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I agree many online communities can be described this way. it's certainly true of open source software development communities. But if we look at bigfootforums.com as a 'brand' that people hold a certain impression toward, we can look at the site's direct competitors for members -- say, r/bigfoot -- and see if ChatGPT gives us the same or similar description of that online community (prompt and response pasted below). Of course, this is ChatGPT and its pulling mainly from reddit for its response; there's certainly bias here -- actually, it reads like an advertisement for r/bigfoot. I'm not saying one brand's impression is better than another. Brands (including online communities) should be positioned differently to stand out as unique and attract certain customers or members (e.g., Ford vs Toyota vs Tesla). Go to X if you want this kind of experience; go to Y if you want that kind of experience. I guess my point is that bigfootforums can fix stuff internally (server crashes, search capabilities) but the external image might also need to be considered. This would depend on what image BFF wants to have among its competitors... and what kinds of members it wants to attract and retain. "Come to BFF if you want some good ole American in-your-face confrontation and arrogance. Go to r/bigfoot if you want European civility and kindness... and then kindly **** off." That's just as an example of course. Back in my marketing research days there was a story about Coca-Cola many people would paraphrase. It went something like, "The CEO of Coke once said that you can take away all of the company's facilities, equipment, people, and other assets. Just leave me the brand name and I'll be just fine." ------------------------ ChatGPT on r/bigfoot Prompt: Can you give me a description on current attitudes and perceptions people hold toward the r/bigfoot subreddit as an online community? Response: The r/bigfoot subreddit is a vibrant and inclusive online community dedicated to discussions about Bigfoot and related phenomena. Established in December 2009, the subreddit has grown to become one of the most active platforms for Bigfoot enthusiasts, researchers, and skeptics alike. Community Atmosphere and User Experiences Members of r/bigfoot appreciate the community's openness to a wide range of perspectives. The subreddit encourages civil discourse, allowing both believers and skeptics to share their views. A recent post highlights this inclusive environment, stating: "Believers and skeptics alike are welcome here, and friendly discussion is highly encouraged." reddit.com This approach fosters a respectful and engaging atmosphere where users can discuss various aspects of Bigfoot lore and research. Moderation and Governance The subreddit maintains a clear set of rules to ensure constructive discussions. The primary rule emphasizes civility:reddit.com "Please keep all discussion civil. First infraction you will get a warning. Another incident will result in a ban." reddit.com This policy helps maintain a welcoming environment for both new and long-standing members. Content and Discussions r/bigfoot hosts a diverse array of content, including personal encounter stories, analysis of audio and video evidence, discussions on folklore, and debates on the authenticity of various claims. For instance, users often engage in critical evaluations of purported Bigfoot sightings, discussing factors that may contribute to misidentification. One user questioned the tendency to label certain evidence as fake, prompting a thoughtful discussion on the criteria used to assess authenticity. lirias.kuleuven.be+1reddit.com+1reddit.com Additionally, the subreddit features lighter content, such as Bigfoot-themed art and humor, contributing to a well-rounded community experience. Overall Perception Overall, r/bigfoot is perceived as a supportive and engaging community that balances open-mindedness with critical analysis. Its inclusive nature and emphasis on respectful dialogue make it a valuable space for anyone interested in exploring the mysteries surrounding Bigfoot.

Startling Bigfoot Sighting Now Reported In A Small Wisconsin City Duluth Country RadioView the full article

Startling Bigfoot Sighting Now Reported In A Small Wisconsin City 106.9 KROCView the full article

Seems to me that this can describe the majority of online forum I've tried to participate in. Indeed, it accurately describes the aura of publicly attended forums as well. American interaction is just competitive, confrontational, and tends to be dominated by the narcissists in the room.

First things first initiate a TDS (Troll Derangement Syndrome) program available to all members, for some it would be a requirement. Then move on from there, carry on!

Searching for Sasquatch : Georgia museum dedicated to all things Bigfoot WJCLView the full article

Originally released: 2/23/24Harold Benny is a very interesting individual. He's an Illinois based zoologist that also researches Bigfoot. What happened to him and his fellow researchers in Honobia, Oklahoma after the Siege at Honobia events of 2000 is an extremely interesting tale. What also is interesting is the event that happened to him in Mena, Arkansas. It's one he can't explain and that I most definitely can't explain either. Enjoy this interview. There's a lot to unpack from it. Resources:The Locals by Thom Powell: https://amzn.to/3SJ2KSO (Amazon affiliate link) The Siege of Honobia events documented on the BFRO: https://www.bfro.net/avevid/ouachita/siege-at-honobia.asp Harold's interview in Illinois Country Living Magazine: https://icl.coop/brushes-with-bigfoot/ Harold Benny's contact info: Hebenn@gmail.com 217-851-1511 https://www.facebook.com/harold.benny.71 If you've had similar encounters or experiences, please reach out to bigfootsociety@gmail.com. Your story could be the next one we feature! 🔴 Subscribe to our Youtube channel and leave a comment here: https://www.youtube.com/@BigfootSociety?sub_confirmation=1 Want to call in and leave a voicemail of your encounters for the podcast - Check this out here - https://www.speakpipe.com/bigfootsociety (Use multiple voice mails if needed!) Share this video with a friend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5v75Od-X38 Watch more episodes of the Bigfoot Society podcast here – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3t1vwtsKh-MGeHs0XglFJE5LwUHpmJm_&feature=shared Recommended Playlist – New Jersey Bigfoot Encounters - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3t1vwtsKh-Mk4032IyZtWgP6LVPU8uat ✅ Help me help others share their Bigfoot Encounter by joining the community on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thebigfootsociety ✅ Hear ad-free episodes early by joining the community on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Qq45W6iaTU8FE9kelxT7Q/join Let’s connect: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/bigfootsociety/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/bigfoot_society Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bigfoot.society Affiliate links mean I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel at no additional cost to you. My Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3L1q8XY Put some pep in my step by buying me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bigfootsociety Pick up some merch here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/bigfootsociety/?etsrc=sdt Send mail here: Bigfoot Society 125 E 1st St. #233 Earlham, IA 50072 Send business inquiries to: bigfootsociety@gmail.comListen to the Podcast

In a previous life I worked in market research, mainly conducting attitude surveys regarding brand names in various product/service categories. So when I think about changing interest levels in bigfootforums.com, I wonder about the site's brand image. In the absence of a full-blown marketing study, I just asked ChatGPT to tell me. (response pasted below, screenshot attached). Looks like there *might* be a few issues that deter new members from joining and/or sticking around. It's helpful to keep in mind that if a new (or even a long-time) member feels slighted here, they could go over to Reddit and bad-mouth bigfootforums.com. -- that one slighted member has turned off possibly hundreds of prospective members. ------------------------- ChatGPT prompt & response Prompt: Can you give me a description on current attitudes and perceptions people hold toward bigfootforums.com as an online community? Response: As of mid-2025, BigfootForums.com appears to be inactive or offline, with users reporting difficulties accessing the site since mid-2024. reddit.com Community Atmosphere and User Experiences Historically, the forum was known for its stringent registration process, requiring new members to post an introduction and limiting them to one post per day until reaching a certain threshold. This approach, while intended to deter trolls, was often described as convoluted and discouraging for newcomers. Long-time participants observed that the forum tended to be dominated by a small group of regulars who were often skeptical of outsiders. This led to perceptions of the community being grumpy, combative, and resistant to differing viewpoints. Moderation and Governance The forum's moderation was perceived as heavy-handed by some users. There were instances of users being banned without clear explanations, leading to frustration and, in one case, a user threatening legal action over their banning. thelaw.com Content and Discussions Despite these challenges, the forum hosted in-depth discussions on various Bigfoot-related topics, such as audio recordings and field studies. However, the overall tone of the community may not have been conducive to open and inclusive dialogue. Current Status Given the reported inaccessibility of the site since mid-2024, it is unclear whether BigfootForums.com will resume operations. For those seeking alternative platforms to discuss Bigfoot and related phenomena, communities like the r/bigfoot subreddit may offer a more inclusive environment.

We need more information.

I think with a lot of forums, a big issues is new people coming in and rehashing the same topics over and over again. And I get it, this is an extremely slow moving field. We’re not getting breaking new information every day. But every now and again someone sees something or hears something that’s new to them and they want to talk about it. Unfortunately, it’s something that was a major thing years ago and everyone is tired of it. I’ve mostly been a Reddit person, but it’s the same there. Just repeats of look at my Bigfoot hat, did Bigfoot pile these rocks together, random troll post, etc. Another issue is everyone has a different area of interest surrounding the topic. And everyone has their own theories. 90% of people I’ve come across are absolutely unwilling to hear thoughts that are outside of their belief on the phenomenon. Flesh and blood biology believers scoff at the woo woo therorists. Woo woo theorists reply that the uneducated bio creature person will eventually learn. So, for many, these clashes create an environment where many aren’t comfortable discussing the topic, even with those here who ultimately have the same agenda. I think I’ve gone off on too many tangents, but it seems this forum goes through the same swings and pains that others do. It’s nothing strange or new.

Nat Geo's Mireya Mayor Shuts Down New Viral Bigfoot Video TMZView the full article

Shocking video claims to capture Bigfoot lurking in Colorado woods Daily MailView the full article

Shocking video claims to capture Bigfoot lurking in Colorado woods Daily MailView the full article

Totally agree about monetization; "I want my 15 minutes, at least." It's people's right to do, but in general, I am not convinced it's really helping the cause.

Portland museum presents Sasquatch through Indigenous cultural lens Here is OregonView the full article

Portland museum presents Sasquatch through Indigenous cultural lens OregonLive.comView the full article

Portland museum presents Sasquatch through Indigenous cultural lens OregonLive.comView the full article

Tonight’s guest, Celena Garrett Dunn, used to roll her eyes at anyone she heard claim they had seen a Sasquatch. She though the idea that Sasquatch could actually be out there was ridiculous. She experienced a huge paradigm shift early one morning, however, when she went to serve court documents to a defendant who lived just outside of Piedmont, Alabama. What happened to her that morning was so profound, you could say it changed the course of her life. Now, she produces a Sasquatch-themed podcast, called Southern Belle Bigfoot, and can’t get enough of the topic. We hope you’ll tune in and listen to Celena break down what happened that morning. If you’d like to check out Celena’s Bigfoot podcasts, called “Southern Belle Bigfoot” and “In My Opinion,” which we hope you will, please visit… https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQjizOd_UZWgdNEEq5PkYvw If you’ve had a Bigfoot encounter that you’d like to share on Celena’s podcast, Southern Belle Bigfoot, please send your email to… CwlenaGarrett@gmail.com You can also contact her via her Facebook page, by going to… https://www.facebook.com/celena.hicks.9/about If you’ve had a Bigfoot sighting and would like to be a guest on the show, please go to BigfootEyewitness.com and let me know. If you’d like to help support the show, by buying your own Bigfoot Eyewitness t-shirt or sweatshirt, please visit the Bigfoot Eyewitness Show Store, by going to https://Dogman-Encounters.MyShopify.com I produce 4 other shows that are available on your favorite podcast app. If you haven't checked them out, here are links to all 4 channels on the Spreaker App... Dogman Tales https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dogman-tales--6640134 My Bigfoot Sighting https://www.spreaker.com/show/my-bigfoot-sighting Dogman Encounters https://www.spreaker.com/show/dogman-encounters-radio_2 My Paranormal Experience https://www.spreaker.com/show/my-paranormal-experience Thanks, as always, for listening! Listen to the Podcast

I watch this series. I was really disappointed that she didn't fully sequence the sample. Within Bigfootdom we all know that Sasquatch DNA is very close to our own. Which is probably why its so tough to parse out what is what and why many samples are thrown out as “contamination”. I will have to be patient.

For me? The problem with new members is that many of them are trolls. You never know if they are asking a question in good faith, or are setting up a gotcha moment. So I would say I have become somewhat jaded with new members unfortunately. Back to the forum in general. I do not possess the tech saavy to run this forum. But as long as Gigantor sticks around for the tech stuff? I pledge to keep the lights on one way or another. Just like the jet boating forum Mean Chicken, this forum is a repository of knowledge that I do not want to see extinguished.

The Search For Bigfoot In PA: 30,000 Expected For Event PatchView the full article

This peer-reviewed paper was first published by Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum in 2007 in the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Bulletin 42. While often referenced in The Bigfoot Forums, I do not see a complete copy anywhere. I have been advised that the Forums have Dr. Meldrum's permission to post his academic writings here. I reached out to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Bulletin staff about publishing this extract from their bulletin in the Forums; they have not responded. Ichnotaxonomy of Hominoid Tracks - Dr Jeff Meldurm 2007.pdf

In this gripping episode of the Bigfoot Society podcast, Brent Joines, a passionate musician and adventurer, shares a series of strange and unexplained encounters during his travels. From mysterious footprints in Corpus Christi, Texas, to life-altering experiences in Yellowstone National Park, Brent recounts the events that left him both terrified and fascinated. Facing immense personal challenges, these paranormal encounters, particularly a memorable one in Yellowstone in 2011, helped Brent find new purpose and strength. Join us as Brent delves into his profound experiences, reflecting on how they've changed his life forever. This emotional journey is not to be missed! Resources: Help is available no matter what you are going through. https://988lifeline.org Brent's music "The Wild Whimpers" - https://soundcloud.com/thewildwhimpers If you've had similar encounters or experiences, please reach out to bigfootsociety@gmail.com. Your story could be the next one we feature! 🔴 Subscribe to our Youtube channel and leave a comment here: https://www.youtube.com/@BigfootSociety?sub_confirmation=1 Want to call in and leave a voicemail of your encounters for the podcast - Check this out here - https://www.speakpipe.com/bigfootsociety (Use multiple voice mails if needed!) Share this video with a friend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5v75Od-X38 Watch more episodes of the Bigfoot Society podcast here – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3t1vwtsKh-MGeHs0XglFJE5LwUHpmJm_&feature=shared Recommended Playlist – New Jersey Bigfoot Encounters - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3t1vwtsKh-Mk4032IyZtWgP6LVPU8uat ✅ Help me help others share their Bigfoot Encounter by joining the community on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thebigfootsociety ✅ Hear ad-free episodes early by joining the community on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Qq45W6iaTU8FE9kelxT7Q/join Let’s connect: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/bigfootsociety/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/bigfoot_society Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bigfoot.society Affiliate links mean I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel at no additional cost to you. My Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3L1q8XY Put some pep in my step by buying me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bigfootsociety Pick up some merch here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/bigfootsociety/?etsrc=sdt Send mail here: Bigfoot Society 125 E 1st St. #233 Earlham, IA 50072 Send business inquiries to: bigfootsociety@gmail.comListen to the Podcast

Hello BFF. I'm Robert from Oregon, I am joining to do a little research. I hope to learn a few thing that will help in the field.

I just don't have anything to contribute. My opinion of Sasquatches has evolved from catch one to leave them alone, but that's just me. Others can chase them to their hearts content, because I'm pretty confident that the Sasquatches will make the monkey out of the chaser. I have a lot of interest in the SSR as a curiosity resource (like the BFRO), and I have great interest in the promise of DNA research. The recent posts about the Expedition Bigfoot blood DNA has piqued my interest, but I don't watch the shows themselves. I wait for somebody to get excited about something, then look into it. I was an early participant of BFF 1.0. The characteristics of forum posters hasn't changed much since the 1990's with the exception of real scientists lurking and even participating at low levels. This is huge, and I'm encouraged because of it. The rest is the same; lots of new participants are hecklers, some just have a passing interest, and few have the patience to learn anything new. That's just life. I don't expect much more. It's hard for me to believe that these creatures aren't in danger of impending extinction with the huge increase in human population in their critical range and the shrinking amount of good trace evidence popping up. More good evidence will increase forum participation. Less good evidence will cause less forum interest, even among folks who know that these creatures are out there.