There is apparently much chatter as of late (on various blogs, and podcasts - the usual suspects) about a UFO researcher, and claims that he made up phony academic credentials. In the grand scheme of things (even "ufological" things), it is really much ado about nothing. But people these days love to talk about personalities, because it's the great leveler - you don't need a degree, or any qualifications whatsoever, to gossip, or attack people, or pile on. You barely need a pulse.
Meanwhile, I decided to "get away from it all" this weekend, and took a trip to Prince Edward Island with an old and dear friend.
Some things matter... and some things don't.
Did the UFO researcher currently under fire fake his credentials? It seems like he did.
Does it make much of a difference? No, not really, other than to him and those who worked with him.
What of any significance is left to discuss, once the lie has been exposed? Nothing.
Will it help solve the UFO enigma? Absolutely not. It's a sideshow.
It's all about having your priorities in order, folks.
Paul Kimball
8 comments:
Absolutely yup. I still like his ideas, but alas, no one will pay attention anymore and that's the worst part and all his fault.
On a positive note, it looks like you had a great time!
I agree with bouuth of you. For me it's sad that he lied (if he did of course) , but it doesn't change anything for me as far as the mystery is concerned. I think people just like a scandal, and as I said recently, I'm personally done with the issue. Because whether or not he lied isn't going to sole the enigma of the UFOs. Also I hope you had a fun trip!
At the moment charges have been made, but whether or not they are true remains to be established.
Are these matters important? From this scientist's personal perspective, such issues are quite significant.
I trust my colleagues to provide a truthful account of their data and observations. Should I discover that I cannot rely on them to be accurate regarding simple and easily-verifiable information, I will be reluctant to believe anything else they say.
Greg hit it square, unless the accusations are refuted the researcher in question will be effectively discredited. Sadly, along with his reputation, any insights and important observations may be lost as well.
I sincerely hope definitive documentation for academic credentials will be forthcoming soon.
Tyler Kokjohn
Tyler,
You work in a structured, professional environment. "Ufology" is the Wild West - buyer beware at all times. There is a fundamental difference - always has been, and there always will be.
I suppose the broader principle of always verifying someone's credentials is of some significance, to a point, but this is a lesson demonstrated repeatedly over the years. This latest brouhaha is just the most current manifestation. And once the lies have been exposed - as they have been - then it's just a footnote, and people should move on.
It does absolutely nothing to get at the heart of the various paranormal mysteries that are out there, and it does nothing to advance the human condition, by even the smallest iota of movement. Nothing at all.
Best regards,
Paul
Well Paul, despite the odd difference in perspective, I've enjoyed your blog and your thoughts on all this ephemeral nonsense.
I consider you as one of the good guys and there aren't many of them. If 'time-out' is called for, it's probably the right thing to do.
Take it easy fella. :)
Esoterica is a playground with no fence.
Cheers, all the best from Australia, Brent
Well, I think it does make a difference. Those who follow the paranormal subject, and try to take any of it even a tiny bit seriously, do so based largely on the testimony of others.
This 'researcher' has published a number of books on the paranormal which were presented as being non-fiction.
I think it's safe to assume now that everything he ever wrote on the topic was complete fiction at this point.
If there are no standards of ethics, and it's considered 'no big deal' for people to simply write complete fiction and publish it as 'true stories of the paranormal', there is left little hope of learning anything more about this topic.
His behavior tarnishes the entire field of 'researchers' who claim to publish non-fiction books on these topics.
Were I a true skeptic, I would argue that his sets a precedent that one should simply assume all paranormal 'researchers' who publish on the topic are likewise liars and con artists.
Personally, I bought a couple of books by this 'researcher' and I thought they sounded like a load of nonsense.
Now I know for sure that's what they were.
John W. Ratcliff
Agree Paul, all good points. Absolutely.
Post a Comment