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| ABS had this photo for about 4 years before releasing it. |
Melissa Hovey Interview
by
The Crypto Crew Founder Tom Marcum
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| Melissa Hovey |
Tom: How long have you been researching or had an interest in bigfoot?
Melissa: My interest goes back to when I was a kid in Elementary School. I was quite the book worm and had come across a book (the name I don’t remember) that had a black and white photo of, John Green, holding this enormous foot print. I remember thinking, “that is one big foot print.” As I read further, I became more and more interested. I wondered how something like that could live in our country or anywhere in the world. I wanted to know more. So, I read as much as I could find on the topic.
Then a few years later I saw the Patterson/Gimlin film for the first time. Fast forward to 2005, when I moved to Texas, and decided to get out there and look. As an adult, my fascination has changed from the animal itself to the witnesses. I have worked as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant since late 2002. While getting my degree I interned with a Public Defenders office and a Coroner’s office. I have worked with people who simply want answers, outside this field of research, and I find the witnesses to this alleged animal behave and say things that are no different. These witnesses deserve answers as much as anyone.
Tom: In your years of bigfoot research, what would you say is the best evidence you found?
Melissa: I have found tracks and casted them. But, nothing I would consider rock solid evidence.
Tom: Some people got upset because you placed a copyright on the photo, is that all settled now?
Melissa: This issue has never needed to be settled. Many are assuming they know what this witness and I have agreed to, even though, they have never spoken with this witness or myself.
The American Bigfoot Society and its Directors will always do whatever is necessary to protect our witnesses. If that bothers people in this community, so be it. But, witnesses sure have appreciated the approach we have taken and have said so in countless emails. Witnesses I have never even worked with have contacted me via email to thank me and the ABS for taking such as strong stance in the protection of this witness. We will not change our position or our firm defense when it comes to these people.
Tom: I agree with you,we at TCC have taken similar steps to protect people who have confided in us with stories and/or photos. It should be a common rule among researchers to protect the witness.
Melissa: In all honesty if I removed the copyright protection does that make the subject of this photo a living and breathing Bigfoot or an absolute hoax? No, absolutely not, and to say it would, is ridiculous. It is our job to protect these people, especially when we can’t prove they’ve done anything wrong, and wish to remain anonymous. To do less is irresponsible.
So, when all else fails, blame the messenger or the witness. The uproar, over a non-issue (the copyright) isn’t difficult to figure out when you sit back and actually think about it. If the witness is just fine, why should anyone else care? Unless they are simply trying to start drama where there is none.
Tom: What did the person who sent you the photo think about you having the copyright, was they ok with it?
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