Moderated Bigfoot- Anybody Seen one?

[WGBH]

Regardless of what people think when they say "they don't represent me", these people DO represent the searchers of Bigfoot and thus "represent you". It's the same as anyone saying their local politicians in office don't represent them when in fact they are in office to represent you even if you disagree with their form of representation.

As long as Footers put these folks on pedestals or refer to them as knowledgeable go to people, They Represent You. Those folks who put their faces on Television representing Bigfootery get what comes from the majorities opinion of this fringe subject and this recent Kathy Lee/Hoda example is exactly what should have been expected.

I do not put these people "on pedestals". I do not agree with many of thier theories or techniques. Thus they do not represent me. They may represent the field, but not me personally.

I agree about "if you put yourself out there" you can expect the type of treatment you get from the media or even the JREF. But, just because it is accepted does not make it right.

Thanks for the clarfication WP, and we are on the same page.

 

[RayG]

Beckjord was certainly a go-to-guy for media types, but he hardly represented the majority of bigfoot enthusiasts.

RayG

 

[Drewbot]

It is irrelevant WHICH person the media goes to for Bigfoot expertise. Anyone that they choose must be one of the following:

1. Lying
2. So emotionally attached to the subject that they rationalize useless bits of legend and fakery as 'evidence'
3. cookoo (i.e. Beckjord)

 

[William Parcher]

Beckjord was certainly a go-to-guy for media types, but he hardly represented the majority of bigfoot enthusiasts.

I know you've been paying attention to Bigfootery for a very long time. It's my understanding that Beckjord began his Footin not unlike the majority then made a transition in beliefs and behavior so that he became a very odd minority. Isn't it true that for a time he was a "flesh/blood" believer who went looking pretty much like anyone else?

Did the media consistently seek him even after he was fully on the shapeshifter/paranormal Bigfoot? When he was on David Letterman, was he explaining that Bigfoot is a paranormal shapeshifter who could slip in and out of other dimensions?

 

[WGBH]

It is irrelevant WHICH person the media goes to for Bigfoot expertise. Anyone that they choose must be one of the following:

1. Lying
2. So emotionally attached to the subject that they rationalize useless bits of legend and fakery as 'evidence'
3. cookoo (i.e. Beckjord)

This post is irrelevant.

 

[Drewbot]

This post is irrelevant.

No it's not. Parcher asked this:

Meldrum and Keating were representing Bigfoot. Would you have preferred using different people to explain that Bigfoot is real?

I was merely pointing out, that whichever person they chose, he/she had to fit into one of these categories.

It is irrelevant WHICH person the media goes to for Bigfoot expertise. Anyone that they choose must be one of the following:

1. Lying
2. So emotionally attached to the subject that they rationalize useless bits of legend and fakery as 'evidence'
3. cookoo (i.e. Beckjord)

Which one would you rather they have picked John?

They chose 2, and you are not happy with it. So that leaves 1 or 3.

 

[kitakaze]

It is irrelevant WHICH person the media goes to for Bigfoot expertise. Anyone that they choose must be one of the following:

1. Lying
2. So emotionally attached to the subject that they rationalize useless bits of legend and fakery as 'evidence'
3. cookoo (i.e. Beckjord)

I don't think that is completely fair or accurate. Emotionally attached to the belief in Bigfoot? I can think of a lot of people in that category, but I wouldn't put Meldrum there. Keating? Maybe. I think he thinks he saw one and is just that kind of fortean slanted dude that will keep at it for 25+ years, start a group, and have conferences every year.

We all know Meldrum had the Bigfoot bug since he was wee, and that it sent him towards anthropology, but Meldrum is rationally convinced that Bigfoot exists. I disagree with the rationale, but I don't think it's a desire to believe over logic thing. Just a bad logic thing...

All those tracks can't be faked or misidentified?

Why not?

 

[kitakaze]

I know you've been paying attention to Bigfootery for a very long time. It's my understanding that Beckjord began his Footin not unlike the majority then made a transition in beliefs and behavior so that he became a very odd minority. Isn't it true that for a time he was a "flesh/blood" believer who went looking pretty much like anyone else?

Did the media consistently seek him even after he was fully on the shapeshifter/paranormal Bigfoot? When he was on David Letterman, was he explaining that Bigfoot is a paranormal shapeshifter who could slip in and out of other dimensions?

I'm pretty sure he was deep into Guanoland by the time he was on Letterman.

Man, I wish this was on youtube.

 

[William Parcher]

I may have answered my own question. It seems that in 1979, Beckjord was not talking to the media about Bigfoot being something other than flesh & blood. In this article he is John Beckford. But is has to be him. Was that a reporter error or did he actually give that name? Probably error from a phone interview without asking for exact spelling.

 

[kitakaze]

I may have answered my own question. It seems that in 1979, Beckjord was not talking to the media about Bigfoot being something other than flesh & blood. In this article he is John Beckford. But is has to be him. Was that a reporter error or did he actually give that name? Probably error from a phone interview without asking for exact spelling.

There's no doubt that was Beckjord. You're right, he didn't toot his crazy train there...

That approach appalls John Beckford of Seattle, another emphatic figure in the Bigfoot movement. "It might be a missing link," he says. "We may have a better chance communicating with this animal than with any other."

Note the importance he places on communicating with Bigfoot. This became a big thing for him. That reminds me of the similar emphasis that his wannabe, Burgstahler, places on communication with Bigfoot. Was Beckjord already off the deep end then and just playing nice for the interviewer? From the references that I've read, Beckjord was already paranormal guy when he went on Letterman.

 

[WGBH]

I was merely pointing out, that whichever person they chose, he/she had to fit into one of these categories.

And I am merely pointing out that your choices are bunk. Mean, Insulting and disrespectful.

 

[kitakaze]

And I am merely pointing out that your choices are bunk. Mean, Insulting and disrespectful.

I think that's fair. I mean, look at Scott Herriott on Anderson Cooper 360...



I think Scott did an excellent job at representing Bigfootery. He came off as neither koo koo, a liar, or an emotionally attached desperate woo. He was still bringing gobbledy-gook, but at least he did it well.

 

[WGBH]

I think that's fair. I mean, look at Scott Herriott on Anderson Cooper 360...



I think Scott did an excellent job at representing Bigfootery. He came off as neither koo koo, a liar, or an emotionally attached desperate woo. He was still bringing gobbledy-gook, but at least he did it well.

I saw that live and I agree.

 

[Drewbot]

I don't think that is completely fair or accurate. Emotionally attached to the belief in Bigfoot? I can think of a lot of people in that category, but I wouldn't put Meldrum there. Keating? Maybe. I think he thinks he saw one and is just that kind of fortean slanted dude that will keep at it for 25+ years, start a group, and have conferences every year.

We all know Meldrum had the Bigfoot bug since he was wee, and that it sent him towards anthropology, but Meldrum is rationally convinced that Bigfoot exists. I disagree with the rationale, but I don't think it's a desire to believe over logic thing. Just a bad logic thing...

All those tracks can't be faked or misidentified?

Why not?

I think Meldrum is smart enough to know the science doesn't support Bigfoot. I think he is emotionally attached to Bigfoot, and the attention/money he derives from it.

I also think that Scott, while being skeptical of much of Bigfootry, is emotionally attached to the subject of Bigfoot, I think he would be the first to admit that.

Both of the people you cite, fit in to my interpretation of the 2nd category. John said he wasn't happy with them choosing Keating, who also fits in category 2, so I asked which one he would rather have be on the show.

It is not insulting, the three categories I gave are representations of the three categories of Bigfooters that I have experienced. If you can find another category, please describe it.

 

[kitakaze]

It is not insulting, the three categories I gave are representations of the three categories of Bigfooters that I have experienced. If you can find another category, please describe it.

I know you weren't insulting John. I just know John and you and that John would take it as an insult, which wouldn't be unfair. I think Meldrum tries to come off Vulcan where Bigfoot is concerned but often ends up more Romulan in his references to skepticism. I think while grizzled, Krantz was more reasonable in that regard. He just really wanted to shoot Bigfoot. The category I would make for Meldrum is credulous based on faulty logic.

 

[WGBH]

I think Meldrum is smart enough to know the science doesn't support Bigfoot. I think he is emotionally attached to Bigfoot, and the attention/money he derives from it.

I also think that Scott, while being skeptical of much of Bigfootry, is emotionally attached to the subject of Bigfoot, I think he would be the first to admit that.

Both of the people you cite, fit in to my interpretation of the 2nd category. John said he wasn't happy with them choosing Keating, who also fits in category 2, so I asked which one he would rather have be on the show.

It is not insulting, the three categories I gave are representations of the three categories of Bigfooters that I have experienced. If you can find another category, please describe it.

I agree totally with the first two statements.

I never said I was unhappy with them choosing Keating. I said the entire segment was crap. Don probably did the best he could. I also said that Keating and Meldrum do not represent me.

I am sure when the segment of mysterious planet airs it will be open season on myself and some of my friends.

Drew it is insulting to some, it may not be meant that way. Exactly, you gave representations of what you have personally experienced. It does not represent everyone. I do not feel a need to categorize, knock yourself out.

Where would you list Monica on your 3 choices? What about me? Why don't you start a thread like that on one of the Bigfoot forums?

 

[Drewbot]

Where would you list Monica on your 3 choices? What about me? Why don't you start a thread like that on one of the Bigfoot forums?

No need for a thread. Monica is a #2, you are a number 2. I am emotionally attached to the SUBJECT of Bigfoot, not to the existence of the creature.

The category I would make for Meldrum is credulous based on faulty logic.

That is where we part ways, because I think he knows that the 'evidence' is crap, but he is playing to the crowd.

 

[WGBH]

No need for a thread. Monica is a #2, you are a number 2. I am emotionally attached to the SUBJECT of Bigfoot, not to the existence of the creature.
QUOTE]

I am emotionally attached in what way? There are several human emotions. If you mean anger, then yes. If you mean frustration, hell yes. If Bigfoot were discovered tomorrow, I could walk away from it with no problem whatsoever. I know, it's selfish right?

I could do without Bigfoot. The subject has never interested me from a scientific or zoological angle. You know a little about me Drew, you know I am more into the artistic topics such as music, writing and comic art. I was drawn into this not of my own choice.

Don't you know why there is the inside joke within the community about my being the World's Greatest Bigfoot Hunter (WGBH). It's because when I am out in the field, I am not hunting for anything. I am just enjoying my time in the wilderness and trying to learn and have fun. It is a bonus if I can be help to the investigations.

 

[kitakaze]

I could do without Bigfoot. The subject has never interested me from a scientific or zoological angle.

Me cry on inside.

 

[WGBH]