Downplaying Bigfoot Sightings

According to most UFO researchers, the best method for deriving UFO statistics is to pick a number at random, say 80. Then use it in a sentence like this: 80% of UFO sightings are nothing. “Nothing” means hoaxes, misidentifications, or total loons wasting everybody’s time. Don’t forget to speak in an authoritative voice when quoting [...]

Downplaying UFO Sightings

If you quote a statistic, you sound reasonable and intelligent—especially if the statistic downplays the prevalence of paranormal encounters. What do I mean by that? You’ve probably heard more than one UFO researcher state that 80% (or 90%) of the sightings are nothing. “Nothing” means hoaxes, misidentifications, or total loons wasting everybody’s time.
But from whence [...]