Comments on: Charles Fort and Cryptozoology

by: Ranatemporaria

Sun, 30 Apr 2006 10:29:23 +0000

Thanks for that Mr Coleman I think that helps me. I suppose the trouble in this field is that without an open mind it would be easy, as many have done in the past, to disregard an awful lot of realities and impossibilities, just because they are not yet understood. I have a valid interest in both Fortean and Cryptid news and issues but as an ecologist by trade, I have always felt an affinity with the zoology aspects, however even my mind is tested to the limits with some reports and stories, Perhaps that is what keeps me coming back!

Keep up the good work and Thanks.

by: Loren Coleman

Sun, 30 Apr 2006 10:05:45 +0000

I am not interested in the paranormal, supernatural, and parapsychology, per se, versus the concrete nature of zoology, anthropology, and biology, as revealed in cryptozoology. For those that know Fortean phenomena, you understand that Fort wasn’t interested in “ghosts” either, but was intrigued by “poltergeists.” The gap between the two is huge.

The difference is enormous between “ghost cats” and “Mystery Felines,” for example, although people may be confused by my coining of phrases like “Phantom Panthers” and the “Dover Demon” to describe physical animals. I like names that add mystery and alliteration to the field, because they generally reflect how people “feel” about what they are seeing.

by: Ranatemporaria

Sun, 30 Apr 2006 09:56:11 +0000

Nice blog Mr Coleman and quite interesting to me personally. I have been recently pondering as to where you stand on the position of cryptozoology in relationship to fortean phenomena. I guess what I really wanted to know, and have for some time is how much of what you do, see and think is concerned with the ‘supernatural’ and how much you feel is just super and natural. After all the range of cases you deal or have dealt with range from pseudo-cryptid wild cats through to Jersey Devils and Werewolves. I understand that all may have scientific reasoning behind them but when if anytime do you hold your hands up and say this must be beyond the science we know?

by: Loren Coleman

Sat, 29 Apr 2006 23:21:38 +0000

I am contributer, btw, not the author or editor. Sorry if that wasn’t clear. It is being published by the academic press, Bates.

by: eyeofnewt

Sat, 29 Apr 2006 22:57:42 +0000

Congrats on the new tome. Who’s the publisher?