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I've been following this thread and find the subject interesting, but about as polarizing as can be. Now, I am neither a "believer" nor "non-believer," just someone that finds the subject interesting to consider.

Like most career pilots I observed something strange while airborne, something I can't explain. It was, by definition, an "UNIDENTIFIED" Flying Object (UFO). Now, does this mean I am a true believer in the classic UFO, one that immediately accepts that if something is observed that it is real? No. Does observing something odd make me immediately think it came from "out there?" No. What is does mean is I saw something I can't explain. No biggie.

For a hobby I serve occasionally as Operations Director and Master of Ceremonies for conferences. For two years I'd been associated a Remote Viewing conference. Now, RV is interesting because the US government ran a RV program for about 20-yrs. Attendees of the conference are into RV, but because of the nature of the subject, those with an interest in RV usually have an interest in other associated phenomena--to include UFO's.

Of the 300 or so attendees each year, I divide them up into three groups.

First group are the "true believers." These are the people that are passionate and believe with their heart and soul that whatever their area of interest they BELIEVE, no matter the assertion, no matter the proof, no matter the contradictions. They are also the evangelicals of that world. ("The truth, can't you see it!")

Second group are the anti-believers. While they are few in number at conferences like this, they are there as part of their hobby of de-bunking. This group do not even accept the possibility that something, somehow, may be valid regarding the phenomenon. ("This is all bunk, can't you see that!.")

These two groups will tolerate no dissention.

Of the first two groups, I must say that over the course of the conferences they would individually come up to me and while pointing at a group somewhere whisper in my ear and say, "You see those people over there. They are nuts, ignore them, but I know the truth. . .and the truth is. . ."

The third group are what I consider the "protocol people." PP are of disciplined mind, attempting to apply some sort of scientific/logical standard to investigating phenomenon. I find these people to be the most reasonable to talk with.

I have researched the subject and read many of the books listed in this thread, as one must be able to speak the language, as it were, when running conferences associated with this subject. I can assure you, some are highly suspect in their credibility and some are downright fictional when they write---and know it. Writers want to sell books and writers on the subject of phenomenon (UFO's, RV, whatever) know what sells to their niche audience.

Just my thoughts and observations.

Interesting that you attended conferences where remote viewing is discussed. That concept is so far out from ordinary perspective that I generally find it difficult to give credence to it. However, if the US has studied it, they must have thought it worthwhile. Is it, in your opinion?

As for the UFO subject, I've long found it fascinating. Sometimes I'm fairly skeptical, other times I have a haunting feeling that there is a reality behind it. Can't say whether I hope there is or not, but if there is, I'm probably happier if it keeps its distance.

I'm outdoors alot, on the water, sometimes in the woods, but have never seen anything to make me wonder.