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This is a Bigfoot discussion board. JohnC, you're entitled to your opinion. However, it's not a "Discuss evidence in the manner that meets JohnC's approval" board. Do you seriously expect everyone to tow the line you feel is appropriate? Our membership is quite diverse, from hardcore skeptics to people that believe that Bigfoot is living in their doghouse. Also, we are not a research forum, we're a Bigfoot discussion board. Read the forum rules and you'll see that stated right upfront. I appreciate your suggestion that we consider the direction we're heading in, but what you fail to understand is that we cannot discern what is truth or hoax, nor can we limit the right of those that bother you just because you don't like it. That's not discussion, that's a limitation of our membership's point of view. We merely provide a place for discussion. It's the membership that that reads the claims, weighs the evidence and determines what to believe or if its truth or hoax. Our role is to provide an avenue for those interested in Bigfoot to share what they wish. If they choose to share the fact that they don't believe evidence presented, fine. If they choose to believe everything hook, line and sinker, that's fine, too. If individual researchers choose to withhold their evidence, what are we supposed to do about it? Really, what can we do about it? All are free to discuss what they wish - or to not present evidence as they wish - as long as they post according to the forum's rules and guidelines. If you'll read those rules and guidelines, you'll see nothing concerning us dictating the direction of the discussion, only the format. As far as you not wanting to pay to join the Premium Access, that's your choice. Nobody requires you to do so, although you're missing out on a great addition to the existing forum. Since you're not a member, you have no clue what goes on in The Tar Pit. You make it out to be what you think it's like, not what you know it's like. Isn't that hoaxing evidence in a way? What is your motivation to hoax? You've made statements about something you're not qualified to discuss, in my opinion. Yet in fairness, the BFF allows you to discuss your opinion according to the rules. How much more fair and impartial can we be? Do you want us to consider what direction we're heading in when it comes to what you want to post, or just what others post? Luckily for you, we allow all opinions. Sorry if you don't like that, but that's just the way it goes here.

Wasn't kidding, and the treachery comment was aimed your direction.

Thx for the posts Tontar. Maybe you could help set the record straight. Were you involved in any way with the Elbe Trackway?

The simple fact is that the researchers who posted on this forum were taken in - for how long and to what extent is not actually clear. From their published posts they were completely sold, from their comments lately they were on to this from the first second. What does it matter in the end? What we really learned is that even experienced researchers make mistakes and that there is room for education, skepticism, and a need for investigation review. Is it a suprise? Not really, the same can be said about any other field. If DDA & DF use this oppurtunity to learn something then this can still be a success. If they decide to never post here again then THEY fail - no one else. Do you think a scientist, cop, firefighter, or a soldier refuses to return to work because they made a mistake and had it pointed out to them in a review? There were many problems w/the tracks which were evident to many on here just from pictures. There were problems w/the reporting process which were evident to many on here from the description. There were problems in the way the find was portrayed prior to investigation which were evident to many on here. What should be done in the future? Should investigators not investigate? Of course not, w/o investigation we lose too much. Should we not put findings on the internet? Of course not, it's obvious to anyone who read the thread that there were valid concerns brought up by skeptics AND proponents which were not obvious to the researchers (at least from their comments). Why not use the abilities/perspectives of the many whenever possible - it may not be the fastest way but it's more complete w/less chance of mistakes. Imagine this forum as a form of peer review - having mistakes in your methodology pointed out may sting for a second but if you want to be published you change and you try again. The alternative is to publish in a non peer reviewed journal where your science still gets reviewed and you look like an idiot when it's picked apart for any mistakes it contains - the more simple the mistake the more universal the scorn. Ultimately it's up to each individual researcher to determine the legacy they leave and what their impact is in the search for bigfoot. They can be secretive and proudly proclaim each find as the next great thing w/o bringing forth any evidence - only to have all their mistakes pointed out to them when/if they decide to come forward. They can be open and use this forum as a way to not only share their experience but to learn from the experience of others and utilize that input in their research. Which sounds like the description of a dedicated researcher who wants to get an answer to the mystery? Which sounds like an unscrupulous person looking to make a buck?