Poison Pen
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In the world of Ufology hoaxsters abound looking for that elusive fame and fortune. This type behavior unfortunately gives Ufology a black eye and honest researchers end up being dubbed frauds or hoaxsters. How do you honestly recognize a hoax? The first thing we have to do is define a hoax what exactly is it? A hoax is defined as a deception, humerous or malicious prank. Most UFO hoaxes :
Hoax Angles
(1). They will challenge or go agianst the credibility of other UFO findings and research.
(2). They are aimed at discrediting targeted people.
(3). Or they are mean't to scare people.
(4). Or make people laugh.
Our next step is to look at is our sources, are these reputable?: Some credible sources are:
(1). Scholars or researchers in their respected fields.
(2). Some one you may have known personally and trust.
(3). A friend who knows some one personally and find they trust.
Now we look at the types of hoaxes:
(1). These are found in stories.
(2). Photographs and Videos.
(3) And the more infamous internet hoaxes.
(4). There is also government and conspiracy theory hoaxes.
Today more than ever its easier to craft a hoax what with video editing and programs like Photoshop and Digital cameras. The best equipment to take photos with is a manual camera. Three and Four above are I think the mosr popular.
Now how do we identify them?
(1). Firstly look for props and other items that can be used in a hoax. Ballons and strings are primary common items used in these type hoaxes.
(2). Question everything. Find out as much as possible about the sighting. Were there any witnesses?
(3). Ask about related incidents or occurrences.
(4). Find out as much as possible about the peoples background as to insure they are reliable.
(5). Always question crop circles. These can only be seen from the air.
(6). Those that do not have references to back up claims. These are typically internet and e-mail hoaxes. People and companies are generally made up and do not exist. Also look at the information does it seem one sided to you?
(7). And finally appeals to emotion. This is a logical fallacy. Its a manipulation to play on emotions.
You should also look for some common connections. Look for other hoaxes that have already been debunked and compare those to the hoax you are trying to debunk.When you get started you should look at:
(1). Look for and search for altered or doctored photos and videos like the one you are trying to debunk.
(2). Look at past and previous e-mail hoaxes that may mention the same people or company you are investigating.
The key to all this is Research.
(1). Gather background and historical information. Historical background is a good thing if your doing government or scienitific investigations.
(2). Is whats presented in the hoax valid information? Does it make sense?
Now how does these hoaxes come off so successful?
(1). They may come in the form of a credible source.
(2). Try to baffle you with BS like using technical or industry terms.
(3). High tech equipment makes far out images look more realistic.
(4). Life and death usually will hang in the balance. These type of hoaxes usually come in the form of an e-mail hoax.
I wrote this hoping it may help those here.
Hoax Angles
(1). They will challenge or go agianst the credibility of other UFO findings and research.
(2). They are aimed at discrediting targeted people.
(3). Or they are mean't to scare people.
(4). Or make people laugh.
Our next step is to look at is our sources, are these reputable?: Some credible sources are:
(1). Scholars or researchers in their respected fields.
(2). Some one you may have known personally and trust.
(3). A friend who knows some one personally and find they trust.
Now we look at the types of hoaxes:
(1). These are found in stories.
(2). Photographs and Videos.
(3) And the more infamous internet hoaxes.
(4). There is also government and conspiracy theory hoaxes.
Today more than ever its easier to craft a hoax what with video editing and programs like Photoshop and Digital cameras. The best equipment to take photos with is a manual camera. Three and Four above are I think the mosr popular.
Now how do we identify them?
(1). Firstly look for props and other items that can be used in a hoax. Ballons and strings are primary common items used in these type hoaxes.
(2). Question everything. Find out as much as possible about the sighting. Were there any witnesses?
(3). Ask about related incidents or occurrences.
(4). Find out as much as possible about the peoples background as to insure they are reliable.
(5). Always question crop circles. These can only be seen from the air.
(6). Those that do not have references to back up claims. These are typically internet and e-mail hoaxes. People and companies are generally made up and do not exist. Also look at the information does it seem one sided to you?
(7). And finally appeals to emotion. This is a logical fallacy. Its a manipulation to play on emotions.
You should also look for some common connections. Look for other hoaxes that have already been debunked and compare those to the hoax you are trying to debunk.When you get started you should look at:
(1). Look for and search for altered or doctored photos and videos like the one you are trying to debunk.
(2). Look at past and previous e-mail hoaxes that may mention the same people or company you are investigating.
The key to all this is Research.
(1). Gather background and historical information. Historical background is a good thing if your doing government or scienitific investigations.
(2). Is whats presented in the hoax valid information? Does it make sense?
Now how does these hoaxes come off so successful?
(1). They may come in the form of a credible source.
(2). Try to baffle you with BS like using technical or industry terms.
(3). High tech equipment makes far out images look more realistic.
(4). Life and death usually will hang in the balance. These type of hoaxes usually come in the form of an e-mail hoax.
I wrote this hoping it may help those here.