So, I thought I'd offer a few comments. Althoug I imagine it has been thouroughly discussed.

I just finished reading it for the first time.

I'm not sure what to say, but at the same time I have a lot to say.

1) I think it starts off quite promising with the commitment to the issue of the scientific method. In fact it explains what the scientific method is which was a good premise to start with.

2) Then I believe it meanders form that point to the end.

3) infrared screening, a "sixth sense" for initmidation (mental blocks, transfering thoughts, as stated by the elk hunter in Washington), UFO connection, and numerous other assumptions I think took away from the book.

Overall it was an interesting read, I just think that there were some things that were presented as highly probable that just have no way of being substantiated.

Jon

These are points about the book you really don't see being discussed, which surprises me because they really become the focus of the book. I think many are being misled into thinking that this book offers up something different than what it actually is. Thanks for bringing this up.

Points not being discussed? Misled?
Can you give me an example?
I'm new, so am I supposed to think its different from the other Sasquatch books?

I've read the book and I think its well written. Thom Powell is an Oregon School Teacher right?

It favors the completely unsubstantiated and theories of the lunatic fringe. I rarely see those elements being mentioned when this book is brought up, so I think many believe they will be purchasing a book in the vein of the stuff that John Green or Grover Krantz have put forth, when that isn't the case at all. I've read the book also.

He presents unique stories and understands the scientific process.
from me.

Infrared detection, thought disruption/intimidation: i.e. apparently reading people's thoughts ("If you take that picture I will kill you."), bigfoot abduction scenarios (I imagine there are people who have been abducted by bigfoot [Ostman] but the description he gives in the book about the young girl who was being abducted regularly to fill a void for bigfoot was out there- but unteresting.), the ufologist connection probably didn't need to be introduced. Plus the added paranormal approach took me back. Shimmering and disappearing bigfoot?

I need to go back and re-read the book. I agree with you Wildman, I think I bought the book expecting one approach, but got something totally different. Like getting a sirloin steak when I asked for a porterhouse...

I can't give it . Because after using the first chapter to introduce the scientific method he claimed he was going to follow, he proceeded to disgard it throughout the book. Assumptions, and conclusions based on those assumptions that he made are not science.

He makes his case, but I don't think much of it is plausible.

Jon

I've seen Thom speak twice and I've read his book once. I think his book is one of the better ones out there.

He starts off on the right foot by discussing scientific method. Unfortunately, he begins to slowly drift away from it. I think some of the flack that his book gets is because of his decision to include anecdotes that are too "off-the-deep-end" for some people. In a way, I have to admire Thom's bravery; surely he knows that if he strays from the dominant "F & B" mindset he will be criticized. He does something that most authors on the subject of Sasquatch won't announce doing; filtering out anecdotes that they don't like before inclusion in their books. Instead of analysing what he considers to be the best evidence he seems willing to discuss all the evidence.

My impression of the history of Sasquatch research is that the early researchers, particularly Green, did a good job of keeping the search focused on a simple hunt for an unknown animal. Over time, this has grown into the dominant paradigm. Since the world of serious Sasquatch researchers is so small a certain subtle "control" can be exerted to retain this dominant focus. Even this board frowns on any "para" discussion of Sasquatch, though I understand this is largely a protection from a certain deranged individual from California. Contrast this with the world of UFO research. Since that is so much more of a distributed and public phenomena, there are vastly more "researchers" in that field. Because of this there can be no kind of control of a singular mindset. People who make extreme and unsubstantiated claims about UFO's can and do get away with it.

Instead of a private dismissal of extreme claims Thom chooses to publicly chew them over. Frankly my reaction is one of simple interest; these subjects are not often discussed in the more well known Sasquatch books, TV shows, and conferences. But ultimately I have to simply dismiss most of this stuff because it answers one mystery with another mystery. It may not be pleasant, but sometimes we must simply grit our teeth and admit about certain things that "we just don't know".

I used to be much more paranoid than I am now. I used to fear being a victim of violent crime a great deal and I used to carry weapons all the time. I used to spend time around people much more paranoid than myself. I understand the paranoid mindset, at least to a degree. The one part of Thom's book that I would dismiss out of hand is the whole "men in black stole my precious evidence" scenario. I simply don't believe any Federal, State, or Local agency, or the Forrest Service, is at all interested in Sasquatch. That whole mindset is stolen from the UFO playbook and it just doesn't stand up.

Thom is a lively and smart writer. Even though various aspects of his book may "go against the grain" it is worthwhile to learn about them. I give it a thumbs up.

Absolutely! He gives his reasonings for including the forbidden topics , and I feel his reasonings make perfect scientific sense.

Exactly why I give the book a

If you don't mind me asking, why do you believe it is worthwhile?

Well for me, simply because I'm ignorant. I had never heard of Sasquatch playing in traffic, or all kinds of other stuff.

I've read the books by Green, Krantz, Sanderson, Napier, Daegling, Dahinden, Byrne, Long, Wylie, Murphy, Alley, Steenberg, and Pyle. They certainly don't discuss the "fringe" issues.

If you want to understand the whole picture, you have too look at everything, including things you may end up dismissing.

I look at the disturbed individual from California's website more or less as a zoo exhibit, and I dismiss what he has to say outright. But Thom is reasonable enough to listen to.

I can understand that. Thank you.

I think that some people don't like to talk about things they don't understand or are afraid of. Yes a lot of stuff is hoaky....but I like looking at all things and then forming my own opinion. I have very good stable friends who have had a lot of stuff happen to them that they cannot explain. So I am not as dismissive of some stuff as other might be.

There are people who will say flat out that certain things are not possible and are stupid to talk about. Hmmmm don't many people say that about Bigfoot in general?

I am interested in many ideas and opinions. It doesn't mean I embrace any of them. But I like to hear them...it makes life interesting..

I didn't get the impression her favored the supernatural fringe stuff over the others. Rather after reading the book a total of three times now, I'm still unsure exactly what Mr. Powell believes other than there's something there.

My opinion is that he covered EVERY possible explanation and tried to explain all of them, which is exactly what a book on the topic should be in my opinion. Present ALL the evidence and let the reader decide for themselves.

KW

I've read several BF books, and watched the videos, etc. I like this one the best. I think that it is well written. It presents interesting sightings and why they are credible, and it discusses the "fringe" elements that frequently accompany sightings. I don't think BF is from space, but many sightings include the "disappeared into thin air" ending. Powell offers some good possibilities. I also BELIEVE the ability to somehow make us feel uneasy or like we are being watched. Too many books are afraid to discuss these issues. I really liked the book.

Will

Just for clarity I feel I should say up front my family and I am are in the book primarily in the chapter titled dance hall days.

I would have agreed with this statmentent few years ago. but after it happened to me I would have to say that "someone" has taken a serious interest in this subject matter.

I do know Thom personally, and there are times that to me, some of his ideas and thoughts were "out there a bit" but many have proven to be right.
If you are not open to new and different thoughts and ideas then all progress stops.

Also because so much info had to be edited out I feel that the book does not come close to telling the whole story OR doing justice to Thoms experience and knowledge in this field.

Allen

Let her rip millpond.

Me too.

Me three.