Melissa Hovey Pushes Back At One Of Her Biggest Critics, Damian Bravo


Yesterday, we published an article by Bigfoot Evidence contributor, Damian Bravo about "Putting An End To The Hovey Bigfoot Photo Fiasco!" In the article, Damian wrote how it was possible to manipulate the hair color in the photo of the Clawed costume to look like the hair color on Melissa Hovey's Bigfoot photo. He created a side by side image of the back of the Clawed creature costume and compared it Melissa's photo. Using a photo-enhancing software, Damian showed that he was able to closely match the hair color on the two photos. Read Damian's article here.

Last night, the two exchanged some fighting words in the comments section.


Read below:

Melissa Hovey
Mar 6, 2012 11:05 PM

Hello everyone. First of all, I want to thank those who are giving this photo their time and effort. Many have given their time and expertise to try and get more information from it. I also continue to work with the witness.

Now, the comments about my not answering questions is patently untrue. I have been everywhere I can to answer whatever questions are out there, that I can answer. WHO this witness is, where this person lives and any agreements we made are not going to be disclosed, and if people do not understand that, then that is their problem. I protect my witnesses. Any researcher worth their salt would do everything they can to protect the identity of their witnesses. These people owe us nothing. This witness has never asked me for one cent - and I have never offered him any money. I do not pay witnesses. I post nothing on my blog (other than opinion pieces) that no one else posts on their blog - to include this one. I see videos on this site I have never seen anywhere else, BUT I would never accuse Shawn or Damien of trying to hoax anyone.

I am also struck by the fact that there is really no reason for me to post here. Why? No one is really asking questions. I appreciate the support though from many who are posting here trying to set the record straight, as it allows me to answer questions and work with experts in various fields in reference to this photo. This photo has been shown to NOT be the "Clawed" Costume - and to perpetuate that it is the "Clawed" costume is simply wrong and mis-information. I would think the person who owns the company (John Healy of Healy FX) would know more than the director of the movie. The suit that was sold at auction, was the stunt suit, not what they call the "hero" suit.

This photo was also analysed and shown to be free of ANY photoshop manipulation. What you see in the picture, is in the picture - period.

I have never said I think this is a real bigfoot, nor have I said it is a hoax. Anyone who says I have made a definitive statement is also putting out misinformation. I released this photo for more than one reason. The most important being (and the one many forget) IF this is a hoax - this is a dang good hoax. IF this is a hoax - wouldn't you like to know what is in the pike for this community? I sure would. We complain all the time about hoaxing, I am doing what I can to prevent one - IF that is what this is.

Damien, it may have served your purpose well had you actually attempted to contact me personally to get my side of this before you assumed you were in possession of all the facts. Clearly you are not. I have also released new information which you have not discussed or disclosed to your readers. Those interested can go to my blog. But, you're right. I will NOT disclose the name of any witness - so you would be wasting your time. But, you would be hard pressed to get any decent researcher to disclose the name or information about any witness who wants to remain anonymous. So, I am no different.

Maybe you think it's fun to watch people be slandered and put down on the internet for something they can't explain - but I personally find it revolting. As such, the name of this witness will not be disclosed. If I have reason to believe this is a hoax, all bets are off - which I have said more than once on many forums.

No worries folks. I have not headed for the hills. I am simply working hard to get as much information as I can (with the help of experts) from this photo as possible. I do thank each and every one of you who have been kind enough to put your own bias aside and look at this objectively. Yelling hoax is easy, the difficult part is in figuring out why it's a hoax - or legit. That is true investigation. Remain objective, question everything - but stay true to yourself and your own gut. It will serve you well in this field of research. :)

I want to get to the bottom of this as much as anyone else. Those who say otherwise, do not know me.

Melissa Hovey

D.B. (Damian Bravo)
Mar 7, 2012 12:00 AM

Mellisa with all due respect i do not like the fact that you are saying I do not have all the facts, truth being... what true facts have you put out besides you have one photo and that your trying to clear this up and you have contact with the witness.

Also if you have new info, then share it, I am not getting in your way, my view of this is just from one photo people are saying this is the real deal, which i disagree.

Also I do not have fun, seeing people ridicule someone else, thats not how I do things and you actually do not no me to judge my character.

On another note, not trying to be rude, I do not have anything to ask you because you already said you will not give anymore info on what you already stated.In no way have i attacked you personally, my questioning is of this one photo, not you Mellisa.

In my view whats wrong in trying to get to the truth, and i thought that any decent researchers job is tryin to get the truth of Bigfoot existence and show the world that this community is not a bunch of nuts.

If your witness does not want his indentity out, that is fine but lets get the other photos out, show the amazing other shots and end this debate.

In my view the way this was presented to the community was wrong, thats my personal view, if people agree with me or not they have that right.

But do not come on the blog and say I enjoy ridiculing people. At the end of it all is about proving Bigfoot exist, so lets do that, if you working to get the person to give you more photos great, but do not try to make me seem like I am the bad guy, I do not appreciate that.

Melissa Hovey
Mar 7, 2012 12:35 AM

Damien,

With all due respect, I do not appreciate your misrepresentation of the facts behind this photo. If you want the facts, maybe you can pull up your journalistic integrity and actually send me an email.

Instead you have made accusations, misrepresented the facts and not once have you even gone to the source - that being myself. If you think this is a hoax, fine, then simply move on. Adding to the confusion is helping no one. Apparently you think you are the only person trying to get to the bottom of this mystery - I assure you - you are not.

The way this was presented initially had nothing to do with the "community" it was between myself and this witness. How you handle things is your business, I will handle things the way I wish to. I did not realize there was a right and wrong way of handling an investigation into a yet to be proven mystery. I will also tell you, my witnesses appreciate my honesty and the fact that I protect them - from everything. Yes, I am an advocate first. But, I do not EVER protect hoaxers. I loved how you allowed the comments about me allowing hoaxed photos on my blog to go unchallenged - yet you felt it necessary to challenge when people actually told you how they felt about this photo and it didn't jive with your beliefs.

When you said you would email me, but you already knew I would not answer questions about who the witness is, exactly what did you mean? Do I appear stupid to you? Don't cry foul now.

I appreciate people who work their butts off for the truth. If you are upset, well okay, but it doesn't appear to me you give two shakes about this witness or those who are working hard to get you those photos you want so badly.

There are a few people making assumptions based on ignorance. That helps no one. I would think, you would care about the information you put out to your readers. You don't have to ask me anything, everything new that is being discovered is on many sites you could do your homework. When the latest information from Healy FX was released here by Shawn, you took the photo and put a big red circle through it and basically snubbed your nose at it. Yeah, that tells me you want answers.

You know what I don't appreciate. Good people doing honest and hard work - and you thumbing your nose at them like you are the keeper of all knowledge. I never said anyone has to believe this is a legitimate photo of a bigfoot - or a hoax.

But, your bias is showing.

A little honey goes a long way. A few questions might get you some answers.

Just a friendly heads up.


Damian Bravo
Mar 7, 2012 12:51 AM

Melliaa I have nothing against you and have never stated anything slanderous, if I have slandered you, then copy and paste the words I use to do that,I am not going to fall for your attacks,in the end if you have the proof, then give it to the BF community.

You nothing to prove to me, prove it to the community.

Damian Bravo

Melissa Hovey
Mar 7, 2012 12:59 AM

Where did I say you slandered anyone? I think you need to take 5 and read my comments again. I have nothing to prove to anyone - period. This photo won't prove anything - and I never said it would - although many are putting that in my mouth too.

I am simply looking for an answer to this. IF this is a hoax, how was it done. IF this is a hoax, how much did it cost to do it. Simply saying this is a hoax right out of the gate is so incredibly simple - the hard work is figuring out how it was done, and why.

You also have not acknowledged the fact there was no photoshop done to this photo -yet it has been said many, many times before. I said it here, and still you won't even acknowledge the comment.

My attacks? I come here and comment about your red circle slashes and misinformation and you say I am attacking you? You are not a victim so please don't play that game. You're too smart for that.

If you want to contact me and actually get the full story, you know how to get a hold of me. I doubt you will though. I bet you had your mind made up in the first 10 minutes. I'm just grateful others see the need to actually investigate this fully.

Melissa Hovey

Comments

  1. Well she had like what 4yrs. to investigate?
    All I see is D.B. doing some hard work to help try and figure out how it was hoaxed. Which she says she wants so whats the problem?
    Why use honey when you know ur gonna get stung in the azz?
    She is just another blowhard bully trying to force feed us crap till we swallow.
    No thanks M.H. and your 15 minutes were up days ago. C ya.

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    1. Damian is that you??? or Phil???? let's see I know this pattern of writing let me think...

      Oh I know you're the pot calling the kettle black!

      This is my opinion, Anonymous is another name for Coward.

      Delete
    2. How is D.B. doing hard work? All I see is attack, attack, attack. It is obvious to anyone with eyes that this picture is not from the Clawed movie. This may be a hoax, but the word MAY is overlooked in his analysis.

      The picture looks absolutely real. Does this mean anything? Maybe not. But, the simple fact that this is a picture of an alleged sasquatch causes DB and many others to immediately shout, "hoax"! simply because of the content and not the quality.

      The picture of my family I have hanging in my living room could be called a hoax too. Anything can be called a hoax. The only reason this picture is being called a hoax is because of the subject in the photograph. This is by far the best photo ever of an alleged sasquatch, therfore people who want to see a hoax automatically yell that it is.
      Maybe it is but present factual data to back the argument, such as photos of the suit that were used (that actually look like the subject) or an eyewitness who helped create the hoax and has specific knowledge of the location etc. Otherwise, these attacks end up being all the same. EX. Q. Where is the evidence? A. We have plaster casts with dermal ridging, midtarsal break, flexation points, etc. Typical Response: Fakes OR Q. Where is a clear photo? All we see are these fuzzy blobsquatches. A. The Hovey photo looks real and the Patterson video looks legit. Typical response: Faked. Hoax. That Patterson film is a man wearing shoulder pads and a gorilla costume. The other is from a horror movie called Clawed. No, we can't produce any of those costumes and todays technology still can't reproduce the patterson creature, BUT everyone knows they are faked.

      This becomes tiring hearing the same old agruments brought forth by the doubting community. No evidence to refute anything just mindless accusations and assumptions.

      This is why people do not want to reveal their names.

      Could you imagine what the person who took this photo (assuming it is real) would be subjected to if their name was revealed?

      Archer1

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    3. what a total idiot you are.You are a perfect example of why people don't want to have anything to do with bigfooting. Talk about looking for 15 minutes of fame.Thats exactly what damian bravo is about. The worst thing is he has to try and ride somebodies coat tail to get there. What a joke! A real sasquatch researcher wouldn't give him or the person that placed this post the time of day. If you are what you say you are then step up to the plate and provide some evidence. Until then go crawl back underneath that slimy nasty you crawled out of and shut the fuck up!!!

      Delete
  2. Good on you Melissa. Honesty & integrity in practice.

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  3. In regards to Melisa's criticism about Damian not contacting her directly to ask her questions;
    Well, I did contact her directly via PMs and asked questions in regards to the matter. She has refused to answer questions nor clarify her position other than to tell me to "go read my blogs."
    As far as I can see, her "working with experts" and "working with the witness" isn't!

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    1. Ahh Phil - I am so glad to see you. I see your working on drumming up business yourself. Maybe the readers of this blog would like to see why I would not answer your questions. Funny how they seemed to echo Damiens.

      I am leaving out his email address - because I'm not nearly as rude.

      "Hi there. Phil Poling here. Would you mind sending me all the emails from the person who sent you that photograph? I would like very much to speak with him about this."

      I told Phil: "Hello, I'm sorry but I will not disclose that information."

      Yes I mind. I mind a great deal. Which you were told more than once. Okay, you know what Phil - being an "investigator" means you have the ability to find information yourself. You have not even tried even after being directed to my blog. Seriously?? You can't find information that is clearly spelled out? It is as obvious as the nose on my face you have no experience conducting an investigation.

      Especially when you ask questions like this.

      Again, I will not disclose the name of this witness to anyone - unless I can determine this is a hoax. So, don't ask.

      Delete
    2. Oh, Hi there Melissa.
      Um; I disclosed you email address? When was this?
      Why did you leave out all of my questions? Why did you leave out your refusal to answer those particular questions? Interesting. No; that's okay. I don't mind. I'm just trying to get to the truth of the matter. Yes; I know you claim to want that too and yet you don't seem to be very open with information. Information that could clear this whole thing up. I wonder why that is?
      Yes, I do have the ability to investigate on my own and that is what I'm doing. I began by directly contacting you since you are the closest to the original source. Of course, you threw a wrench in that, didn't you? Yes, I am an "investigator" - now retired. I've spent many years investigating crimes and have spent many hours in court. I know you wouldn't agree with this but in all the years on the job, not once did I ever hide a witness away from the court. There is a reason why they take the stand.

      Delete
    3. I don't remember asking for your help. I have a good team of people, all with various degrees, working on this. Well your ability to track down information sucks - to put it mildly. What makes you think I do not already have a very good, and well respected, investigator working on this?

      This is not a murder investigation or anything headed to court - so your analogy is weak at best. If you can't be bothered to read the information that is already out there, don't bother me. Especially when you claim to have this "investigative knowledge". I haven't seen it.

      You are not the ONLY person trying to get to the truth of anything. But your attitude in those messages tells me you sure think you have all the answers already. You were rude and insulting. You have no idea what I have done in regards to this investigation or the others who are working with me - you ASSUME it is a "mess". You should not ever assume anything - you know what they say about that.

      Funny, you say I am not open to giving information, yet the only information you want is privileged. Of course I am going to deny you that. Anyone who values their word - would deny you that.

      Oh, and I didn't say you disclosed my email address - I said I wasn't going to post yours. I am not nearly as rude as you.

      Again, another shining example..

      Good night Irene.. LOL.

      Delete
    4. I agree with MH on this. Why is she obligated to answer questions for anyone? As an investigator (undercover drug officer) I worked under the conditions on anonomity when dealing with informants. If you get the reputation of being someone who can't be trusted, your career goes down the drain. I am sure that this concept is applied here.

      By the way, what ever happened to,"Because I don't want to" being o.k. in America. We have privacy rights too.

      Archer1

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    5. You're absolutely right, Archer1. Witnesses to this animal owe us nothing. They come to us because they think we can help them. I don't know about others, but I do the very best I can to try and get them answers.

      The minute we start to turn on witnesses and out their identities - will be the day we stop hearing from these people. It's shameful that anyone would suggest this happen.

      Melissa

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    6. must be a hell of a team if in four years they haven't uncovered anything else. maybe it's time for a fresh look thru fresh eyes. or isn't the truth out there.

      Delete
    7. MelIssa, it makes my head hurt when I read your self-righteous style of writing. So you're working on getting answers, but not really doing anything. I am so bored with your story I almost want to read a Robert Lindsay story. Almost. Damian, you did nothing wrong with your article. Anything Melissa perceives as ruining her reputation, I'm sorry, but she has done herself. You just reported on it. John

      Delete
    8. Supersoilent aka phil poling is an absolute scumbag and disgrace to this field. where do these people come from? its my understanding this idiot messaged hovey demanding witness info because "he" was investigating the photo and threatened her with repercussions if she didn't provide it. first of all, who does this loser think he is? I know what id tell this phil scumbag if he messaged me and demanded something. Hovey has played it by the book here imo and shared a worthy photo that without further evidence will likely be forgotten about over time. what I see are a bunch of nobodies coming out of the woodwork to try and make a name for themselves. I see trash

      Delete
  4. Anonymous: Do you know what the word "investigate" means? How exactly do you "investigate" when the person with all the information refuses to talk to you - regardless of the reason? Answer: you don't. You do what you can to get this person to re-establish contact. My blog was the last resort.

    Don't like my attitude? That's cool. I don't like people who make assumptions about things they know nothing about.

    Why use honey? Because just like everyone else who has asked me questions - Damien would have gotten answers and that would have lead to being more informed and thus his readers more informed.

    No one is force feeding you anything. I simply do not have the time. If you are not interested, why are you reading about the topic? Seems you can't even hide your own interest. If you're not interested move on to something else so those who are interested can be more informed without all the, "I don't care" comments - which we all know are not true. LOL.

    15 minutes? If I was interested in that, I would have released this photo years ago. So, don't pretend you know my motivation.

    Melissa Hovey

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    Replies
    1. Your a hoax, your whole story of 4 years of torture to keep this picture and not share because your witness doesn't want to be known. The picture,Damien Bravo as well and lets not forget the DNA paper coming out in the journal. Yeah right. This is absolutely disgusting that adults act this way and completely leaves me with the who cares attitude of BF. actually may e someone can hunt them all of the exist and that way everyone woul have anything to bicker and act elementary about.

      Delete
  5. Did the photo just show up one day? no... so you know where the photo came from. Reliable source?

    Did you have the photo examined by any one who can say it's not been altered? Other than obvious cropping and possible removal of T.D. stamp.

    Are you in possesion of more photos from same source?

    Other things line up to challege credability eg. game cam changing to some hobbled together 35mm. set up. etc. etc.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. P.S. the majority of your blog is made up of posts about your arguments with other ppl. Do ya like being the center of attention much?

      Delete
    2. Some are speculating I know nothing about this witness - which is not true. I am however being very selective when it comes to what I disclose, which is smart when you are still in the middle of investigating a situation.

      The photo was sent to me directly.

      Yes, the photo was examined and there is no photoshop. The opinions are on my blog - with most of the information you are requesting. There was no removal of a time or date stamp. This photo was not taken with a game cam (which was my mistake and have corrected - see Shawns article or mine) This was taken with a 35mm with Zoom. This was a multiple camera set up. Yes, I knew the photo was cropped prior to it being sent. I have no issue with cropping - I do have issues with photoshopping or things being simply blacked out.

      I was told there are more photos. I am not currently in possession of them.

      The game cam was my mistake. I do remember the witness telling me this was a 35mm set up. Last year there was some debate between my fiance, Wayne, and others who said it couldn't be a 35mm, so I gave in. Turns out I was right, as the night of the photo release the witness emailed me and made the correction. It's only a credibility issue when the correction is not made. The witness corrected the mistake and I put the information out there.

      This "hobbled" together set up, as you put it, was actually very common within this field of research before I became involved in 2005. Some researchers use this type of set up now. So, what he is discussing actually makes sense to those professional photographers who are also bigfoot researchers.

      Melissa Hovey.

      Delete
    3. As for your P.S.

      Hum. Do I like being the center of attention.

      Hadn't really given it much though. I am usually too busy in the field or working with other investigators. I see you post here, and much of this discussion has been nothing more than opinion, much as I present. Either you agree with me, or you don't. No skin off my back.

      But I will tell you, I and my fiance turned down the upcoming Bigfoot Show. We have been offered other shows, and turned them down as well. So, I guess I really suck at being, "the center of attention."

      Thanks for your questions. :)

      Delete
  6. So far the evidence you have put forth is as valid as an opinion.
    You should have never made public the photo without facts that could confirm its pedigree.
    All you have done is add another log on the fire of doubt, no better than a youtuber or a freezer full of costume and greazy grimy gopher guts.
    Yes im interested and hope its real but I will not put up with anything less than confirmable facts and niether should any one else who has interest.
    Sorry for getting snippy and good luck to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What makes you think anyone who is working on this feels any differently than you do? I absolutely can understand your frustration.

      Where did I say you should expect less? I would appreciate it if you would not put words in my mouth. More photos would be nice, but even if they were sent - they won't prove anything. Do you honestly think a photo will prove this animals existence? I sure don't.

      Another log on the fire of doubt? I might borrow that line. You may think so, but for witnesses and people outside this community who have seen this - it's been a totally different experience. They have something to look at and compare to what they seen. Their reactions have been interesting. A small few witnesses dismiss it straight out (but I would expect that) but the large majority are pointing out differences between what they seen and what is in this photo.

      I do not think (and never have) this photo will be proof of this animals existence, but I do think it may be a valuable tool when talking to witnesses.

      Melissa Hovey

      I wish you all the best.

      Delete
  7. I JUST HEARD MELISSA HAS A BOOK COMING OUT ! (RED FLAG) ! WHEN SOMEONE HAS A NEW BOOK COMING OUT USUALLY THEY TRY TO GET THEIR NAME OUT THERE REMEMBER WHEN Autumn Williams released her book and all the controversy. I think Melissa's publisher told her to make a splash "Any publicity is good publicity when your selling something !

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    1. And you know what while we are at it. Let me also clear up a few other flat out lies being told.

      1. I have never worked in a museum. I am a paralegal and have been since 2002-2003.

      2. I was never an extra in any movie.

      3. I run no group(s) out of Texas.

      4. I never lived in San Antonio Texas. I lived in Dallas until October of 2008 when I became engaged and moved to Ohio.

      5. I am not about to release a book.

      Delete
    2. 4 years being engaged and he won't pull the trigger? LOL What's that tell you?

      Delete
    3. We are fine with being engaged for now. I have never been in a rush to get married. We are very happy and our life is very good.

      I guess we are actually in the majority. When you work in the legal profession it tends to taint your opinion of marriage. Especially when you have worked for divorce lawyers.

      I do appreciate your concern about my private life which is not Bigfoot related and has nothing to do with this photo. :)

      Delete
    4. As far as I'm concerned if someone attacks your private life that person has a problem.

      Foul big time.

      Delete
    5. It is one thing to attack a person about bigfoot, but private life is way out of bounds. It is none of their business and a low blow. You have to be a very small person to do this.

      Chuck

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    6. Save the drama for your momma!!!

      Delete
    7. Oh yes very mature anonymous at 6:58am. and such impressive semantics and prose!

      Truth hurts doesn't it.

      Delete
    8. AND it's Blondie to the rescue !! Like I always say. All's fair in love and Bigfooting!

      Delete
    9. Melissa--you are correct when you say your private life is not Bigfoot related and has nothing to do with this photo. Then why did you put it out there?

      Delete
  8. Melissa has been extremely responsive to my email inquiries. I'm not sure why she's come under fire. She stated from the beginning she doesn't know what's in the picture, and that she's looking for help from us to uncover the mystery.

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    1. There was help offered in the form of showing how easy it is to change tint,color of suject.

      From what I read above she is not too happy for the help.

      Delete
    2. What is the point when that never happened? Put Damiens work side by side with this photo. That is not what happened. Had Damien emailed me and asked me questions, he would have known that.

      Delete
  9. Damian Bravo is just trying to gravy train Shawn's site and get attention put on him when he offers nothing in the way of usable or quality research and investigation. All I've seen from him so far is extremely poor grammar, a horrendous writing style, and old, tired takes. Putting out a Homo Sapiens Hirsuti article about 8 months late, and trying to coin the term again when it's not even established bigfoot is homo sapiens is just one example. The only thing I'm certain of is that it is no coincidence Damian Bravo's initials are DB, because he is absolutely a DB. D-Bag.

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    1. Anonymous, you said:"Putting out a Homo Sapiens Hirsuti article"

      Why does this sound familiar????

      Damien - please tell me you are not letting your personal feelings about this animal being human and my articles against this idea - cloud your judgment.. Please tell me this isn't true.

      Here I thought you had a legitimate concern.

      Sure didn't take long to figure this out. This is really disappointing.

      Thank you Anonymous for pointing this out. I knew there had to be a reason why Damien was so angry with me. Now, I know.

      Carrying grudges will only get your own credibility questioned.

      Sad. Very sad.

      Delete
    2. To Anonymous at 5:30 am

      I'm glad Melissa got something out of your post because I think it is something you need to take up with Damien personally.

      It's very cowardly to hide behind Anon and spout out all this criticism and call names. Ummm how old are you?

      There was nothing constructive in what you said or how you stated your opinions of him.

      He has had some informative articles here and does have support.Everyone has bad days.

      If I know Shawn he probably asked Damian to write the articles so I suspect Damian was invited here. I hope Shawn clears that up.

      Thanks Melissa for your input.I have enjoyed reading your posts and clarification. I really like how you can take the heat, maintain control yet clarify any questions I had.

      Delete
    3. and going by blondie isn't being anon?

      Delete
    4. Why is speculation of ANY evidence that has to do with this subject a bad thing. We should all be challenging the "evidence" so that it will actually stand up as real evidence. You released this photo with no corroborating evidence therefore it means nothing more than a Blobsquatch. Maybe you need to raise your own standards on what you will release Mellissa. John

      Delete
  10. Drama Queen--Like I said days ago. Your 15 minutes are up!

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    Replies
    1. And yet, here you are :) Yeah, you lose points for doing what you claim to be so horrible.

      Delete
    2. 15 minutes??? LOL Melissa how are you not dying laughing at all this it seems it's nothing but pure jealousy with very green eyes.

      By the way the other thread now has over 65 comments....Shawn must be doing a happy dance!

      Delete
    3. Honestly Blondie - I am. Jealousy is a big problem within this field of research. Why? I have no idea. I don't think this photo will prove anything and have said that all along. So, no worries everyone - the search is not over.. LOL.

      I also wanted to say to you - I read your comments about this photo. You are pointing out things others have spotted. I can't say with any certainty the tick or other things are there, but others have said the same things. Thank you for your objective approach and for correcting errors that have been posted. It is greatly appreciated.

      Delete
    4. You are do welcome. I believe in objectivity with any video or picture. I don't know if you've read here much or not but if you scroll back through the articles in the past weeks since you released the picture there's a lot of info that people notice in the comments.

      I also believe in using links if I state something as a fact, LOL although there are few facts in the Sassy field.

      I also have been the target of gossip and character assassination in a real life situation
      where I learned a great deal about grace under fire, wonderful quality. I admire others who have it.

      Nothing is to be gained by attacking others or their private lives and is a low blow saying a lot about the attacker.

      Again I do feel sorry for poor Sassy because he must have parasites. I have picked maggots out of wounds or sores on animals before and have taken off ticks. They looked very similar.

      I don't care if they're human or not I just want them protected.

      If I had a photo and wanted it released this is the way I'd do it. I respect you for taking the heat because I suspect that they are sitting back watching all this unfold and want to crawl under a rock right about now.

      Delete
    5. Oh my goodness, I meant You are SO welcome not do welcome. LOL Shawn's got to get an edit on these posts.

      excuse the spelling error

      Delete
    6. You can edit your own posts. Try. Harder.

      Delete
  11. Nice to see you been converted to "Ohio" Melissa..lol..Movin up in the world...haha

    ReplyDelete
  12. @Melissa,
    Your on "Grassmans" turf now...hahaa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep and there are some awesome places here for research. In fact Wayne and I spent a weekend in Southern Ohio just a couple weeks ago scouting out a location provided by a witness.

      Nice and quiet here. Nothing like Dallas. :)

      Delete
    2. gotta be kidding me??....I'm in the "Wayne" as we speak...doing some of my own research..

      Delete
    3. Found two "prints" lastnite beside some deer bones. One was very distinct with toes app 16x5..Very thick wooded area..

      Delete
    4. Not only that, Samuel has the best bigfoot tracking dog in all of eastern Ohio, and a real joy to be around to a dog lover like me.

      Chuck in Western Ohio

      Delete
    5. The area you're talking about is in a word - AWESOME!! I won't ask you which section you investigate, but I know those areas, and I could spend months there.

      Did you cast the tracks?

      Hello Chuck :) We want a good field dog, but alas we live in an apartment.. Soon though.

      Delete
    6. @Mellisa,
      No, I did not cast the track. I'm not a researcher actually. I'm just a curious hiker...haha..Alpha Dog has kinda gotten me into this. I have seen and heard very "unusual" things in my journeys and finally am going to start documenting what I see and hear. Personally, I seem to come across some really great tracks from time to time. I don't have the knowledge or material to cast (yet).
      Right now I am learning to video in which I did lastnite. There were actually three "prints" yesterday. Two were definately castable. I could share some other things with you but not on here. Especially after seeing the mud slinging you've just went through.
      send me an email to badbizads@yahoo.com (my junk generic email) and I'll send you somthing you might find interesting....
      In the Marrietta section.

      And thank's to Chuck for the compliments!....He's got a kool dog too!

      Delete
    7. I have a vision of you guys doing Bigfoot calls from a mile away from each other, both groups convinced, " that's a squatch!"

      Delete
  13. Sweet, since Melissa is here I'm just gonna be the one to ask. Melissa will you release the name or email of your source? Haha just kidding.

    Melissa will you release the other photos so we can get a better idea if this is real or fake?

    See a polite question.

    Bigfoots Broski

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Bigfoots Broski :) Since you asked nicely - sure anything for you :) Ha! Just kidding.

      As of this moment I do not have the other photos. The witness says there are multiple photos in this series - and considering this is a 35mm camera, I would think that would be true, but who knows.

      Believe me when I say, I want these photos as much as you do. This witness is not your average witness or hoaxer - and that is making the going very difficult. The blog articles worked and he has contacted me - so I am crossing my fingers. The next move is totally up to him he has already proven he wont be rushed. But, he did say he would be in touch as promised.

      Very polite and I thank you.

      Melissa Hovey

      Delete
    2. Question: do you have the uncroped photo? And if so will you release it?
      In your first post you said that the photo was cropped so that it would not identify the location or ID the source. Was that done by you(ABS) or by the source?

      Sorry if it's a repeat queastion?

      Delete
    3. Hello Ed,

      The witness cropped the photo before sending it. Frankly that doesn't bother me as much as photoshopping would or simply blacking out what he didn't want identified. If you look toward the top of the subjects head - you will see what some think is either a house or a window. I am undecided on what this is, but I think that could be what he may have been trying to remove. While you and I may not be able to identify what that is exactly, someone who lives near this witness might. We really don't know for certain what this is.

      The witness was completely up front with this. Otherwise there are no other changes to this photo.

      Melissa

      Delete
    4. Thanks, there is not enough info in the pic to say real or fake, anymore discussion is speculation.

      I think we should set this aside and move forward, until something else comes out on the photo or it's source.

      Delete
    5. Melissa, I appreciate you answering that question. Obviously people are skeptical because its a back shot. Now I won't bitch because I like them back shots, but it just seemed weird if the source had a better shot why wouldn't he release it.

      Wouldn't mind having a beer with that guy. Makes you wonder if Squatch would drink a Coors Lt with me. Sure beerman could hook that up.
      Bigfoots Broski

      Delete
    6. I think there would be speculation even with a front view Broski. It is a photo with no backup info. We need a body.

      Delete
  14. BROSKI!!!! Oh boy we will have fun now. LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Up at around 4:44 am Melissa states she is not in possession of the other photos.She's answered a lot of questions about it actually. I understand the situation a lot better.

      Delete
    2. First I wanna know where does this guy workout! I wanna hit the gym with that guy in the photo.
      Next we will be sure that we see this guy in the LMFAO video......wiggle,wiggle, wiggle, wiggle.
      Bigfoots Broski

      Delete
  15. I understand your frustration Melissa. You made public a picture emailed to you to research it better and hopefully gain any new info. on it. Looks like you learned a little more on your quest than planned!lol Best of luck with all your findings! We live...and we learn.
    Lindsay Broughton

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. From your lips to gods ears. Yeah, I knew this would happen, which is why I wrote the article before publishing the photo. I thought maybe people would read it and have the information. Apparently very few did.

      Thank you for your kind words.

      Melissa

      Delete
    2. I'm raising my hand here, me me, I read it.
      I think the key word here is comprehension. :)

      Delete
    3. I read it also, but I agree with you Melissa that very few people did read it originally and this led to a lot of knee jerk reactions, not that there would have been some anyway. I guess it comes with this territory. You were smart to come on this blog and help clear the air.

      I am glad that the original owner has got back in touch with you and just maybe he will release the other photo's. Until he does it will be one big mystery. By the way if you go to the Ohio Bigfoot Conference on April 29th in Cambridge, Oh, Both Samuel and I plan on being there and it would be an honor to meet you.

      Chuck

      Delete
    4. I have a picture of a unicorn too, but it doesn't mean they exist. Without DNA, or a location so that I can go and collect more evidence, it is just a photo of a horse that I glued a horn to. Get it yet?

      Delete
  16. The endless bickering and showing off is such a turn off on here. There are hundreds of us who wish all of you would just shut up unless you have anything meaningful to offer. Nobody cares about your ego driven subjective opinions. Love this blog minus the drama. Long time supporter and believer from Salem Oregon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I can see where correcting rumors, lies and inuendo would be a problem. If you don't like the drama maybe you should start with asking that the person who informs you - be informed himself.

      The drama created here - is not my fault, BUT I am correcting it.

      Delete
    2. By not sleeping and being defensive. Yes, definitely clearing things up. You have given no new info, fade into the background already.

      Delete
  17. Melissa,

    Some of these people have nothing better to do with their time.

    You made it clear that you were publishing the photo with no claims.

    If and when you had or have more to reveal, you will do it.

    That's it IMO.

    Damian not only manipulates color but also the shape of the animal as well as the lay of the hair.

    I see nothing revealing in his presentation. That's not to say I am against him, just giving my opinion on what he is showing in his article.

    As for Shawn, he is in no way biased nor does he favor anyone over another.

    Although we are friends and share data and news, we also will clearly disagree in some situations.

    Melissa, I told you on your site that you had integrity. Don't allow yourself to be drawn into a war here.

    Sometimes it's best to just stay silent. Larry Surface was attacked vehemently until he took his blog down. Did that help to come to a conclusion on his photos, absolutely not.

    There are those that get off on driving people off the internet. Still others don't know when to shut up.

    It ends up being a losing proposition all the way around and all because of jealousy.

    Scott McMan
    Ghosttheory.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm sure this photo and the hoopla surrounding it have nothing to do with your upcoming bigfoot talks do they Melissa? Sell those tickets, honey! Rip these gullible rubes off!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually, my upcoming speech at the New York Conference is already written and includes nothing about this photo.

      So, short answer - nice try but you are wrong.

      Delete
    2. Ooohhh do I detect a case of sour grapes?

      Let's see who called Melissa honey before???

      Delete
    3. The photo itself may not be included on your talk, but the interest and publicity you're getting from this photo is surely helping to sell tickets.

      No sour grapes here blondie, I firmly believe you footers deserve to get ripped off at every chance. I hope Melissa and her ilk take you for all you're worth. Fo Melissa!

      Delete
    4. I don't even know if the person putting on the conference has even posted anything about this photo. I can check, but I have not even spoken to him about this. I have no plans to include this in my talk - but the thought strikes me if I am going to be accused of it, why not just do it?

      I don't owe you or anyone anything. And it also comes to mind I can reach an even larger audience and witnesses by showing this in New York and discussing the situation. Thank you for the advice :) But, it probably won't happen.

      Definitely sour grapes.

      Delete
    5. Well, well it seems I have a vindictive protector who knows all and doesn't think I can think for myself. Shocking!

      Delete
    6. It's not about the photo, its about the publicity you're getting from the photo. It's not that difficult.to grasp....

      Delete
    7. Really, so why isn't it on the ABS site yet? Why haven't I released it to the media? Why did I turn down the new upcoming bigfoot show? Why did I just turn down an offer to have this photo put television? Any answers smart guy? Nope didn't think so.

      Yeah this is ALL about Publicity, although I am seeking none. Grow up. But until you do, I will have fun laughing at you with others. :)

      Everyone can see through a comment like this. That I am grateful for.

      Delete
    8. Applause yes very transparent.

      I wish we had a smiley here for beating one's head against a wall. It would be very appropriate at this moment.

      Delete
    9. Melissa,.I.support what you're doing. I'm a capitalist, I hope you sell lots of tickets and make lots of money. Milk these suckers for every dime they have!

      Delete
  19. Hey, I heard about your site - I blame Shawn. LOL. ;)

    I actually agree with you Scott. I watched this happening here with Damien since this was released. I have no issue with Shawn at all - and I appreciate the fact that he has been keeping everyone updated. Shawn really has done a wonderful job.

    People here wanted to hear from me, so I am here. I don't enjoy this kind of thing, and wish people would just evaluate the photo for what it is. But clearly there are other agendas at play. But, that is also something I am used to.

    This isn't my first storm, and I know it will not be the last. This is just the way Bigfoot Research is. I have said it before and I will say it again - we are our own worst enemies.

    Melissa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually, it was your photo that knocked our site down for 24 hours.

      C2C, Google and Redditt all picked up our story at once and bam!

      I'm glad they chose us but we just couldn't handle thousands of hits a second.

      Keep working hard and by the way, if you did ever profit from this, I see no problem with that. No one is being forced to spend money and you put the photo out there, up front and free of charge.

      Scott McMan
      Ghosttheory.com

      Delete
    2. Thank you Scott. Oh, and sorry about your site, but I am still blaming that on Shawn.

      Shows how much I have been paying attention. I heard about C2C but I didn't know about Redditt and Google. I have found the comments by witnesses to be the most interesting.

      I'm really not interested in making money off this. It's just not me. But I hear where you're coming from.

      Thanks for the kind words :) If there is anything else I can clear up for you, I think you have my email address. :)

      Melissa

      Delete
  20. mh im not a bf investagater.but i enjoy being my a interneter.this picture must be taking away from your life.i want to thank you for your time.like you i dont think one pic is going to prove anything.it is nice to see a clear pic for a change.i hope you get more pics.i went anonymous because i dont have account

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Pahleeze! Enough of the maudlin bullshit!

      Delete
  21. i don't get why this site is jumping all over this lady, i mean if its such a questionable photo, why are you posting it in the first place? to start a fight? maybe to get people to visit your website? she just said in her blog that she doesn't know that much about it, she doesn't know if its real or fake, said all that before its release. now everbody blames her for releasing it. jeez people act like a bunch of little children sometimes. if i were her i'd block this website, and anybody that has anything to do with it. folks need to grow the hell up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's what happens when people release fake photos...

      Delete
  22. To anonymous at 7:42 am...

    Controversy/conflict draws attention, the more attention the more hits for this blog,eventually that means income. (kinda like flies to honey)

    I don't blame Shawn one bit. He puts up the articles & info then the readers/commentors are the ones paying the bills via the # of hits and it costs us nothing.

    We never hear Shawn's opinion, he's staying out of it. Smart guy. I'm sure he's a smart happy guy at this point. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  23. It's the Jerry Springer show!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh good one LOL That was funny.
      Gotta go clean my computer screen now I had just taken a sip of coffee when I read that.


      Melissa, you go girl. So glad you're here.

      By the way I went to your blog and low and behold you have a lot of information there just like you stated above.

      It's 11:30 am here in NC. Take care all and ywall have a good day.

      Delete
    2. Yeah, you go Melissa, and take your HOAX with you!

      Delete
  24. Melissa, my God do I admire your patience. Damian, you have been very nice to me and my group, and said some great things about us as well. I have a few things to say, but I don't want to offend either one of you. First off, thank you Melissa for releasing this photo. I mean that. It's so nice to see new stuff. Without more info there is no way of telling if it's real or not, but man, I'm sure glad I got to see it. Trying to figure it out is the fun part. I don't know Melissa real well, but what I know of her so far I really like and respect. She has always been very nice to me, and I will say she is a very intelligent lady. The problem I see here is, in this climate, bringing evidence forward is like going through a trial, a screwed up trial. Guilty unless you can prove yourself innocent. There are three blazing points here. 1) Melissa never claimed this picture was authentic. 2) She is working hard to get more info. 3) She was kind enough to share it with us. Is it really anymore complicated than that? For you folks that attack her for no reason, shame on you. I would highly suggest finding a new hobby. It would be a damn shame if researchers are so worried about peoples reactions that they start withholding their evidence for fear ridicule. Skepticism is healthy, and needed in this field, but just being rude for the sake of hearing yourself talk is sad and pathetic. Good luck with getting more pictures from this guy Melissa. I know you're just trying to get to the bottom of this. Oh ya, that's what we do huh? Damian, thank's for the opportunity to speak here. I appreciate that as well.

    Derek Randles

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't you think people, and you for that matter, are probably already withholding evidence?

      Delete
  25. "I want to get to the bottom of this as much as anyone else."

    It's already been gotten to the bottom of Melissa, it is bogus! You can rest assured now and go away. The more you fight against the facts, the worse and less credible you are. I'm beginning to believe you are the one who has set this whole thing up and not an anonymous emailer. Quit trying to further this hoax under the guise of "not knowing if its real or not" when everyone who has an ounce of knowledge knows and has stated this is a fake. Perhaps you need a new glasses.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have a feeling this person is sick.

      Delete
    2. Well Anonymous I guess its a good thing others know different. Thanks for your two cents, cause it isn't worth any more than that.

      If its a hoax - prove it. Go ahead. Talking smack only makes you look ignorant.

      Delete
    3. The burden of proof is on you Melissa, this is your hoax!

      Delete
    4. I have a feeling Blondie and Melissa are the same person *chuckles*

      Delete
    5. Just because you say it, does not make it so.

      Delete
    6. Take your own advice Missy *LOL!

      Delete
    7. Of course she set the whole thing up!

      Step 1: make fake monkey suit
      Step 2: claim you received "trailcam" photos yet never say who or where they came from
      Step 3: release the photos 6 weeks before you're big bigfoot conference
      Step 4: laugh all the way to the bank!

      I just wish I had thought of this first!

      Delete
    8. Oh my goodness, me and Melissa are the same person? I give anything to be her age again. LOL
      Thanks for the compliment.

      Delete
    9. I meant I'd give anything to be her age again.
      Once again thanks for the compliment.

      Delete
    10. Anon 8:53 I don't think Melissa knows how to sew. I don't know anyone who would release the name of a source especially if they were going to be treated the way you people have treated a picture. The release of the photo had nothing to do with a conference. How is she laughing all the way to the bank? She made no money off the photo. She's not putting on any conference.

      If you think it's a hoax, find the evidence. Melissa is working with several people to figure out if the picture is real or not. As she has stated many times she does NOT know for sure. Nobody but the sender knows.

      You sound like a very jealous, bitter person. You might want to consider some counseling.

      ~cat

      Delete
    11. Cat, so Melissa isn't receiving a paycheck for participating in the NY bigfoot conference in May?

      As stated before, many people didn't even know who Hovey was before this photo came out. Now we know who she is, what her blog is, and that she'll be speaking at a bigfoot conference in 6 weeks. It's classic marketing 101. Get your name in the blogs just before your big money-making conference.

      And I applaud her for it. Bleed these suckers dry, go Hovey go!

      Delete
    12. Nope, and haven't asked to be paid. I actually signed on to do this conference months ago.

      Ha! My blog has been around and doing very well since roughly 2006. I also do that for free, I have no advertisers or any form of compensation, although I have had some very nice offers.

      Melissa

      Delete
    13. any conference that features your nonsense isn't worth attending.

      Delete
    14. well then I guess nobody will be seeing you there will they Anon 8:25?

      Delete
  26. Derek, Shawn is the one that owns the blog. Damien was the one that wrote the article yesterday.

    Did you get mixed up?

    By the way, thank you so much for your input. A voice of reason from someone very respected in this field by me and a lot of others.

    ReplyDelete
  27. 87 comments oh my! Have a great day Shawn, you stinker.

    ReplyDelete
  28. If Hovey cant tell the difference between a gorilla suit and a real creature, there is no convincing her otherwise. This photo is worthless and contributes nothing to the authenticating the existence of bigfoot.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thank's Blondie, yes I knew that it just didn't come out right..lol Not sure if the person above is talking to me or not. Doesn't make much sense.
    Derek Randles

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am beginning to think these angry posters are just angry that they have been proven wrong so far. It wasn't the clawed costume and now they are so entrenched in their opinion - they can't back away from it now. That's why I stay neutral. :)

      HI DEREK !!! :)

      Delete
    2. You are not neutral, you want this to be real. What would you take as proof? I could post a bogus pic too and tell you to prove it as wrong and you couldnt technically do so if I kept saying over and over and over and over again that it is real. You are a delusional individual Melissa.

      Delete
  30. This costume is from the movie Clawed. End of story. Quit with what little self respect you still have Mel.

    -Ted

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The creator of the costume said it wasn't his. Why do people keep insisting that it is?

      Delete
    2. 180 degrees WRONG! The producer said it WAS his, deal with it.

      Delete
  31. Quotes from the article with my thoughts.
    “The sad part is many researchers believe that the Hovey Bigfoot photo is the real deal. I myself do not know why they believe this from one photo.”

    Obviously, anything Bigfoot related is going to be controversial but the last time I checked people were free to develop their own opinions one way or the other. Relieve yourself of this burden and quit feeling sad that people are using their own abilities and experience to make their own conclusion, or to remain unconvinced one way or the other.

    “Fact number one, Hovey has stayed quiet since her interviews on some of the popular internet places in the BF community”

    I know this to be not true and several others here have also commented that they have heard several interviews, read her updated blog, have seen her posts in various forums and on Facebook. If you have not seen this then I guess you are not looking as good as you think you are. What do you expect? Do you think she should be on CNN, ABC, CBS, MSNBC, FOX, PJTV?

    “the author of the photo has not come forward or sent in any more of the supposed series of photos that he claims to have taken.”

    You got this one right, but this leads me to wonder, why do you keep asking her to release the other photos throughout the comments sections when you know that she doesn’t have them? You keep phrasing it in such a way that looks to me like you are accusing her of holding back the other photos. The release of the other photos is up to the witness not Melissa. She has in fact been asking for the other photos for four years with absolutely no response. I seriously doubt that you would have waited four years to release the one photo.

    “This is my last time I will analyze the photo”

    Good.

    ReplyDelete
  32. To be continued....indeedy
    “one photo is not enough to make assumptions that what is being portrayed in the photo is actually Bigfoot. I do not understand why we continue on this course with such an ambiguous photo”

    No one said that one photo was enough to make assumptions that what is being portrayed in the photo is actually Bigfoot, but once again people are free to draw their own deductions. I do not understand why you keep repeating yourself in a manner that appears that you somehow are the gatekeeper of all that is true in Bigfoot photography.

    “The position someone stands can give the appearance.....etc. etc.”

    I know enough about photography to have a differing opinion. I’m not saying that it is a Bigfoot, but it does not appear to me to be a person with their neck all scrunched up. Because it is a still photo and we are not yet able to view the other photos it could be a mannequin. I have a problem with that, not from the photo itself, but from the fact that this same mannequin, if it is a mannequin, has not shown up anywhere else. With Melissa and Wayne both waiting and looking for four years and then several others for about a year if any of them would have seen anything that comes even close to this photo they would have noticed it right away.

    “it can be duplicated with the right equipment or photo enhancement programs like Lightroom for example”

    Do you remember the photos that were being circulated in the national news that were supposedly showing a bomb attack in the middle east somewhere. Someone spotted the enhancements that were made to the photo to make it appear much different than it really was. We’ve come a long way, baby! This is however a good example of some of the information you could have learned had you contacted Melissa. She has had people who know much more about photo manipulation examine the photo and guess what, they found no such manipulation. And their knowledge is not limited to Photoshop and Lightroom.

    ReplyDelete
  33. This damn picture is hardly the definitive proof that will answer the question of existence so why the hell are you folks still beating this dead horse?!?!? Get over it and move on!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. One more time.....

    In the series of photos that you posted in the article I can see that you did manipulate the photo that Melissa released. It is obviously lightened and then you altered the color of the “clawed” suit to try to match that altered subject photo. To me this is deceptive.

    If I gave you a pint jar that was half filled with water and one that was half filled with milk, could you tell the difference? My guess is yes. However, if I filled the pint jar of water the rest of the way with milk and then filled the pint jar of milk the rest of the way with water and put those side by side could you tell the difference? I don’t think so.
    You also post below the close up comparison the following.
    “very similar hair length and texture”
    If you look at the full sized photo if each they are obviously very different length and texture. Again this is deceiving.
    “then we can assume due to the lack of other photos that we cannot trust the authenticity of the Hovey BF photo.”
    Who is claiming authenticity? Are people forming their own opinions? Yes, which I must repeat, is their own prerogative to do so. Is someone claiming authenticity? No such claims were made when the photo was released, No such claims were made when the photo was released, No such claims were made when the photo was released, No such claims were made when the photo was released – is it getting through yet?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you missed the point Poindexter. The point is that she produced a photo, and a costume could easily match the color simply with a little tweaking.

      Delete
    2. Where'd you get the photo Melissa? Where? Where?

      Delete
    3. She got it from a someone who she pinky swore to never ever tell as long as she lived . the end. Lol!

      Delete
  35. I can buy or make a wig that can match identically with Damian Bravo's hair, so I guess that means that he is a hoax.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can take a photo of a fake monkey suit and publish it on my blog, so I guess that means bigfoot is real.

      Delete
    2. No one doubts the authenticity of hair in general, your analogy is flawed. Try again.

      Delete
  36. Talk about a tempest in a teapot! *sheesh*

    ReplyDelete
  37. http://youtu.be/umrp1tIBY8Q ...the drum keeps pounding a rythm to the brain..la-te-da-de-da.....and the beat goes on...
    Lindsay Broughton

    ReplyDelete
  38. Wow,114 comments, Oh my goodness gracious me, Melissa you're doing great.

    I can't remember anyone coming close to that many comments before except for maybe RL and it's still early in the day in PST.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She sure is... Lots of tickets being sold with all this publicity. Chaching!

      Delete
  39. Whoever faked this is sitting back having a big belly laugh.

    ReplyDelete
  40. In defense of Melissa Hovey
    I am a glass half full kind of person and a romantic when it comes to bigfoot. Wouldn’t it be cool that the photos just like hers turned out to be real? It seems the rest of the “community” are all a bunch of glass is half empty kind of people. Like I said in my article that was posted in defense of Todd Standing, it seems the “community” is never happy. If it’s a not clear it’s got to be a blobsquatch, a hoax or mistaken identity, if it is clear then it’s got to be a hoax. Everyone is too caught up on the idea that every video and photo has got to be hoax. It seems that everyone that claims to have seen a BF is believed. But if that witness happened to video record it or photograph it, then they committed a hoax and should go to jail over it.
    The other major point I am trying to get across is when the rumor got out that she had this photo everyone was screaming foul because she was holding on to it. Then when she released it everyone was screaming foul that it’s a hoax. Maybe she was holding back on it because it could have been claimed to be a hoax and receive bad reception. The “community” is behaving so badly over this that when the next person that gets a high quality photo or video they will hold on it because they will believe they WILL BE blasted by the “community” for posting another hoax. Let’s all show some grace and thank her for posting this photo, whether we disagree with its validity or not. Thank you Melissa, I for one really appreciate that you released the photo.
    It’s been shown now that it wasn’t the clawed suit, get over it. No one can prove it’s a hoax just as no one can prove it’s real. That leaves it as either the real thing or a newly created hoax suit or sculpture. Let’s think about this for a moment and let’s all put ourselves in the shoes of a hoaxer and pretend for a moment that you are creating a hoax suit or sculpture. Forget about the fact that the subject in the photo has huge muscles, those can be sculpted with foam. Forget about the lack of a neck, that could be just the way a sculpture was made. Forget about the length or color of the hair, those are easy enough to come by. But consider for a moment the patches of skin showing though the hair… Would you, when creating a hoax have intentionally left patches of skin showing though the fur??? Would you??? IF it was me, I would not be happy with a fake that would be so woefully incomplete. Would you??? I would have spent the time to make sure the fur was thick enough to not show “skin” through it. Just like they did with the back side of the clawed suit. You don’t see any patches of skin showing through the clawed suit do you? Why? Because it would have been incomplete.

    Chad, a believer in the unknown

    ReplyDelete
  41. The controversy(LOL) is so typical of Bfers and so meaningless except as for egos.
    There is absolutely nothing credible/evidentiary about the photo, real or fake, without a witness to it, and to verify it's source.
    Without that it falls in hearsay and why Bfers even bother is beyond this reader.
    The photo contains similar information as BFers believe BF to be, so nothing new there, in addition to no face.
    The amount of energy spent on the photo and ensuing speculation derails discussions from anything of value, like focusing on reliable or know source evidence, period.
    If there were a purpose to the photo, maybe showing a new behavior or something, then it might be worth discussing, but it doesn't.
    I recommend all Bfers read or re-read the basis of the scientific method and formulate the questions they are trying to answer and the results just might improve and science might finally take a look. Mostly, Bfers sound uneducated, especially in science, often childish in behavior, and apparently unaware of what evidence counts and what doesn't.
    Damian reads like a newbee, passionate and hopeful, but with little or no first hand experience to inform him. It is virtually impossible to wade through the amount of bad info out there w/o either a good credible source or personal experience.
    Who are credible sources? None are peer-reviewed, so it's up to you to decide, and if you don't rise above stupid bait like this meaningless photo you will forever be in the Finding Bigfoot "detection" mode and never learn who they are...or what BFer is pulling you leg...
    Try hard to be more critical Damian and Melissa, what were you thinking?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa was thinking $$$, plain and simple.

      Delete
    2. Ahh, yes the BF Bigtop, silly me, They are all part of it aren't tehy? Some way or other - ringmasters, not science, not knowing, just barkers looking for website hits.
      I actually have come to like this site, it explains so much about why Sas remains unproven.

      Delete
    3. Exactly, is bigfoot was proven to exist, the gravy train would stop for these hucksters and snake oil salesmen. When was the last time you heard of a conference for a known animal like a horse or deer? Never. If bigfoot is proven, it will be studied by actual scientists, not self-proclaimed "researchers". Bigfoot remaining a mystery means the checks keep coming in for the fraudsters and hoaxers.

      Delete
  42. Why does MH and everyone care so much? There are many suspicious aspects of the photo. Therefore, don't get offended when people conclude it is probably a hoax.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse,Dead Horse, Dead Horse, Dead Horse....................quit beating the poor thing already!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wish we had a smiley for that!

      Delete
    2. Hovey's the horse flogger, she won't admit she's been caught in her hoax.

      Delete
  44. Exactly. And one can't help but suspect her motives in even releasing it without backing evidence. Because she wanted "discussion" or "help in verification"? Then why so freaking touchy if somebody calls foul on it? And now the NY Conference issue is raised and she just might, darn it, bring the photo up after all. Uh huh..............

    ReplyDelete
  45. you say you want to know how and why is was done if it is a hoax, that's fine but noone else can look into except for you because only you know who sent the photo to you. so please explain how anyone but you will be able to come to any conclusion?

    ReplyDelete
  46. Yes, the photo has no real evidentiary value. For that matter, neither does the PGF. Not even the footprints prove anything other than something made them. Is some of the evidence compelling? Sure. Does any of it prove anything? Absolutely not.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Well, I appreciate those who are willing to look over this photo and offer their opinions. The rest is childish nonsense. I truly hope this is not the future of Bigfoot Research, if it is, I fear for witnesses.

    Some of my closest friends think this could be a hoax, I think this could be a hoax, but proclaiming it as such without being able to explain the important questions of why and how - is not doing the job witnesses expect of us. If you want to do a job half-ass, that's your business. I prefer to actually investigate before making any conclusions.

    It's clear many of the angry anonymous posters are friends of Damiens, so I think everyone would be smart to simply ignore them. How do I know that? They continue to ask the same questions even though the answers are already posted. Damien has the same comprehension problem. Heck, maybe it is Damien posting anonymously.

    Why continue responding to people who clearly do not want to participate in an actual conversation, and seem to think logical thought begins and ends with the word hoax. LOL. I actually feel sorry for these people. Plain and simple - Damien is wrong. He did cut rate work, did not do his research, gave readers of this blog misinformation and is now upset that he was called on it. Too bad, get over it and grow the hell up. I'm just glad I could set the record straight. :)


    Anyway, thank you to those who have given this photo your time and energy. It's good to see some involved in this research still care about answers - that are actually considered answers and not childish drama and baseless accusations. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I can't believe your patience.

      Delete
    2. Blah blah blah, defensive junk, blah blah blah... BORING!

      Delete
    3. Keep your head up Melissa! You have been honest and forthright in the release of the picture. People would see that if they would take the time to actually READ what you have written regarding the picture.

      Delete
    4. Enough of your lies and delusion Hovey.

      Delete
  48. My questions/concerns:

    1. In the "investigating" that is going on, have you used 35mm cameras to reproduce a night photo to see the quality? Have you scanned it then examined it from a computer? If show, put those out for the world to compare (every 35mm game cam I ever used NEVER produced pictures like that). MH has said this wasn't a "typical" game camera. WTF does that even mean? "It's a 35mm with zoom"...so the guy was standing there to use the zoom and take the picture? MH could at least release the details of the "camera trap" setup. Also, why does the pic not have any blur? Let me guess, new info will say it was a baited trap and this is why the pic shows a still creature?

    2. MH says that the owner of the picture didn't want any money for the picture and wanted no fame. Yet MH kept trying to keep people on pins and needles for the big "release" of the photo. Her/everyone's blogs hyped up the picture (where did the hype come from?) and then we get a picture of a back of something? Also, MH already had a "copyright" on the image. Sounds kind of fishy to me.

    3. Damien simply did the last article to sum up that the photo gives us NOTHING. That the suit from Clawed can be made to look like the photo MH put out. He also was trying to put the discussion of the photo to rest and say that unless there were more photos that were coming out, this photo proves nothing.

    4. Also, if MH has a 4+ year relationship with this person that has photos, why has she not personally seen these pictures? Even more, why did she get the owner to release a pic of a back and not a better photo or the series. If this person wants to give evidence for the creature, why not do so?

    5. This site has multiple opinions. Mine on the MH issue is that this pic/story smells to high heaven. I believe 95% MH is just trying to stir the pot and get her 15mins. If MH doesn't like to read opinion pieces about how some of us think she is doing just that, DON'T READ THEM. She doesn't have any true "new" info or anymore evidence....so it is a bickering match. If MH can prove this is not a hoax, do it. If not, leave it. Understand that if anyone puts out a questionable picture of a creature many people want to exist, people could get mad. If it is believed to be a hoax or something doesn't seem "right" about the story, people are going to get upset and fire back. MH took that chance. Even if it is a hoax and she knew nothing about it, she still gave the photo to the world so MH is responsible for it in part.

    Nothing about this story makes sense and, to me, the Clawed suit could be the one in the photo. The photo itself still doesn't even make sense.

    ReplyDelete
  49. The nasty personal attacks directed at Damian for asking valid questions; indicates a lot to me about certain researchers. I would think finding the truth of the matter would benefit everyone. The side by side comparison looks nearly spot on. The hair texture is almost exact; as is the density of the coat and length of *fur*. The shoulders if flexed would make a near perfect match. The hostility and frequency of posts, would lead me to believe Damian hit the mark too close for comfort. I am glad to see Hovey has agreed to expose her source once the photo is proven to be a hoax. I’m sure everyone would like to know who initiated this mess.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. +1

      I don't see how anyone who saw his comparison doesn't see the resemblance. Especially if you see the front of the suit where the hair is more patchy and skin is seen.

      Delete
    2. Apparently my glasses need to be renewed!

      Delete
  50. Don't shoot the messenger (in this case, Hovey.) If this is not a bigfoot, then it's certainly not her fault. She is just posting it, and is at the mercy of the person who took it as far as revealing his identity or producing more info goes, just like the rest of us. Asking her to reveal her source after he requested she not do that is just foolish. We may want more info to help clear this up, but it simply does not seem to be forthcoming. Intriguing photo, but not much that can be said beyond that until the situation changes and more info comes to light.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Its called, "teasing" or furthering a known hoax under the guise of neutrality. It's a hoaxers best friend because it allows them to hide behind an anonymous source. The shrillness of Melissa's responses tells me she does not want to find the truth, but wants people to believe this photo is of big importance.

      Delete
  51. Even if the photo is not the Clawed suit, Damian's analysis shows how possible it is for a similar-looking hoax photo to be produced if someone really wanted to. Not knowing Melissa's source for the photo, I have to assume it's at least possible he hoaxed it.

    ReplyDelete
  52. This site reminds me of a few festivals I worked. Fight breaks out here, response and cool it, fight erupts over there... I posted this when I thought the debate was in one article, obviously this is the place to get a chance to put up some questions, and two comments.

    Much ado, even some hostility this morning in a few posts.

    Ms. Hovey offered a delicate spin of Healey's words earlier in the comments. Based upon clipped quotes, what he said was that the original suit was not sold but left in Washington for contractural reasons. What he did opine is that IF this is a copy of a clawed suit (3 do exist) that the fur may have been removed and replaced with a longer multi-toned synthetic that appears to be on a laced mesh. Seems to me he is saying he sees a suit, just not exactly his suit, or what his suit looked like when it was in his possession. While it would be nice to file the issue of the Clawed suit away I do not think he did that.

    Here are a few questions. You may feel like Rodney Dangerfield after taking the exam in "Back to School" if you tackle them.

    1. Did you know that Biscardi also got the same picture? If so, why not mention him by name instead of saying a few "researchers"?
    2. Have you seen the pictures of the synthetic werewolf hair? What do you think? What do you especially think of the medium and light density versions? Is this the type of product that Munn's was considering when he concluded likely a suit?
    3. What is the harm in releasing a general geographic area beyond the promise you would not? But there was a promise not to release the picture at all, right?
    4. Are the IP addresses tracking consistently with the location of the claimed photographer?
    5. Has the photographer provided you with a picture of the sophisticated multiple 35m zoom autofocus camera trap they installed? Why not? What harm can come from you seeing that? If not a picture, how about have him/her sketch out the layout and one of the individual units to resolve if they have that expertise? Have you considered or asked the witness about the difficulty of pre-setting a zoom lense to monitor a specific point? Did they have a reason on the zoom setting they used?
    6. Have you received descriptions of the other pictures from the witness? If so, did he/she offer up the money shot first, or is there another claimed photo that will resolve the question? I think I read that you seen only one picture, correct?
    7. Why did you not attempt to convince the witness to work with someone who had the resources of expertise, time, equipment and finances to document the situation better? Erickson comes to mind.
    8. Were there other methods of releasing the photo considered? Was the advantage of taking personalities and reputations out of the mix by releasing the photo anonymously considered? If it was and was rejected, why? If one of the goals was being able to nail down hoaxers who use the photo was the option of inserting a marker in the file or the photo itself considered? If it was and was rejected, why?


    I think there are many lessons in this saga but number one is that still photography is not going to cut it for some people even in a perfect "non-personality tainted sasquatcher world". In the least people are going to want to see video of something do something extraordinary and out of the relm of human capacity.

    ReplyDelete
  53. No wonder sasquatches want nothing to do with humans, lol. I will never understand the outright meanness of some people. I also see why people like the person who took this photo doesn't want their name released.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous said at 3:08 PM:

      "I also see why people like the person who took this photo doesn't want their name released."

      Ah yep.

      Delete
    2. Shut up you old hag. Get a real job.

      Delete
    3. You are apparently to young to get a job! Quit posting silly and rude messages. Grow up. You are embarrassing yourself.

      Delete
    4. I'm an engineer. I make $68k per year, which is not bad for a 29 year old. How am I embarrasssing myself?

      Delete
    5. SURE, SURE you do. LOL. Read my above post about calling Melissa a hag. You really know how to put a classy foot forwarded don't you. I'm sure your "employer" would be proud. Hag, really?

      Delete
    6. My employer is me. I own my own environmental engineering firm. Melissa seems like a hag, sorry if that offends you.

      Delete
  54. I've lost all respect for Damian bravo as a wannabe journalist trying to cover different aspects of this mine-"field" we call bigfootin. damian's efforts are an obvious ploy to get attention for himself and make himself look like a righteous crusader. he picked the wrong piece of evidence to attack with all the garbage out there as the photo is interesting and im glad melissa H posted it.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Just who the hell is Damian Bravo? I have been following the field for years and just heard of him a few months ago.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. God forbid anyone young and new should take an interest in the field. We should settle for middle-aged hags like Hovey, right? Please.

      Delete
    2. This post shows your age... 13 perhaps? Grow up little one!

      Delete
    3. How does it show my age? Seriously, I'd like to know.

      Delete
    4. Well the hag comment for one. Isn't it time for you to go to bed?

      Delete
    5. She does seem like a hag, and I'm 52 years old...

      Delete
    6. 52 going on 12. Your parents didn't teach you to respect women, did they? You must be a single male.

      Delete
    7. I respect women and men that deserve respect. I've been happily married for 24 years. Any other incorrect assumptions you'd like to make?

      Delete
  56. I only got about 1/4 of the way through the comments and I'm ready to puke.
    There are some very ignorant and rude people commenting. Who cares how long Melissa is engaged, and what does that have to do with this article?
    Personal attacks on anyone should not be tolerated. It shows a lack of intelligence and an inability to discuss a given topic in a reasonable fashion.
    My personal opinion on the photo is that it's inconclusive due to a lack of further evidence.
    I remember reading the original article Shawn posted about the release of this photo.
    Melissa never stated it was "the real deal",a term I hate by the way. She also never said it was a fake. What I gathered from her writings was that in her mind the photo was inconclusive.
    People have nobody to attack because the photographer is anonymous, so the next best thing is to attack the person who shared the photo.
    People bitch about anonymous sources. So what? Newspapers,TV stations, police and many other occupations use anonymous sources and nobody questions it.
    Could things have been handled differently? I can't answer that because I wasn't there.
    This entire article and most of the comments make me angry and sad at the same time. Maybe I have an idealistic impression of what the Bigfoot community should be, and this is far from it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One must remember that an anonymous source one brought down a president, and Bob Woodward never gave him up. SOP in journalism, law, medical, you name it.

      Yeh you missed all the fun today Sasquai Nation.
      The sensible and composed people stated all day long in various ways what you posted above.

      The others - well something new will come along tomorrow or soon and the circus will continue.

      Chuck

      Delete
    2. True but deepyhroat came forth lol. with provable facts.
      Not a picture of what may or may not be the back of G. Gordon Liddy sneaking into the dems office at watergate.
      Which was altered by a anon source and then sat on for 4yrs.

      Vox P.

      Delete
  57. Why cantyou a holes for once in your lives approach something with an open mind.Gawd!She posted the photo for the bigfoot community.For us believers.Would you rather she didnt post it?Im very glad she did.It's prolly the coolest image of a bigfoot I have ever seen.If you have ever imagined what a bigfoot looks like and I know most of you have.Wouldnt this be the end result?Sure its of the creature's back.But it looks so real its creepy.I wouldnt want to run across this in the dead of night.The attacks on Mrs.Hovey are ridicolous.She shared a photo with us so we could examine and make our own opinion of what was in the photo.Most of these nasty comments are probably from nonbelievers.Always needing more proof.I've never seen Jesus Christ but I believe in my heart he's real.For future reference just look at the pics and use your manners.Just like momma told you when you was a kid.If you dont have anything nice to say then shut the f$#@ up!!!

    ReplyDelete
  58. No Photoshop?! It has been admitted it has been cropped.

    Protecting a tease is as low as protecting a hoaxer in my book. If you don't mind being teased, then keep the tease to yourself and don't make yourself a tease by passing it on. One can't be shocked when a tease causes a crapstorm.

    I suggest the purported witness be told to offer up the rest of the photos or his name, phone, and email will be offered up to the bigfoot community. If any of the remaining photos contain information that would compromise the witnesses identity, such photos can be Photoshopped like the one now being discussed to omit any unwanted information.

    In this business one can either be an investigator or a tool of hoaxers and teasers. Time to chose sides.

    Skookum

    ReplyDelete
  59. Let me get this straight. A so-called researcher blindly releases to the world a photograph with numerous red flags. Other enthusiasts begin to critically look at the photo, causing the first so-called researcher to take things personally. Then the leg-humpers swarm around her to personally attack an individual for the sin of questioning a suspicious photograph?

    ReplyDelete

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