Why make grandiose claims?

Over the past few weeks many claims have been made by groups and individuals.  Claims that many of us have heard before.  You know, like "We have the body of a Bigfoot" and "we have caught a live Bigfoot".  Why are claims like these made?  Is there a reason to make a claim like this and then make people wait for the proof?  If you found the dead corpse of a Bigfoot in the woods, would you make claims like this and not supply photos?  Would you not call the media to back up your claims?  What would you do if something like this happened?  Do you know who to contact if you run in to this situation?  It's definitely something to think about and consider.  But let's discuss the recent claims...

There is one individual that everyone in the Bigfoot community knows has proven himself in the past to be a "hoaxer".  The claims he is making now is no different than it was back then.  Why is it that people always fall for these stories?  We live our lives and we learn from our mistakes and the mistakes of others.  However, in this situation we are talking about a DELIBERATE HOAX, not a mistake.  What makes someone believe that the person involved in the HOAX could actually turn around and be truthful?  Especially someone who has proven themselves to be very unlawful time and time again?  Some people can be read like a book and in my opinion, this person is a wide open book.  Yet, we still have folks that believe him.  It's sad.  But why does he do it?  HE LOVES THE ATTENTION!!!  In addition to that, if there is way to make money off these claims, he will do it again and again.  After all, one of his unlawful actions had to do with scamming people for money, so why not scam people with another Bigfoot body hoax?

Then we have a group that claims they have a live capture.  The capture of Bigfoot in a box.  Folks, I can't make this stuff up.  Although this story differs from the Georgia Bigfoot Hoax, it does make a person think about a few things.  Here are my thoughts on the matter of both.

First of all, if you are a reputable research group and your goal is to prove once and for all the existence of a living, breathing primate roaming the woods of North America that's not supposed to exist, why put out information about it in the first place?  Doesn't it make more sense to wait until you have "all your ducks in a row" before making any announcements?  I find it funny that a group exists that allegedly researches Bigfoot. Any yet they are such a secretive group that they don't normally post any information on the internet or Facebook or forums.  Yet, they find it necessary to make claims of having a live Bigfoot in a box that they captured, but you just have to take their word for it but don't expect to see any photos to prove their claims. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not irritated because there are no photos, I'm irritated because these kind of claims happen continually.  In my opinion, if any of these claims were true, there would be photos shared as proof positive evidence.

Now, I would like to say this.  As director of Sasquatch Watch of Virginia, you will NEVER see me make an announcement like this unless I have the proof to back it up.  Our group does not go around making unbelievable announcements and not show something to back up the claims.  If our group had a body or live specimen, then you would know it right away as every media outlet in the nation would be documenting it.  In addition, I would have every digital media card I own with thousands of photos to back up our discovery.

Why do they wait?  This is my opinion and I may be wrong, but I don't think I am.  They wait so they can find a way to make money off of the claims.  And they enjoy seeing people get worked up by the claims and begging for some evidence.  I've always said from the beginning, I'm not in this for the money.  

Bottom line is this.  These people will continue to tell you what they want you to hear.  They will continue to tell you what you want to hear also.  I think they get some kind of strange enjoyment out of this.  I say if you are going to make a huge announcement, SHOW SOME PROOF!  Otherwise, just keep your mouth shut!  Sorry to be so blunt about this, but its how I feel about it.  Those of us serious about this research are sick and tired of hearing the claims with no back up.  PROVE IT OR TAKE YOUR CRAP AND GO HOME!

Ah, I feel much better!