Tom Yamarone Weighs in on the Ohio Conference

This article is definitely worth the read, http://www.bigfootsongs.com/

Tom Yamarone gives his take on the Ohio Conference. Check it out !!

2010 Ohio Conference

I am sitting here this morning, listening to the rain drops fall, and thinking "This time last week, Wayne and I were loading up our vehicle and heading for the Ohio Conference."

Has it been a week, already?

I was going to give a full review of all the speakers, but I think everyone knows how I feel about the time and effort put into this research by Dr. Meldrum, Larry Lund, Tom Yamarone and the rest of the fantastic speakers..

Meeting Bob Gimlin was a specific pleasure for me. Not many know this, but I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Gimlin a couple years back.

Some memories we want to keep to ourselves.

I will say this, it's very easy to sell yourself as a credible, or even likable, person over the internet or phone - but if you are a scoundrel, it's very difficult to not show that in person.

Bob Gimlin approached myself and Wayne - and gave me a big hug (ignoring his arm in a sling) and began to talk to me as if we were old friends. You can't fake that kind of genuine attitude. Bob is much smaller in person than I had imagined - but don't let that fool you, this is a man of substance and a tremendous amount of strength. One would almost have to be, to endure the kind of lifetime harassment this man has had to endure, and he doesn't look any worse for the wear.

I was impressed with Mr. Gimlin's open attitude, and desire to meet everyone and answer every question they might have for him.

In my "professional life" I have heard many stories,

I have listened to many who have tried to convince me their account of what happened, is the truth. But never, in all my life have I heard someone speak with such conviction and desire, as Mr. Bob Gimlin. It's almost as if he wants to make his story, belong to each and every one of us.

Do I believe Mr. Gimlin because he is a good person?

No. I have called many good people liars. I believe Mr. Gimlin due to the simple fact that he does not hide from questions and his story has not changed. I didn't even have to question him. All I did was stand back, and let others do the asking. His story and his answers were the same.

Do you know how very difficult it is to tell a lie with details, for 40+ years, and not change any of those details?

Most can not do it. Most can't make it a year.

I give high marks to Mr. Gimlin for accepting the invitation to come to Ohio, and placing himself directly in the line of fire, yet again, and causing many skeptics at the conference to openly admit, they need to re-think their comments and attitude toward Mr. Gimlin and his account of what happened on that day in Bluff Creek California.

Can you imagine seeing something that is not supposed to exist, capturing it on film, then being publicly berated for 40+ year? I wouldn't wish that on anyone, but if it had to happen, I am glad it happened to someone with the guts to defend them self and their account.

Most will not talk about their sighting. Wonder why?

I would also like to thank Don Keating for a fantastic weekend, along with Joyce (whom I did not get to meet unfortunately), Tom Yamarone and everyone who made this possible.

Little did Don Keating know, but this conference turned into a happy reunion for myself, Monica, Jerry and Craig of the TBRC. I wish more of my friends with the TBRC could have attended, but know I miss you all - and hope to see you again soon. Mike, no excuses next year, bring the family and make it a vacation!!

If you have been involved in this research for more than a couple years,

Conferences turn into something more than "information". They turn into reunions with old friends. You make new friends, and talk about how much fun you had on your various "pages" . You look forward to the next conference - so you can reunite with those old friends, make new friends and create more fun memories to discuss for another year.

Lets face it,

At the end of the day, we are all people. We all make connections, and we all enjoy life outside of stalking in the woods for a big hairy monkey. There should always be something more to life - and unless you are devoid of all emotion, regardless of your pursuits, you will meet people along the way that influence or touch your life. Never turn away the chance of a new friendship, or even an old one that may have gone wrong.

To those I met for the first time during this conference, thank you for introducing yourselves and, thank you for taking the time to get to know me, and allowing me to know you.

I look forward to many conferences in the future - and I hope all of my old friends are there, along with new friends I make along the way :)

Putting Talk into Action

Press Release April 26, 2010


Bigfoot/Sasquatch Research taken to a new level

This past week (April 18-April 25, 2010) history was made in Bigfoot/Sasquatch research. For the first time ever, five (5) separate Bigfoot Research groups in the east combined efforts for the first ever multi-group Bigfoot expedition in Spotsylvania County, VA. The research groups consisted of Sasquatch Watch of Virginia, The American Bigfoot Society, Squatch Inc, the Northeast Sasquatch Research Association and the Pennsylvania Bigfoot Society. The expedition took place on over 2,000-acres of private land. There were over 30 participants from 10 states at the event.

This expedition was scheduled due to a previous, actual Bigfoot sighting on the property back in May of 2009. Since then, several strange vocalizations, strange, large footprints and mysterious game camera photos have surfaced. All of these occurrences urged Billy Willard, director of Sasquatch Watch of Virginia and Melissa Hovey, president of the American Bigfoot Society, to organize the first ever multi-group expedition. All of those participating tried new ideas of research and the cooperation between the groups was remarkable!

During the expedition strange vocalizations were heard, a subject was filmed in night vision video, and one participant had a strange encounter with something hitting his Jeep during the night. A possible footprint impression was discovered behind the Jeep after the incident and the print was casted. All collected evidence will be analyzed over the next few weeks.

Although the mystery of Bigfoot/Sasquatch was not solved, there was a major accomplishment with this event. For the first time, multiple groups came together for one cause, without the usual in-fighting found in a lot of the Bigfoot research groups. Everyone cooperated, had a great time and looks forward to repeating an event of this scale again soon.

Honorable Mention?

A week ago, I was in the woods of Virginia, doing what I enjoy doing the most... Doing my level best to get an alleged 8-10 foot undocumented North American primate on film. Being in the field is a welcome break from the sometimes utter ridiculousness I find on the internet pertaining to this work.

I, along with my fiance and about 30 other researchers put to use various ideas, and when not in active "night op" mode, we sat around a campfire, talked and had a good time getting to know each other - many of us had never met before, other than the occasional internet discussion. During this expedition there were 5 different groups, 30+ people, from 10 different states - and it was 7 days I wish everyone in this field of research could have shared in.

For all the talk about sharing information and ideas,

This expedition actually put that in use. Everyone was listened to, everyone brought up new ideas and put them to use. We all discussed new methods, and our reasoning behind those methods. We all discussed research in our own areas, what has worked, and what has not.

It was during one of these campfire discussions I was told,

I had received an "Honorable Mention" for some award that was posted on a blog site called "The Bigfootery Enquirer". I heard about this blog a long time ago, looked at it, and found the very same hypocrisy and back biting the "Bigfootery Enquirer" (discusses and shames) to be rampant within that anonymous blog.

I personally think they are smart for keeping their identities a secret - they have insulted more people than I have even considered.

So, I went to look for this "so-called honorable mention", and found it, in a "Press Release" posted on the "Bigfootery Enquirer". This is the interesting part. I googled "Clean-Up Bigfooting Awards" - guess what? There is no listing for a First Annual. I found that odd since the press release states this is the "Second Annual".

Here is another question? Who is "The Bigfooters Against Lying, Deception, Hoaxing, Intimidation, Cults and Klans"???? An extensive internet search turned up a big fat zero...

Is this an award given out by the Bigfootery Enquirer????

No, can't be - why would they try and toot their own horn in way that caused them to criticize other blogs and websites? I would be shocked to discover they were patting themselves on the back, making up a fictitious group and giving themselves an award.

People ask me all the time, "What do you think of the Bigfootery Enquirer"?

My honest answer:

Nothing more than yet one more group of disgruntled people involved in this research, who have most likely lived through the kind of bashing and internet harassment, they now generously dish out to others. The "Bigfootery Enquirer" discusses ethics, yet they seem to enjoy the sandbox just as much as the rest of us - only they play in that sandbox quite a bit more than the rest of us, and do their dirty work under the cover of anonymity. At least when I call up a sh*t storm, I have the guts to put my name on it.

I say "them" and "people" because the Bigfootery Enquirer is not just the work of one person - you have to be stupid to not know that.

What I find really interesting about this "Bigfootery Enquirer" is they bash people like Don Keating for being harsh and abrasive - and I am sure they are doing it with a straight face. Meanwhile they are saying some of the most abrasive things about people I have ever read. I found this quote (from their most recent article) interesting to say the least:

"In a true double insult to injury, our idea to charge a package price for the “guided tour” has been stolen and people can expect to part with 5$, or $20/car, to have the privilege of visiting a free state park. That sounds like someone is setting themself up as an outfitter/guide and we are curious about licensing and other arrangements Ohio may have on such arrangements on public lands. Expect some investigation and possible inquiries to the proper officials in Ohio from one of the BFE’s crack stringers."

So, the writers at "The Bigfootery Enquirer" encouraged and even offered the idea. Now that it looks like Mr. Keating will go with the idea (although this has not yet been confirmed) those associated with "The Bigfootery Enquirer" are trashing Mr. Keating for considering it? Note the use of the words "Our idea" in the first sentence. If these people associated with "The Bigfootery Enquirer" knew this could be a potential problem, maybe they should have brought that up along with their idea.

In my case they posted an article about me - over drama that happened, and NEVER even had the guts to contact me, to ask my side of the story. They took the most juicy tidbits and ran with it.

So, while they say they care about the truth,

They don't. Not at all. If they did, I would have received an email. Was I upset about the article? Heck no. They didn't do anything but re-post lies that had already been posted, in an attempt to make a name for the "Bigfootery Enquirer". Seems they pay more attention to Biscardi tactics than they care to admit -- "Sensational Sells"!!

How does that make these people associated with the "Bigfootery Enquirer" any different than those they bash? It doesn't. It does, however, make them worse.

I have always given people the benefit of the doubt.

I email or call people to ask for their side of the story - long before printing anything that could be considered hurtful or explosive. People have the right to self defense, and I allow them that if they want the opportunity. I emailed the "Bigfootery Enquirer" to correct some of their mistakes in the article written about myself - and never heard a word in response. How is that for "seekers of truth"? I have heard similar comments by many others who have called or emailed me, who have been "profiled" on their trashy blog.

If your looking for gossip, or trash talk, the "Bigfootery Enquirer" may be for you. They discuss nothing of any work they may be doing in the field. Instead they focus on "bathroom wall" writings to bring their brand of truth to the masses.

How does that help the field of Bigfoot Research?

Have they discussed anything to do with the bad research by the Michigan Group? No, they steered clear of that, and even went so far as to bash those who did look into the claims of the Michigan group. Wonder why that is? Do they demand answers or the truth of the so called work being performed by MK Davis? Nope. The "Bigfootery Enquirer" gets a big fat ZERO for their in depth denial of that debacle - instead choosing to report on what really matters... The private lives of others and their obvious hatred of anyone they think has a name in this field of research.

Their own "5 levels of Bigfoot Researchers" should be a clear indication of their level of "self importance". I guess they feel their opinion is the only opinion that should matter.

Do I care about awards? Nope. Not one bit. Do I care about whether I have a name in this research? Nope - check out how often I post on my own blog and make that decision for yourself. Do I care what gossip mongers and hateful people say about me? Not really.

I am involved for reasons that are obviously very different than those involved with the "Bigfootery Enquirer". I will continue to get into the field. I will continue to do what I think is right. I will continue to discuss relevant issues in this field of research on this blog.

Here is some food for thought. Those associated with the "Bigfootery Enquirer" state they have been involved with this research for at least 10 years!! I have been involved for 5. I consider their silence up until 2 years ago to be part of the problem, they now say they want to expose.

Now you care?? Where the hell were you?? If you have been involved for 10 years or more (combined or not between all of you), then decide there are problems - you are part of the problem.

I will continue to laugh and enjoy the hypocrisy,

But, lets all stop pretending anyone with the "Bigfootery Enquirer" is doing any of us a favor -- they had 10 years to step up, and face planted in the pile of cow poo they watched grow and grow.

What do I think of the "Bigfootery Enquirer"?

I wouldn't line a litter box with the precious paper it would take to print that trash rag. When anyone associated with the "Bigfootery Enquirer" does anything to help improve relations within this field - then I might start to care what they say about me, or anyone else.

Those associated with the "Bigfootery Enquirer" had an opportunity to hold themselves up to the standard they created - they could go after the truth and be un-biased. They have chosen not to. By their own hand they turned a golden opportunity into more trash. Are there not enough hateful people involved in this field of research?

It takes no real brain power to be a gossip or hateful.

*In the interest of full disclosure*

I did not contact anyone associated with the Bigfootery Enquirer for a comment on this article. Why? Past emails have gone unanswered, and if they will not provide this courtesy to others, why should I go out of my way?

Answer: I won't.