Comments on: Drinking On Your Next Cryptid Expedition?

By: daledrinnon

daledrinnon — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 22:25:21 +0000

Well, I shall admit to the fact that I was thinking slightly of Jon in his bad days in the back of my mind when I made that statement–but actually I was referring to AMERICAN researchers that I have known personally who also, yes, get into their cups and ramble on about Bigfoot, even claiming sightings in their delirium. Sad to say, I have not heard of them becoming “Clean and Sober”, but neither will I associate with such persons on public projects (such as Bigfoot hunts) of this. Claiming DT Bigfoot sightings helps nobody.

I imagine Loren must probably know about more than one of these individuals, and I shall name no names. But I did not say anything about BRITISH Cryptozoologists, that is not what I meant.

By: bill green

bill green — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 21:37:12 +0000

hey loren ,great article there is defiently a point this article as well. always be safe when drinking. thanks bill

By: jon_downes

jon_downes — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 19:27:38 +0000

Some years ago I had a high-profile alcohol and drug problem. I am now clean and sober, haven’t taken recreational drugs for a long time, and only drink socially and in moderation. However, for some years, in some quarters the CFZ was synonymous with bad behaviour. But even at the height of our excesses, we always had a strict rule that alcohol was not allowed in the field.

However, I understand Adam’s position wholly, and would probably not have done any different. From my conversations with him, I am sure that NOT having had a drink with his guides on this occasion would have been as bad as refusing to have a “wee dram” with a Nessie witness in a Drumnadrochit pub! Something that could quite possibly cause offense.

When Dale Drinnon says “I know of several high-profile cryptozoologists who go on expeditions openly punctuated with public boozing and carousing, and who feel no shame about it”, such behaviour – if true – must be condemned at all costs. Even during the darkest excesses of my drinking days, the worst thing I did was to drink too much and behave badly at various conventions, or on one embarrassing occasion telephone Loren whilst in my cups, and ramble for hours about Bigfoot.

If Cryptozoology is to be taken seriously as a discipline, then its practitioners should act in an appropriate manner when in the field – something which in my opinion Adam did.

By: greywolf

greywolf — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 19:08:56 +0000

To be honest I like a beer or a glass of wine with dinner but that is it.. If you are the guest in another country be polite.”Do as the Romans do” with caution. I have a problem with TV networks doing this type of production because the science gets dumped on for the thrill factor or the laugh factor. No wonder people who have sightings of BF etc. SAY NOTHING.

By: shovethenos

shovethenos — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 14:13:26 +0000

I’ve become sceptical of National Geographic recently, especially their efforts to “investigate” cryptozoological phenomena. I think certain groups there have an agenda that involves discrediting cryptozoological phenomena, whether or not that is warranted.

By: daledrinnon

daledrinnon — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 13:36:09 +0000

I know of several high-profile cryptozoologists who go on expeditions openly punctuated with public boozing and carousing, and who feel no shame about it. It does boil down to a public-image thing. Whenever I am representing such a thing as “Cryptozoological field work”, I try not to appear too rowdy or disrespectful. For one thing, it holds the local’s view of you as a serious researcher up better.

But in my case, I am usually doing it in my state of residence, and with only perhaps the discomfort of sleeping on hard ground over one night without any cover. Long expeditions might well be into the heart of Africa with a month-long stakeout and then into any nearby town for a celebration when it gets over, and I can see that getting out of hand. Such was not the case in the example here.

I am definitely going to be out toasting New Year’s day with my favorite Scotch, but that will probably be my only public appearance drinking liquor this year. I definitely would not be drinking on stakeout, should such an occasion arise in the coming year. New Year’s day happens to be my birthday and to tell you the truth, nothing is better than good Scotch whiskey.

By: Darkstream

Darkstream — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 13:24:05 +0000

Excellent sentiments, Loren. I’ve lost too many loved ones to alcohol or alcohol related accidents to look at drinking and driving as anything other than a serious matter. Please be safe out there this weekend, everyone.

As for the Mongolian Almas, that whole production felt more like a lark than a serious expedition, but I suppose that was all part of the “Is It Real?” package… We shouldn’t be too disappointed.