I look at the UFO Updates list when I’m in need of a chuckle. Not that most of the posters there are to laugh at. Many are sober, reasonable people. Folks I would be happy to hoist a beverage with at a local watering hole or get into a deep conversation about most anything. Some *are* folks that I’ve gotten into conversations with, in various places on the Internet.<\/p>\n
Others? To judge some people by their writing? Well; it’s to imagine them at some Zoo for frustrated UFOlogests. Behind stout bars of reason and logic they shake their fists uselessly at the world and fling brown malodorous chunks of fantasy and unreason at the passing patrons.<\/p>\n
For example.<\/p>\n
In a thread entitled; \u00c3\u201cUfology’s Internal War.”<\/p>\n
Eugene Frison writes, responding to a call from Robert Frola
\nfor all UFOlogests to stand together irregardless of their beliefs.<\/p>\n
I can’t agree with your closing sentence. Having differences of
\nopinion (but staying objective and using proper scientific
\nmethodologies) is one thing, but believing\/propagating unfounded
\nspeculation is another.<\/p>\nThe biggest obstacle this field has to making progress (whether
\nthat is understanding the nature of the UFO phenomenon or
\ngetting acceptance by the public, media, scientific community,
\netc.) is – to quote Richard Hall in a recent post – “the cancer
\nthat has invaded this field.”<\/p>\nTo stand united with this group is to ensure that Ufology continues to
\nbe ridiculed and on a path that could bring it to its doom. Only by
\nsomehow seperating disciplined Ufology from the foolishness – and having
\nthe public, media, and scientific community understand and recognize
\nthis seperation – does the field have any hope.<\/p>\nStanding collectively with the con men, frauds, psychotics,
\nwild-eyed believers, channellers, etc. that comprise a hugh part
\nof this field is the worst possible approach in attempting to
\nmake ufology accepted and successful.<\/p><\/blockquote>\nEd Gehrman replies;<\/p>\n
These different persuasions have one common factor:<\/p>\n
The ‘other’. Are there ‘other’ intelligent alien (outsider) life
\nforms in our vicinity?<\/p>\nWe – ufology – can disagree about particulars, but we might
\nagree that the ‘other’ exists. Then we might begin discussing
\nthe nature of the “other”.<\/p>\nAlso, as Eleanor suggested, why not make a list of the
\ndiscredited cases?<\/p><\/blockquote>\nWilliam Bolt responds.<\/p>\n
Eugene and List<\/p>\n
I agree with you completely, until the seriously dedicated
\nUfologist distant themselves from those who’s only interest in
\nthe field is for what profits and attention can be harvested
\nfrom people such as myself who can afford barely an occasional
\nbook or ticket to attend a local convention, Ufology will never
\nreceive the acceptance it deserves. I will support the real deal
\nUfologist and can spot those who are snake oil salesmen.<\/p>\nBut stand together you will because until a Stanton Friedman, a
\nNick Pope, Dr. Maccabee, I would even give a thumbs up to George
\nFiler if he produced a live Martian Wabbit (on a leash of
\ncourse) can lay hold of a craft or living gray or reptilian from
\nan off world planet and delivers it to the White house lawn for
\nthe world to see, main stream science and the media will
\ncontinual to roll their eyes whenever UFOs are mentioned.<\/p><\/blockquote>\nAlfred Lehmberg… flings.<\/p>\n
Let me just close with a bunch of ebullient raspberries, and
\nrude gestures. You’ve mistaken the problem, don’t have a
\nsolution, and are no adept at prophesy. Take your ball and just
\ngo home. Everything you’ve said has been said before and
\ndiscounted. Ironically, I suspect, _you’re_ the chronic
\nintellectual cancer of metaphor endured since 1947, Sir. You
\nare, decidedly, not the cure, and your tedious ethic has not
\nmoved us a centimeter in 50 years.<\/p>\nMy best, and all respect, to Mr. Hall, who may yet be part of
\nthe conjectured ‘cure’ and who has paid abundant dues for same,
\nregardless. He’s produced the single work that is _all_ the
\nexcuse Mr. Frison’s mythic science mainstream would need to
\nbegin a passionate investigation of UFOs… yet that
\ninvestigation is _not_ forthcoming. Woo-woos are thoughtless
\nexcuse… they are, in no way, the reason.<\/p><\/blockquote>\nThe entire thread can be viewed at http:\/\/www.virtuallystrange.net\/ufo\/updates\/<\/a>
\n..As usual it’s not necessary to comment. : )<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"I look at the UFO Updates list when I’m in need of a chuckle. Not that most of the posters there are to laugh at. Many are sober, reasonable people. Folks I would be happy to hoist a beverage with … Continue reading