Dr Mike Dash at Uncon 2008

From Wikipedia: "Mike Dash (born 1963) is a Welsh writer, journalist and researcher. Born in London, he attended the University of Cambridge and King's College London, and holds a PhD in naval history for the thesis British Submarine Policy 18531918.

Dash worked for 20 years as contributing editor and publisher of the journal Fortean Times, which specialises in the study and research of strange and anomalous phenomena. He is regarded as one of the most serious modern investigators into such phenomena,[1] preferring the use of first hand sources and other historically accurate information. His works investigate misconceptions and errors in the field of strange phenomena, typically finding a middle path between "believers" (who, in Dash's view, often accept extraordinary or unusual claims without investigation or on scant evidence) and skeptics and debunkers (who, in Dash's view, often overlook interesting or valuable evidence in their seeming desire to disprove alleged paranormal or anomalous phenomena). In Borderlands (1997), Dash repeatedly notes that researchers of unusual phenomena must always be wary of potential hoaxes; time and again people have perpetrated elaborate pranks or hoaxes with little motive other than to fool others.

Dash has published six books, and a number of articles and papers in Fortean Times and later spin-off titles such as the academic annual Fortean Studies, published from 1994 through 2000."

Here he talks about the enigmatic Victorian Mystery of Springheeled Jack

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• mike dash
• fortean times
• unconvention
• springheeled jack

[1967mikebcn]

"Borderlands" is a great read if you don't already have it. I used to be interested in Fortean subjects because I believed in the physical reality of UFOs, Nessie, ghosts etc. These days I don't - but I think the question of why people experience strange phenomena is a fascinating one, and I renew my FT subscription every year. Thanks very much for posting this as I now live in Spain and attending the UnConventions and Weird Weekend events is all but impossible.

[McCainTheTurdburglar]

This guy is great. I've got his book Batavia's Graveyard.