In the cryptid field [community], most "experts" or "professionals" are self-proclaimed. Some become labeled "expert" or "professional" by others because they have done a great deal of research into the topic. This doesn't necessarily make someone an expert.
People have different levels of belief systems. Some will come together and decide a person has the "right stuff" and will spread the "expert" title around the community. And many will jump on that bandwagon without really doing any checking. Suddenly that person has become an "expert" and the "go-to-guy".
And we will always have those who announce their expertise and their right to be "The One". And again, without checking into how or why, people will blindly follow that "leader", and stop doing their own research or using their own methods.
Don't get me wrong. You can accept the findings that those people present. But AS BASED UPON THEIR INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH.
It doesn't mean that they know everything on the topic.
As I've said before : ALL WE CAN KNOW IS WHAT OUR OWN RESEARCH SHOWS US.
If we have a closed mind, we will only ever find evidence in support of our own theory [theories]
With an open mind we can continue to learn and to explore all avenues.
That is why some of the most honest people in this community will tell you " "In my opinion [IMO]" or "My research has led me to believe . . .".
Nancy
"I'll spark the thought; what you do with it is up to you."