiger Lake Rd. Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Park Entrance Fee: $3.00
(Max. 6 people per vehicle, 50¢ each additional person)
For park info, visit: http://www.mdwfp.com/parkView/parks.asp?ID=6846
For maps: http://www.stateparks.com/paul_b_johnson.html
The pavilion does not have electricity therefore no electronic presentations will be made. MK will have a laptop running on batteries. There is a bathroom very near with electricity to recharge cell phones or batteries if you need them. DeSoto National Forest is nearby if you want to go exploring after the meeting. We will not have an organized outing. Sightings have come from a large expanse in this area; anywhere you go you will be in Bigfoot territory. Just get a map and follow the creeks. Primitive camping is available at Black Creek south of PBJ also; it’s a good place to start. To my knowledge there are no reports in or near PBJ.
Mississippi Bigfoot Meet & Greet
March 17th 2007
Paul B. Johnson State Park
Highway 49 South of Hattiesburg, MS
Pavilion 33
11 AM - 4 PM
LODGING
Paul B. Johnson Park
Facilities include RV camping pads, cabins, as well as sites for tent camping. Water and a bathhouse featuring hot showers and restrooms are available near the primitive camping areas. For detailed information call the park directly at 601.582.7721
Best Western Inn
Interstate 59 and Hardy Street
This hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, free local phone calls, cable with HBO, and fax services. Continental breakfast is included. 34 rooms, 2 handicap accessible. Call for current rates. 2 Churchhill Drive Hattiesburg
601-264-7668, 1-800-528-1234
Best Western Northgate Inn
Highway 49 North
This property features an outdoor swimming pool, free local phone calls, cable with HBO, fax services, and data ports. Enjoy a restaurant and lounge on-site. 42 rooms. Call for current rates. 6757 Highway 49 Hattiesburg
800-528-1234, 601-268-8816
Econo Lodge
Interstate 59 at Highway 49
This newly-built property features free local phone calls, cable, and data ports. In-room refrigerator and microwave. 47 rooms. Call for current rates. 6655 Highway 49 Hattiesburg 39401 601-264-0010, 877-5-ECONO
Inn on the Hill
Interstate 59 at Highway 49
This hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, free local phone calls, cable, meeting and banquet facilities, and data ports. Full breakfast buffet included. Enjoy a restaurant and lounge on-site. Walk to the Lake Terrace Convention Center. In-room refrigerator and microwave upon request. Pets are allowed. 119 rooms. Call for current rates. 6595 Highway 49 Hattiesburg 39401 601-599-2001, 1-888-263-9977
Super 8
Interstate 59 at Highway 49
This property features free local phone calls, cable, and data ports. Complimentary coffee and donuts included. In-room refrigerator and microwave. 42 rooms. Call for current rates. 6529 Highway 49 Hattiesburg 39401 601-264-2885, 1-800-800-8000
MAPS
Paul B. Johnson Park-PBJ
HATTIESBURG
PBJ
WIGGINS
Major highways & interstates
PBJ
Hattiesburg Convention & Visitors Bureau http://www.hattiesburg.org
Monday, February 26, 2007
Review: Squatch Detective Radio 2-26-07
This was a great show, with guest Scott "Squatch" Herriott, who discussed his sighting, as well as the Patterson Movie (which I would have preferred be left off the show, since there isn't much more that can be said about it that hasn't already been said!) and how he got into the Bigfoot business and his documentaries. It was a great show despite the technical issues and bringing up the old chestnut of the Patterson Movie, and I enjoyed it. The next show will feature ear-witness "John" and a discussion of vocalizations. Should be a good show. The show starts at 9:00 EST and can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thesquatchdetective As always, please tune in and support great research.
Squatch Detective Radio Tonight...
Steve Kulls' guest will be Sasquatch researcher/documentarian/former stand-up comedian Scott "Squatch" Herriott. The show starts at 9:00 EST and can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thesquatchdetective As always, please tune in and support great research.
Crypto-Headlines/Bill Green's Review of "Swamp Apes"
: hey henry here my review of jmichaels swamp apes documentary dvd. i thought this documentary was very wonderful entertaing very sciencefic etc it realy help me with my research about sasquatch and it realy made me understand all about the southern bigfoot creatures as well. i give this documentary A++++. please put this review in your great bigfoot blog. i also got bigfoot faq today but i will write a review about it tommarrow. thanks bill
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Review: The Sasquatch Experience 2-25-07
This was a very fun and informative show, with "Ranger Tim" Cassidy, who was a great guest. He and I discussed the nature aspects of Sasquatch and its habitat and food possibilities, as well as Tim's travels and the groups he is involved with, along with Tim's encounter story and the evidence he has found in the field. A really great show, and a lot of fun. Thank you so much, Tim. Our next show will be Wednesday night at 9:30 P.M. EST, which hopefully Sean will join us for. Then, next Sunday, we will be starting at a special early time of 8:00 EST with hopefully South Mississippi researcher and documentarian Jay Michael for the first hour, and wildlife biologist Dr. John Bindernagel for the second hour. The show can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sasquatchexperience As always, please tune in and support great research.
Sasquatch Experience Tonight...
Our guest will be "Ranger Tim" Cassidy, who was actually the first guest we had on the show back in October. The show starts at 9:00 EST and can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sasquatchexperience The phone number to call in is 347-996-5814; the Yahoo Messenger ID is SasquatchExperience and the e-mail address is SasquatchExperience@gmail.com As always, please tune in and support great research.
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