A Pot of Ufological Gold, or a Pile of Nothingness?

Greetings. The collection of UFO information. The archiving of witness testimonials. 

The UFO research community has some dedicated individuals who consistently apply legitimate research efforts and resources to the effort to explore the enigma of unidentified flying objects. They are all worthy of our full support and are deserving of accolades. 

Some being the operative word. 

A good majority of the UFO research community dedicates itself to the archiving of witness testimonials; anecdotal information about alleged encounters with the UFO phenomenon. While certainly a worthwhile endeavor, are such efforts productive? Do such efforts offer the chance for the advancement of our collective knowledge about the unsolved question that is the UFO problem? 

During one of the two panel discussions which were conducted at the tail end of the lecture and presentation schedule at last weekend's Roswell UFO Festival, a declaration was made that demanded a reasonable and logical response, a response that was given by Donald R. Schmitt. The declaration, which was made by an attendee/participant of the panel discussion, described an alleged encounter with a landed UFO, a story which was eerily reminiscent of many a story in UFO circles. Don Schmitt responded with a simple, yet logical inquiry, which was, and I paraphrase: "Has an investigation been conducted?" The person who made the declaration said "no," which was the most likely and expected response to Don's inquiry. 

After hearing the "no" response, Don stated firmly that witness testimonials void of any sort of investigation are simply stories and nothing more. Agreed. 

Without any kind of investigative efforts, witness testimonials are simply unconfirmed claims, anecdotes void of corroborating evidence, tall tales. Now I am not stating that all such claims are not true, but if we as investigators choose to not practice our due diligence, then we may be entertaining, collecting, and archiving false, nonsensical, and worse, potentially hoaxed content. Such information muddies the ufological waters, and is often accepted as valid by those who have no idea how, or inclination to conduct purposeful examinations of such information. 

What are researchers collecting? Valid information about UFOs? Likely not. What is being collected is most likely reasonably accurate information peppered with false information that has the effect of tainting the overall picture. 

Next time you see or hear a researcher or organization claim to collect witness testimonials, keep in mind that the vast majority of such content is not being investigated, and as a result, cannot be taken as being accurate or reliable at face value. 

Be cautious, be vigilant, and above all, don't throw caution to the wind. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.