posted on Apr, 4 2006 @ 10:09 PM
Note: I give the following as a self-professed amateur UFOlogist....though I hope to eventually be more, as well as other things, with time...
First, get a college degree. Why? Because it shows you understand commonly accepted research standards. In doing college papers, you'll come to
realize valid reseach criteria, etc. This will help with legitimacy...especially if the degree is a Masters, PHD, etc. The degree doesn't have to
be in anything related to UFOs or Science (though science or engineering, etc. would be better)....but again, it shows that you understand research
methods.
Second, write a book. Yes, bite the bullet and do it. Without this, no name recognition, no seminars, etc. People won't pay to come see those they
don't know or haven't remotely heard of. Even if at a symposium or con, if you have nobody showing up to your lecture, you won't be asked back.
Third, and this really should be first....but immerse yourself in everything in the subject....from the whackos like Meier, to the whacko skeptics
like Klass...(and don't use the word "whacko" when describing them, hehe...) You need to realize both sides of the spectrum as well as
in-between... Some of the best cases are the older ones where they have a paper trail as they didn't yet have a procedure to cover it up. Also,
study the work of other UFOlogists, especially those such as Pope or Hyneck, as they once worked the other side of the fence. Realize who is
respected in the field, and those who are not..(and these could be one in the same, depending on who you ask).... Some of my faves, Good, Friedman,
Randle (not Randles), Rudiak, Hyneck, Pope, etc.
Fourth, do the research. Often, accounts conflict, but there are remarkable amounts of documents, official programs, news accounts, etc. of the
phenomenon....