Time For Transformation, Transition, and Transmutation: Loren To Change His Blogging Presence At Cryptomundo
Posted by: Loren Coleman on January 22nd, 2013
I wrote the following posting on April 12, 2012. None, absolutely none of my criticisms in this posting have changed a thing at Cryptomundo. I am uncomfortable with the evolution of my presence here, and if I don’t change some things, I will begin to de-evolve.
The time is near for me to engage in metamorphosis, on my own, or die.
Stay tuned.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Loren Coleman, in his younger, pre-Cryptomundo days. The dazed look, no doubt, was caused by a producer asking the oft-heard but disliked question, “Do you really believe in the Abominable Snowmen?”” Screen capture of a “In Search Of” appearance, 1991.
Loren Coleman, after the aging processes caused by blogging daily and museum building set in. Image by photojournalist Greta Rybus, 2012.
It continues to get crowded at Cryptomundo. Have you noticed? Mostly a couple guys named Loren and Craig, along with infrequent pieces by Rick Noll and John Kirk, started this journey here in, what, 2005.
I wonder if I should leave? What do you think?
What is really getting to me is this continued confusion that ever freaking word that appears at Cryptomundo is mine. Not true, of course. As you have seen with the recent addition of various other bloggers who are using CM as a signpost to drive CM readers from here to their own blogs, this is much different that my blogging on Cryptomundo. What has traditionally happened is that I have written original material for CM first, and then alerted folks on Facebook, Twitter, yahoolists, and via emails back to my piece here.
Additionally, mistakes by critics are still being made that Cryptomundo is “me” and that I own or control it. Do you know how tiresome that is?
Let’s look at this most recent example:
Recently, just a few days ago, one of the people directly involved with the Flipper Picture visited the International Cryptozoology Museum.
The museum is operated by Loren Coleman, who has a blog about cryptozoology matters. Now the blog itself—in my opinion—is dubious. It spends a lot of time huckstering bad, really bad, TV shows. But I’ve never seen anything there that casts doubt on the character of Loren Coleman himself.
Anyway, so Martin Klein visited the museum. Martin Klein in an MIT-trained engineer who developed a great deal of the modern technology now called “side-scan sonar.” Klein designed a lot of the hardware that was used to capture the Flipper Picture.
Loren Coleman has a long blog post about Klein and his visit to the cryptozoology museum: Loch Ness Expedition Member Marty Klein Visits Museum
While I appreciate this writer seeing that my character is intact, why am I constantly blamed for things I don’t do that are written at Cryptomundo? Okay, I get it. It is due to the same reason, I suppose, that someone can tell you they hate such and such a book, and frequently then cannot tell you who the author of the book is.
I toil at producing some in-depth thoughtful essays (see all the early 2012 ones on Yetis, for example) at Cryptomundo, have fun now and then, celebrate the lives of cryptozoologists and other associated with the field, as well as dealing with the popular cultural impacts of cryptids in the media and movies.
I can be accused of many things, but “shilling for” or “huckstering” bad television shows is really not one of them. Read the name of the authors, folks, please. Criticisms are taken well by me, if the critique is pointed in the proper direction.
I should hang in a bit more. That is, as long as these people begin to learn that Cryptomundo is a tent. While I happily acknowledge that with all my postings six years ago, Cryptomundo reflected a lot of me and became established. But sites change and this place is not just “me,” any longer. Cryptomundo, in general, today, houses many points of view.
Thanks to all my fans.
About Loren Coleman
Loren Coleman is one of the world’s leading cryptozoologists, some say “the” leading living cryptozoologist. Certainly, he is acknowledged as the current living American researcher and writer who has most popularized cryptozoology in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Starting his fieldwork and investigations in 1960, after traveling and trekking extensively in pursuit of cryptozoological mysteries, Coleman began writing to share his experiences in 1969. An honorary member of Ivan T. Sanderson’s Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained in the 1970s, Coleman has been bestowed with similar honorary memberships of the North Idaho College Cryptozoology Club in 1983, and in subsequent years, that of the British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club, CryptoSafari International, and other international organizations. He was also a Life Member and Benefactor of the International Society of Cryptozoology (now-defunct).
Loren Coleman’s daily blog, as a member of the Cryptomundo Team, served as an ongoing avenue of communication for the ever-growing body of cryptozoo news from 2005 through 2013. He returned as an infrequent contributor beginning Halloween week of 2015.
Coleman is the founder in 2003, and current director of the International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine.
Don’t give up, Loren!
We appreciate reading your blogs and comments.
Well Loren, I think the question you asked should be answered from within. If posting on Cryptomundo is causing unwanted stress and is affecting your other duties then yes you probably should stop. However with that said, I would most likely no longer check out Cryptomundo at lunch like I do now. To me Cryptomundo is Loren Coleman and just wouldn’t be the same with your posts.
I know what it is like to have a job or hobby that I love to do and then overtime it starts to wear me down. I left my career in Aviation search and rescue for that reason alone. It was not worth the toll it was taking me mentally and physically. So if you decide to leave I for one will certainly understand. I just hope you consider your reasons in length prior to making your decision.
Just because I do not comment here like I used too doesn’t mean I am not on this site every day. Now that you have asked this question of us I realize why I do come here every day. To see what Loren has to say today. I will miss your input here if you do decide to stop but I will completely understand and support your decision.
Maybe you should take some time off, go on a fishing holiday or something. Take some time for (yourself). Then make your decision.
No sir, unless it’s what you want to do! You’re a legend in the field, and I’ve enjoyed your books & writing for years.
nooooooooo! I <3 Loren!
Loren, please don’t leave. You have been at the forefront of this community for long enough to know that critics will always be there. But, the community is starting to heat up and we need someone who has been around a while to give the long view of all of this. Plus, I really enjoy your blogs. Please don’t leave.
No.
no! the only persons blogs i even read on there is loren colemans and the once in a blue moon when redfern post something
No. Just no. People who know who Loren is go there to read for him. Like myself.
No. I respect Loren’s un-biased opinion on all thing Cryptid. Keep it up and who cares about the sceptics. There are MANY people that have your back Loren!
No way. Loren is my favorite.
No, Loren shouldn’t quit blogging at Cryptomundo. (I created a new ID today just to tell you that, Loren.) Keep up the good work. MGH members are fans of your passion and work in the field.
Kat. Maine Ghost Hunters
No.. Just make sure everyone knows who is posting. I have been enjoying his work for a very long time! 🙂
The skeptics are almost as interesting as the cryptids. Their psychology is so peculiar. The word “skeptic” really doesn’t accurately describe them, as it implies some sort of rational thought process involved in critical examination of a subject. Maybe “knee-jerk reaction denialist” would describe them better.
Hang in there and don’t quit blogging.
Keep blogging , Loren. You are above all those skeptic pansies. Don’t let them get you down.
Don’t quit just because some people don’t notice who wrote which article. Maybe you and the other writers could post a small photo of yourself with a large name next to it at the top of each article.
As for you “huckstering” bad TV shows, that’s just naive. You guys report the news in cryptozoology and I appreciate that you don’t sift through it all and only give us what you deem worthy for us to see.
Loren, you write excellent articles on here that are thoughtful, intellectual, entertaining, insightful and many other great things that people expect from a professional author and blogger such as yourself.
Good to hear you’ll be staying a while longer 🙂
Keep up the great work btw.
Don’t stop Loren!
We I for one DO NOT see you AS Cryptomundo but just a very big part of it. For some reason, I can’t really explain, I feel you being more reliable and trustworthy in your posts over any of the others. Now the fact that you need to ask if you should quit says lots of what you may be battling internally and maybe you need to leave or at least take a small vacation from it to get yourself together and focus on what you need to instead of this. Good luck in what ever you deciide.
Change the masthead to something like, “Rick Noll’s CRYPTOMUNDO.” In a year, change it “Craig Woolheater’s CRYPTOMUNDO.” This way, you can be referenced as “Loren Coleman, who works for Rick Noll at Cruptomundo….”
I think the bigger question is, why hasn’t Cryptomundo been bought by Google?
Keep blogging. Why is there even skeptics on cryptomundo
i personally think that its ridiculous that people would critize a man for his work. Loren, you have spent decades working in the Cryptozoology field. People should respect you for just that, no matter what field you are working in. These people need to realize that they can’t insult you or anyone because you believe in Bigfoot. Loren, I think you should continue blogging. I love this website because it helps me keep updated on the cryptozoology world. keep on blogging mr. coleman. ignore the people who ridicule you for this. you should keep blogging.
also, it’s there fault if they don’t know who wrote the article. you shouldn’t take the blame for that
“The journey is the reward.” ~ Ancient Chinese Proverb
Mr. Coleman, I think whiteriverfisherman said it all. If it is no longer something that gives you pleasure and brings stress then stop. Rest assured Messrs. Woolheater, Noll and the other regular contributors can carry on, it would NOT be the same without you.
I’ve been coming here a lot since the Beginning of Cryptomundo….You have contributed tons of material for this Blog page. You for the most part have made it what it is today. Big Kudos for you. As suggested in an earlier post, PUT YOUR NAME ON IT. I either agree with you or not, it’s your baby and you should put your name in bigger fonts.
“STAY!” ~ viking0047 Proverb!
Loren,
I’d say if blogging gets in the way of work at the museum or your real writing projects, books, articles, etc., they yes by all means stop. Blogging and even just commenting can sometimes have the illusion of accomplishment.
Well, it seems the constant pounding by the skeptics and their stupidity has finally hit a nerve with you, Loren. And that is a good thing. I was beginning to think you were made of steel or were nonhuman. I know of few people who could stand up to that constant onslaught on negativity, stupidity and general meaness from certain skeptics.
It is good to see you are indeed human! Here’s the thing though Loren, you have to ask yourself, why do erroneous statements that are not factual, get under your skin? You also have to weigh the negatives of a few dim wits against the benefits of people seeking your knowledge. What was it that Spock said in that Star Trek movie? Oh yes, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or one, or something like that.
Loren, no matter how hard you try, you are never going to straighten out the uninformed who happen to be ignorant. Trying to argue or reason with stupid, will make you just that. So rather than let these kinds of people get on your nerves, you have two options.
The first option is to ignore them and feel sorry for them since you were blessed with an intelligence they will never obtain.
The second option, is to become a little mean spirited yourself and have fun with it. Go after them a bit, humorously making fun of their stupidity, ignorance and lack of grey matter. Have fun with it. You can go after them, calling out their inaccuracies without even being mean.
Will any of that change them or make them smarter? No, but it will help you keep your sanity while having a bit of fun along the way. And that is basically what you already do in handling people like this. But when it becomes a constant onslaught of stupidity, it can get to anyone, even you! That is your kryptonite. So either avoid it or throw a few humorous punches yourself.
The main thing is to keep blogging. I think many people do not view you as a blogger, rather they view you as an educator. And to remove yourself from the educational process will not benefit anyone, except the people throwing the slings and arrows.
Does that make sense? So just take a deep breath, laugh at them, and have some fun while setting idiots straight!
I am not new to this blog, though I have only recently registered and started posting. While I can see how your posts might be more attention grabbing due to your prominence in this field, I read and enjoy all of the bloggers (and most of the comment jockies) and have no trouble discerning you from the others.
Maybe having a profile picture at the top of every story to further identify who is posting. At the end of the day I’m hoping you realize the critics can go pound sand. When they attribute something to you that isn’t yours, it just proves they are in general, clueless.
Press on (pun intended) with the blog, Mr. Coleman. I’ll be reading.
Best,
Patrick (Novelhawk)
This will be my first ever comment on this site even though I have been perusing its topics for several years now, and I have to say that your posts Loren are by far the biggest reason I continue to check here often. Every one is thought out and well written, as well as entertaining and informative. I think these are some of the biggest reasons that we all keep coming back here for updates in the cryptid world. The choice to leave is your own but you would be sorely missed by all, and I think the site would lose a lot(your really the only regular poster anyway). I will continue to check Cryptomundo and hope I still see the regular postings from you that keep me wanting to come back
Loren,
Do what you want. We have – and should have – no control over you.
We would miss you. We would like you to keep it up.
But in the end you have to do what is best for you.
Never stop! We love you!!
Well, Loren, it would be up to me if I were you.
Not up to a bunch of either (1) idiots or (2) well-meaning people who just need to be set straight.
Illegitimus non carborundum.
Especially when they’re really not-so-carborundum.
You sir, are The Godfather of Modern Cryptozoology. I tune in daily and marvel at your ability to recount hundreds of current and past events in this field. I don’t see how you do so much as you do now. I would miss you that’s for sure.
Since I had the chance –I don’t actually believe in chance, but it’s a good figure of speech– of finding Cryptomundo, I’ve always associated as the best place to find good cryptozoological information.
Loren is obviously the leading voice in Cryptomundo, and the people who frequent the site are full aware that he earned that position through a lot of hard work. The daily output he managed to sustain year after year with always finding something interesting and valuable to communicate is simply staggering.
But, if you feel that blogging no longer satisfies you on a personal level as much as it used to, or that it is diverting you from focusing your energies on other worthy endeavors, like writing another book, attending conferences or managing the ICM, then perhaps you need to take it easier and let the other contributors fill in while you reduce the amount of blogs you write on a weekly basis.
Your fans will probably not be happy with it –and that certainly includes myself– but if they are really your fans they’ll understand that blogging should never be felt like a chore in one person’s to-do list. We will be happy with how much or little you want to share with us, as long as you don’t disappear completely from the radar.
Don’t go, dude! One of the things that makes Cryptomundo different is that everyday people get to intermingle ideas and controversies with experts in the field. It’s great to bounce those ideas around and discuss the latest findings together. It would be great if we could all meet one day.
Cryptomundo would not be the same without you 🙁
While this might not be “the Loren Coleman” site, Mr. Coleman is the heart and soul of it. His even tempered, logical, balanced and still passionate comments typify what cryptozoology should be, in my mind. His credibility in the field makes the study both accessible and understandable, as well as legitimate, to the public at large. Beyond that, he seems like a hell of a nice guy, and God knows there are damned few too many of those anymore.
I hope you continue to post, Loren. Like others, I doubt I’ll check out the site much if you go. Whatever you decide, thanks for being a class act.
Long time lurker, first time poster.
I know you have been receiving a lot of hate recently, Loren, but please don’t give up blogging. Your posts are always informative and thought provoking and the field of Cryptozoology needs more voices like yours on the internet.
I am quite surprised that the blogger you quoted above had to remind his readers that people who are in the ‘subculture’ of Cryptozoology are people too. Why do these haters call themselves sceptics, when they seem more like mudslingers to me?
I understand if you give up, Loren, but you will be sorely missed.
An Irish theoretical cryptozoologist
Dear Loren Coleman,
I find it very ironic that detractors of cryptozoology rarely check their facts. 🙂
If the steady stream of idiotic comments, and baseless insinuations threatens to drive you insane, it would be a far greater loss than if you simply stopped blogging here. Having said that, I do hope your resolution never fades. It is in fact you, Mr. Coleman, whom taught me that it was OK to think Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster were totally possible, without surrendering my critical thinking. Without your purely empirical perspective of all that encompasses Cryptozoology, I would likely not find myself convincing skeptical friends that I am just as skeptical as they, while simultaneously getting them to forfeit that lovely “Yes… it is possible”. I look up to no other Cryptozoologist as I do you, and hold all others to your standard. If there are Chupacabras sightings down near Texas, my eyebrow instinctively shoots up; I watch all internet bigfoot footage to disprove, and let by only that which remains unexplained.
Without you, sir, I may not today, be open minded at all, and conversely; I may be the most gullible man alive. It is you, Loren Coleman, that showed me there is indeed a balance. That the truth, is often stranger than the lie. That the lie, can make more sense than what is accepted. And that against all else, to trust my eyes, and my logic equally. Only then, will any of us Cryptozoology enthusiasts, as well as Cryptozoologists, ever reach that day in which we all crack open a bottle of champagne to the news that one of our “implausible”, “improbable”, “impossible” beasties, is in fact, a fact.
That, I have learned from you Sir.
*Tips hat*
I’ll put it this way: it was because of your posts on Cryptomundo that I went out and bought all of your books. And I don’t think that I’m alone.
While I do realize that you are not the soul source of what is posted on Cryptomundo, I do feel that you are the reason I continue to check this site daily. There are 3 sites I check daily at work, Crytomundo, the local news, and ESPN. It would be a shame to see you leave because I don’t like the thought of where the absence of your voice and opinion will leave the site; however, only you can determine what is in your best interest, and that is the foremost issue at hand. I’m sure I’ll be able to continue following you in a more limited fashion, just as long as you don’t quit completely.
Thank you for all you do.
Mr L Coleman has IMO been a mainstay and a calming influence on this blog site and would be sorely missed by those who visit the site as their main substinance for Cypto-anything.However,he must do what he feels is right for him as an individual.I know many will say he should stay(and I hope he does),but it is still his decision and if he believes the time is right now,then I wish him the best in all his current and future endevors.
If Loren goes,we riot at midnight(lol)
Skepticism to my mind is not a place to dwell too long if critical thinking, logic, reason and undeniable, scientific evidence is your goal. To all those who blame Loren for poor evidence, shoddy journalism, bad witness accounts, hoaxes and sling names and epithets in some poorly done, fictional way I say Fie! Get thee back to the search bar ye trolls! Or, if your aim is to join a rational conversation about unraveling the mysteries of cryptozoology or fortean esoterica, that we all come here for, at least have the audacity to look up your questions using your search bar to “Investigate” actual evidence from credible, verifiable sources before blasting someone needlessly and adding not only stress to Loren and others who work hard in this field but also ridicule in the public eye to all of us who really do want to know what is out there. We will not sit idly by while you futz up the topics and flow of information like a German shepherd pup on cocaine. We will outsmart you, we will outlive you and we will rewrite history. your offspring will go to our schools and they will learn to be an amazing person who on day may save us all from ourselves. So there…..Rant Concluded. Congrats should go to Loren and all the helping hands here on Cryptomundo. I have learned much fact from fiction and I look forward to more for years to come. Loren, on a personal note, Do what you fell is good for you, if that is to write something, never let them stop you. If for purposes of time mgmt. or other concerns you need to have someone help with the writing I am sure there are those of us out there that can help you. Maybe even intern for you in a sense and go over material with you before publishing. anyhow you are the Pro here.
Of course you should keep it up. As if you were to step down 😉
But I have to say… I really like the recent posts by Nick. His more folklorish posts added nicely to the whole cryptomundo-concept.
The point of me coming to Cryptomundo in the first place was Loren’s insightful writing and opinion. It would kinda kill the experience for me, and so many others, if he was no longer posting here, IMHO.
@Loren Coleman
Of course the final decision will be yours, but just want you to know that all the years of study, research, field work, etc, etc, etc, that you have put in, has given you so much life experience in the field of Cryptozoology, that your absence would be a sad loss for all of us.
You have seen and done things that many of us will never get an opportunity to see or do, in many ways, we experience Cryptozoology through the effort and time you have put in.
Just my two cents, I respect your effort, and I respect your dedication…respect is something that can’t be given it has to be earned. You Mr Coleman have earned the respect from so many…in my opinion, you should never leave a field on anyone’s terms but your own…whatever you decide, I wish you the best.
holy crap!
not a chance brother!!
you keep it up!
“in Loren i trust!”
i’ve watched and listened to you for decades
well, maybe 2 but that’s not the point!!
when they tell you to quit, you are doing something right!
Loren,
you be your own judge.
when it is no longer enjoyable then by all means take a break.
We enjoy all of your efforts but your health is most important.
You cant quit posting… your the site owner 😉
lol. j/k
thumbs up on this side.