Eyes That Deceive
For years we watched Ed McMahon on TV tell us to enter the Publishing House Sweepstakes. We looked at the screen; we saw him. We listened to his voice; we heard him. Well, no. We didn't.
Ed McMahon never worked for Publishers Clearing House. However, he was a spokesman for American Family Publishers. McMahon never went out and ambushed winning families; he never handed them a giant check.
You see, our eyes can deceive us. We look at something and we know what it is. But do we?
It's the same thing with photos and videos we see on the internet or on Facebook. We take a look and we blurt out "FAKE", "REAL", "STUMP", "BEAR" and on and on. But do we really know?
No, we don't. Not without more investigation into the item in question. All we have is our opinions, our conjectures, our assumptions. We were not there. We did not witness the encounter. So how can we know it for a fact?
Yes, some things appear to be easy to guess on. Sometimes the clarity of a photo seems very self-explanatory. But yet, it still is not a "sure thing".
So, what should we do? Asking questions is always a good start. First, do you know the person who is sharing the post? Is it their post or a friend [ or a friend of a friend]? When was the subject caught on film? Is it new? Is it recent? Where exactly was the encounter? [If the witness is willing or able to share.] Are there before and/or after photos?
If the witness is willing to talk to you, get more details. Time of day, weather conditions, other witnesses, etc.
If possible, visit the location yourself. Or if you have a trusted fellow researcher near by, have them visit the location.
Interview, follow-up. Interview, follow-up. Gather as much information as you can. Only then can you start to make an educated decision on what is in that photo or video. The only way to make certain is to do the research; look for more information.
This is especially true if you are feeling that the "evidence" presented is false. Just as it is demanded from those presenting their evidence that they "prove" it is real to you, you are just as required to "prove" it false.
Anyone can claim it's a costume, a mask, a person in a suit, a cutout. And they may be correct. It may seem obvious to you. But without definitive proof [such as proof of purchase of a suit, or a photo of the same area showing the cutout in place], it remains your opinion. And your opinion only. Just as their declaration that the photo is that of a bigfoot or a dogman is their opinion, their explanation for their experience.
When you finally begin to understand that things posted and comments made are ONLY your opinion, your supposition, your theory, your feelings, your viewpoint -- ONLY conjectures -- NOT FACTS - NOT TRUTH -- NOT THE HOLY GRAIL OF BIGFOOT -- can we begin to really start to share information and get along. Name calling, belittling people, putting other peoples' methods of research or opinions down, all of this is the negativity that destroys this "community".
Nancy
This Post By TCC Team Member Nancy Marietta. Nancy has had a lifelong interest in the paranormal and cryptids. Nancy is also a published author and her book, The Price of war, has been met with great reviews.
[Please Note: Sadly Nancy passed away at the first of January, 2022. We will continue to honor her and her research by sharing her work. RIP Nancy. -Thomas]
